New research has raised concerns about the endangered status of most species of the well-known Rafflesia flower, known for its giant red petals with distinctive markings.

Rafflesia is a parasitic plant that thrives on tropical vines in certain regions of Southeast Asia, producing some of the largest blooms globally.

The flower remains somewhat mysterious, as its flowering patterns are unpredictable, and efforts to cultivate it in settings other than its natural habitat have been largely unsuccessful. Currently, one variety of this flower is classified as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

To gain a deeper insight into the plant and its status concerning conservation, a team of botanists from around the world conducted a study on 42 identified Rafflesia species and their natural environments, mainly located in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The research revealed that due to the swift degradation of the forests where it resides, coupled with inadequate conservation efforts and protective measures, the plant faces a significantly higher level of risk than was previously understood.

The researchers, in their study published in the peer-reviewed journal Plants, People, Planet, have estimated that approximately 60 percent of Rafflesia species are in serious danger of becoming extinct.

According to the study, some of these species may disappear from the natural world before they are even discovered and described by scientists, highlighting the need for increased research on this unique plant.

Chris Thorogood, one of the authors of the study and the deputy director of Oxford University's Botanical Garden, emphasized the urgency of adopting a coordinated, cross-regional approach to preserve these exceptionally remarkable flowers, many of which are now on the verge of extinction. 

The study underscores that the Rafflesia plant is known to inhabit relatively small and restricted areas, rendering it highly susceptible to habitat loss and destruction.

Additionally, the research highlights some positive developments in conservation efforts, such as the successful cultivation of the plant at a botanical garden in West Java, Indonesia, and the promotion of sustainable ecotourism around the plant in West Sumatra.

It's worth noting that in the previous year, countries made commitments to safeguard 30 percent of the Earth's land and oceans by 2030 in a significant agreement aimed at mitigating the decline of species and ecosystems.

Multiple studies have consistently cautioned that the combined threats of climate change and human-induced environmental damage are significantly reducing global biodiversity.

Read more: Escalating wildlife loss puts entire ecosystems at risk