Conservation assessment and predictive distribution modeling of Philippine Rafflesia R. Br. ex Gray (Rafflesiaceae)

Date of Publication

8-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Subject Categories

Biodiversity

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

John Paul S. Domingo

Defense Panel Chair

Esperanza Maribel G. Agoo

Defense Panel Member

Christian Jordan O. Dela Rosa
Dennis A. Dolojan

Abstract (English)

The genus Rafflesia comprises holoparasitic plants known for producing the world’s largest flowers and exhibiting extreme endemism, particularly among the 15 species recorded in the Philippines. Despite their ecological and biological complexity, 14 of these species remain unassessed by the IUCN. Although previous studies have conducted distribution modeling for selected Rafflesia species, these efforts were limited by the narrow range of environmental variables and geographic scope considered. This study is the first to assess the predictive habitat suitability of all Philippine Rafflesia species at the national level. MaxEnt modeling was employed to predict the potential geographic distribution of Rafflesia using occurrence data gathered from herbarium collections and citizen science records, in combination with 21 environmental factors and the protected area boundaries of the Philippines. The mapping of occurrence points revealed a high degree of endemism among most species, resulting in low Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO), which served as the basis for their proposed IUCN Red List categorization. These occurrence patterns were also compared against existing protected areas to evaluate conservation coverage. Based on IUCN criteria, six out of fifteen species are suggested to be categorized as Endangered, while eight are proposed to be listed as Critically Endangered. The MaxEnt model revealed that most Rafflesia occurrence points fall within highly suitable areas, while some suitable regions lack records, suggesting potential sites for future habitation. These findings aim to support future conservation efforts by identifying areas with high habitat suitability for Rafflesia and addressing knowledge gaps in species distribution and threat assessment.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Rafflesia--Philippines; Rafflesiaceae

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Embargo Period

8-9-2025

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