Format: ORAL

Tobias, A.B.1,2, Malabrigo Jr., P.L.2,3,4, Maldia, L.S.J.2,5, Buot Jr., I.E.6, Chris Thorogood7,8

1 Graduate School, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines 2 Department of Forest Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines 3 Museum of Natural History, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines 4 Land Grant Management Office, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines 5 Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines 6 Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines 7 University of Oxford Botanic Garden, Rose Lane, Oxford, UK 8 University of Oxford Department of Biology, Oxford, UK

We present a synthesis of the taxonomy, distribution, and conservation status of Rafflesia in the Philippines. Through meticulous taxonomic review, field surveys, and data compilation, 16 Rafflesia species have been identified in the country, with the addition of a newly discovered species, R. balatociana. The IUCN Categories and Criteria assessment categorizes ten species as Critically Endangered, five as Endangered, and one as Vulnerable, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation action.The study highlights various threats faced by Rafflesia, including deforestation driven by commodities, shifting agriculture, urbanization, illegal forest harvesting, and plantation establishment. Alarmingly, half of the recorded Rafflesia sites are located outside of designated protected areas, underscoring the necessity for targeted conservation effort. Even within protected areas, some Rafflesia species face habitat degradation and tree cover loss. To ensure their conservation, actions are recommended to address the drivers of habitat loss, promote sustainable land-use practices, and establish more protected areas. Effective monitoring and collaboration among local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations will be vital for achieving positive conservation outcomes. Furthermore, we identify strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement, habitat restoration efforts, regular monitoring, and raising awareness as essential steps towards the recovery of Rafflesia in the Philippines.