By Bilyonaryo Staff
A rare Rafflesia bloom has been spotted inside Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, underscoring the protected area’s role as one of Negros’ last biodiversity strongholds despite continuing volcanic unrest.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Negros Island Region confirmed that a Rafflesia speciosa was found on July 2 in Barangay Ilijan, Bago City, Negros Occidental.
The endangered flower, measuring 40.5 centimeters across, was discovered by park ranger Israel Malunes and members of the Kanlaon Green Brigade.
“This remarkable finding is a reminder that even amid volcanic unrest, the park remains a vital sanctuary for rare and unique biodiversity,” Malunes said. “May this inspire us all to continue protecting, conserving, and preserving our natural heritage for future generations.”
Rafflesia speciosa, found in Negros and Panay, is listed as endangered by the DENR. A previous sighting was recorded in nearby Barangay Mailum in 2024.
Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 2, indicating increasing unrest. The volcano sits inside Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, a protected area often described as the last frontier of Negros’ forests.
The sighting came as conservationists marked a separate breakthrough in Rafflesia research. The DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau said scientists had successfully cultivated Rafflesia speciosa outside its natural habitat using material from populations in Miagao, Iloilo.
The bureau called the achievement a major conservation milestone for one of the world’s most unusual and threatened plants.
Often called the “panda of the plant world,” Rafflesia spends most of its life hidden inside a host vine and has no visible leaves, stems or roots, making it difficult to study and protect. (PNA)
