Assessment on distribution and ecology of Rafflesia in Royal Belum Forest Reserve, Perak.

A research was carried out at Royal Belum Forest Reserve to identify the species of Rafflesia, locate the distribution of Rafflesia, assessing the distribution and ecology of Rafflesia species. It's also to determine the correlation between Rafflesia population and its host plant at Royal Belum Forest Reserve, Perak. The method was by marking and measuring the size of each Rafflesia buds found and make the sketching to shows the distribution of Rafflesia. Identification of Rafflesia species was known after assessing the taxonomy feature of flower found at one location. Overall, there were eight localities of Rafflesia found, but there were only one flower that was discovered. The taxonomy characters of flower found showing that it had similarity with Rafflesia cantleyi. Meanwhile, the numbers of buds discovered were 25 buds and one fruit. The plot status showing that Plot 1 which is X-Ray Trail has the highest percentage of buds found compared to other plot. Analysis result from Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r value) for class size of Tetrastigma in relation to number of buds is 0.5941 and the Coefficient of Determination, R2 analysis obtained which is R2=0.9866. For distribution of Rafflesia at different range, r value obtained is 0.3291 meanwhile the Coefficient of Determination, R2 analysis obtained which is R2=0.9866. The observation of ecological parameters and result from Pearson correlation showing the variations among the parameters that were investigated. Thus, conservation is crucial and should be carried out in systematic way to preserve the Rafflesia in Royal Belum Forest Reserve.