Assessing the activity of pollinator species and their interactions with male rafflesia kerri In Lojing Highlands, Kelantan

Rafflesia kerri, often referred to as the "corpse flower," stands as a notable botanical wonder nestled in the Lojing Highlands of Kelantan, Malaysia. This captivating flower, known for its striking crimson petals, is the largest in Asia and the second largest globally. It draws numerous visitors, serving as a testament to the region's rich biodiversity. Despite its fame, the complicated ecological relationships of R. kerri, particularly regarding its pollinators, remain shrouded in mystery. This research sets out to shed light on the pollination ecology of R. kerri by closely examining the abundance and behavior of pollinators that visit its male flowers. This study focuses on the influence of environmental factors and different flowering stages on pollinator activity, aiming to decode the reproductive strategy of R. kerri and its wider implications for biodiversity conservation in the Lojing Highlands, Kelantan. Field surveys were meticulously conducted in the Rafflesia Conservation Park, focusing on three specific blooming stages of male R. kerri flowers: fresh-blooming, mid-blooming and late-blooming.