Source : Manila Bulletin, Philippines, 13 Mar 2010
By : Mike Crismundo
  

The rare and endangered species called “Rafflesia” (Rafflesia shadenbergiana) was only discovered in 2007 in that place, the DENR’s resources conservation said.

According to the DENR, this is the 7th bloom since its rediscovery.

The flower of Rafflesia schadenbergiana has a diameter of about 80 centimeters or 31 inches.

It is considered as the second largest rafflesia species in the world and the largest in the Philippines, the DENR said.

Rafflesia schadenbergiana is a species of Rafflesia found only in the Philippines.

It was first discovered in 1882 in Mount Parag which is adjacent to Mount Apo by Dr. Alexander Schadenberg, a German ethnologist who made several explorations in the Philippines.

Following its rediscovery in 1882, there were no other recorded sightings of this species, said the DENR.

For more than a century, it was thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in 2007 in the mountain slopes of the Baungon town, Bukidnon in Mindanao.

Rafflesia is listed as critically endangered under DENR Administrative Order No. 2007-01.

As this developed, the DENR and the local government of Baungon is working on the establishment of the area where the rafflesia population was found as critical habitat pursuant to Section 25 of Republic Act 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

In another development, Northern Mindanao DENR Regional Executive Director Maximo Dichoso ordered provincial and community environment officers in the area to closely coordinate with the corresponding local government units for the preservation and protection of the said rare and endangered species.