Rafflesia kerrii Meijer in Kelantan and the role of Gunung Stong State in the conservation of Rafflesia in Malaysia

Abstract

Rafflesia is rapidly becoming a prominent symbol for conservation efforts. From 20 currently recoginsed species in Malesia, only three species are found in Peninsular Malaysia. Although Rafflesia rare and vulnerable, population Rafflesia kerrii, the largest species in the Malay Peninsula, are found in forest around Gunung Stong, Kelantan. This species appears to be confined to the main range in Kelantanwith the exception of those found near Pangkalan Hulu. Perak on the Bintang Range. The proposed gunung Stong State Park is important in the conservation of Rafflesia kerrii because the area is the only accesable protected area for the species in the Peninsular Malaysia. Several population are found near the head water of Sg. Somuliang in rocky granitic hills, and very popular as tourist destination. Another population was found near Projass Hydrostation along the bank of Sg. Kenerong. Other easily accesable populations of Rafflesia kerrii in Kelantan are those at Pos Brooke and Pos Hendrop wich are in the statelands and are under threat from unsustainable tourism practices. The proposed Gunung Stong State Park is impoortant in the conservation of Rafflesia in Peninsular Malaysia to complement the National Park and the Royal Belum State Park as the safe heavens for all the three species of the Rafflesia in Peninsular Malaysia.