Conservation StatuS



All of the known species of Rafflesia are threatened or endangered. It is a "Totally Protected Plant" by law in Sarawak, but elsewhere in Malaysia it is only safeguarded by laws when found in protected areas like National or State Parks.



Conservation Issues Rafflesia is found in forests in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Seven out of fifteen species worldwide of Rafflesia can be found in Malaysia. (6) Because the Rafflesia flower is located in specific areas, and little is know about its methods for pollination and seed dispersal, it is difficult to find conservation methods. Residents in Malaysia are encouraged to save the flowers on their private property, and are encouraged to charge small entrance fees to see the flower. This little income goes a long way in conserving the flowers. In peninsular Malaysia, flower buds are sold as traditional medicines. These buds are seen as a sign of fertility, and are given to help mothers recover after birth. The over collection of these buds has not helped with conservation efforts, and has drastically reduced the number of Rafflesia in the wild. (7) All of these factors lead to decreasing numbers of Rafflesia. Many species of Rafflesia are vulnerable to deforestation and development, and as populations grow, Rafflesia becomes more threatened. In Sabah, the flower and host vine Tetrastigma are protected under the state's Wildlife Conservation Enactment of 1997. In 2002, 44 of 83 Rafflesia found in the area were outside of designated conservation places. The beginning stages of conservation call for finding, monitoring and protecting the flowers that appear. Conservationists are hoping that complete habitat protection will come, but there is no sign of complete habitat protection in the near future. (8) Conservation Organizations Malaysian Nature Society (http://www.mns.org.my)

The Malaysian Nature Society, founded in 1940, is the oldest scientific and non-government organization in Malaysia and is dedicated to nature conservation and appreciation. WWF Malaysia (http://www.wwfmalaysia.org)

The Malaysian chapter of the World Wildlife Fund Ever wondered what the view from inside a Rafflesia looks like? Click below to see.



(6a & 6b.)



Looking for some Rafflesia links? - check these out: Want to read an account of a Rafflesia sighting? Click HERE Found a Rafflesia? Want to identify it? Go HERE to find a key to the species.



Literature Cited (1) Woodward, Susan. 29 October 1997. Rafflesia arnoldii.

http://www.radford.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/ rainforest/raffles.html (8 April 2003)



(2) Signgapore Zoological Gardens. 2000. Plants of the Rainforest: Rafflesia

http://www.szgdocent.org/ff/f-praff.htm (8 April 2003)



(3) WWF Malaysia. 2000. Going Going Gone!

http://www.wwfmalaysia.org/Features/spaces/ malaysianrainforest2.htm (8 April 2003)



(4) Unknown Author. 2000. Rafflesia Arnoldi: Fragile Fantasy Flower.

http://bengkulu.wasantara.net.id/yahoo/wisata/bunga.html (8 April 2003)



(5) Barkman, Todd. Rafflesia Life History. http://unix.cc.wmich.edu/~tbarkman/rafflesia/Rafflesia.html (8 April 2003)



(6) WWF Malaysia. 2000. Rafflesia.

http://www.wwfmalaysia.org/features/ Beautybeast/Rafflesia.htm

(8 April 2003)



(7) WILDBORNEO.net. 2003. Rafflesia of the Rainforest, The World's Largest Flower

http://wildborneo.virtualave.net/main/Fea_rafflesia.html (8 April 2003)



(8) Yoga, S.S. 2002. Sabah's Blosson of Hope: Blooming Rafflesia of Sabeh. http://www.arbec.com.my/rafflesia.htm (8 April 2003)



R. kerrii

R. pricei

R. rochussenii

R. tengku-adlinii

R. tuan-mudae

R. novum

R. manillana

R. patma

R. micropylora

