CR

Rafflesia magnifica

Declining

Overview

Rafflesia mira is a member of the genus Rafflesia. It is endemic to the rainforest of Mindanao, Philippines and can only be found in the vicinity of Mount Candalaga, Davao de Oro province. The species was described later in 2005 by Madulid et al., as R.

magnifica, but this name is a later synonym. According to the IUCN the species is found in only one unprotected locality: Mt.Candalaga Range in Maragusan, Davao de Oro, where the individuals are distributed in small groups. A road infrastructure project is planned on part of the mountain.

Moreover, the lower mountain slopes are being converted into banana plantations. Currently there are not any protective measures in place.

Rafflesia magnifica faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in the Philippines' remaining lowland forests. The species' highly specialized parasitic relationship with Tetrastigma vines makes it extremely vulnerable to forest fragmentation, as both the host vine and the specific forest conditions required for reproduction are easily disrupted. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have eliminated much of its historical range, while the species' slow reproductive cycle and limited dispersal ability prevent rapid recolonization of suitable habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

Rafflesia magnifica inhabits the understory of primary and secondary lowland tropical rainforests in the Philippines, typically at elevations below 800 meters. The species requires intact forest ecosystems where its obligate host, Tetrastigma vines, can establish robust root systems in the forest floor.

Threatened in Philippines

Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

Declining
EN

Montipora calcarea

Declining
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Montipora taiwanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Rafflesia magnifica classified as Critically Endangered?
Rafflesia magnifica is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Rafflesia magnifica faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in the Philippines' remaining lowland forests. The species' highly specialized parasitic relationship with Tetrastigma vines makes it extremely vulnerable to forest fragmentation, as both the host vine and the specific forest conditions required for reproduction are easily disrupted. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have eliminated much of its historical range, while the species' slow reproductive cycle and limited dispersal ability prevent rapid recolonization of suitable habitats.
Where does Rafflesia magnifica live?
Rafflesia magnifica occurs in Philippines. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Rafflesia magnifica?
The main threats to Rafflesia magnifica are 1.1, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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