Assessment on Physical Ecology of Rafflesia in Lojing Highland, Gua Musang, Kelantan

A study was conducted to assess the physical ecology of Rafflesia kerri in Lojing Highland. This study comprise of observation of the bamboo existence in Rafflesia populations, taking measurement of river distance to Rafflesia populations and measure the slope gradient in Rafflesia populations. Based on the study, the results show that the population of bamboo is not significant as part of ecology of Rafflesia. The existence of populations is highly significant with the water source. All of 17 populations are located near the river. The shortest distance between Rafflesia population and river is 0.2 meter which is Population 16, while the longest is 129 meters in Population 1. Most of populations are located in the distance range of 10-30 meters from the main Denkong River. It is also discovered that Rafflesia is a giant flower that can be found in hilly and high slope area. Assessment on slope gradient and river distance from Rafflesia populations was done by using clinometers and measuring tape. ArcMap 10 was used to analyze the data. The lowest slope is in range of 0°-22.5° or -0.000000278%-6.25% in Population 12. While the highest slope is in range 292.5°-337.5° or 81.3%-93.8% in Population 6, 11 and 15. As a recommendation more study should be done in order ro give a better understanding to the environment of Lojing Highland to enhance the conservation activities.