Examining rafflesia kerri population and their conservation status in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan

The aim of the study is to assess and update the populations of Rafflesia kerriand determine their conservation status in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan. A total of 52 clusters from 20 populations of R. kerri had been identified and mapped. The conservation status of populations were categorized into five classes, namely: (i) Very active, (ii) Active, (iii) Moderately active (iv) Poorly active and (v) Dormant. From 52 clusters, the findings reveal that four (8%) clusters are categorized as very active, indicating a healthy and thriving population, while six (11%) of the clusters are active, and 27 (52%) are moderately active. Meanwhile, 14 (27%) are categorized as poorly active and only 2% from the clusters are dormant. The distribution of the species highlighted that the populations are concentrated in three main areas, these are: (i) Berus-Dawai, (ii) Cebur and (iii) Cebur-1Malaysia, with elevations ranging from 930 to 1,054 meters above sea level. The study was recorded eight blooming flowers, with five being female and three are males, and also documented a total of 90 buds and 89 rotten buds. 95 rotten flowers, and 34 cupules indicating the ongoing reproductive challenges faced by the species.