THIRTY endangered Rafflesia mira plants were documented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the high-altitude, old-growth forests of Tarragona, Davao Oriental.
The joint team of LAWIN Forest and Biodiversity Protection System, and CENRO Mati recorded 30 individuals, all found in a roughly 1-hectare area, at an elevation of approximately 1,053 meters above sea level.
The agency said rapid inventory follows after reports of sightings of the said species.
“Its presence in a relatively high density suggests that the site may hold significant ecological and conservation value,” DENR XI said in a press statement.
It added that the discovery also provides an important baseline for continued study, monitoring, and the strengthening of protection efforts.
Of the individuals found, 10 were fully developed flowers in the anthesis or blooming stage, 13 were developing buds representing the pre-anthesis stage, and 7 were senescent flowers naturally wilting.
DENR said additional individuals may still be hidden deeper within the forest, as the survey was limited to only part of the rugged terrain.
In the recently-issued Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Plants (https://tinyurl.com/DAO-2026-20) of the DENR, the species falls in the category of Endangered Species.
This implies the species is not critically endangered, but its survival in the wild is “unlikely if the causal factors continue operating.”
“Beyond its scientific value, the discovery in Tarragona validates the hidden richness of Mindanao’s forests and botanical gems,” DENR said.
Photo from DENR Facebook page
