Environmentalists have rediscovered the endangered Samar Rafflesia (Rafflesia manillana) in Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), marking the species' first documented sighting in the province in 15 years.

The rare parasitic plant was photographed during an exploratory survey conducted this month in a forested area in Barangay Guirang, Basey, Samar, about two to three hours on foot from the village center.

Forester Leona Tumamak, head of the Protected Area Management Office of SINP, said the flower was last documented in Samar in March 2011.

"Its recent documentation marks an important rediscovery after 15 years and further highlights the exceptional biodiversity thriving within the protected area," SINP said in a statement.

The species was identified and confirmed by Dr. Pastor L. Malabrigo Jr., taxonomist and curator for trees at the Museum of Natural History of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and Dr. Julie Barcelona, a botanist known for her extensive research on Philippine Rafflesia species.

The survey aimed to locate and map existing populations of the Samar Rafflesia and gather field data to support conservation and habitat protection efforts.

Under Department Administrative Order No. 2026-20, the Samar Rafflesia is classified as an endangered species, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and protection from habitat disturbance and degradation.

Earlier this year, wildlife monitoring teams also identified new habitats of the Celestial Monarch, a Philippine-endemic flycatcher listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

Tumamak said the Protected Area Management Office remains committed to strengthening biodiversity monitoring and conservation initiatives within the park.

"Every rediscovery within SINP is a reminder of the park's rich natural heritage and the shared responsibility to protect its unique and irreplaceable biodiversity," the park said.

Spanning more than 335,000 hectares across the provinces of Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar, the Samar Island Natural Park is the country's second-largest protected area.