New
distribution records of the endemic pitcher plant, Nepenthes khasiana
Hook. f. and identification of threats in Meghalaya, India
A. Bhattacharya1,
S.G. Momin1 and P. Sarkar2*
1Department
of Earth Science, University of Science & Technology Meghalaya,
Baridua-793 101, India
2Department
of Zoology, University of Science & Technology Meghalaya, Baridua-793
101, India
Received:
30 August 2023 Revised: 26 October 2023
Accepted: 07 November 2023
*Corresponding Author Email : prabalsarkarindia@gmail.com *ORCiD:
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7773-081X
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Abstract
Aim: The present study
entails new distribution records along with the identification of threats to
the pitcher plant, Nepenthes khasiana Hook. f. in Meghalaya, India.
Methodology: A trail survey
was employed to find the distribution of pitcher plants in different
locations of the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya between 2018 and
2022.
Results: The present study
reported some new distribution records in the Garo, Jaintia, and Khasi Hills
of Meghalaya mostly in private lands which are scatteredly distributed. They
are adversely threatened due to large-scale jhum cultivation, mining,
traffic, road construction, human pressure, and tourism as depicted in the
present study. Besides, the pitcher plants have been wiped out from many
areas of Meghalaya which was earlier reported.
Interpretation: The present work
documented the distribution of pitcher plants in some new areas of the Garo,
Khasi, and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. The population of the pitcher plant is
sharply declining in Meghalaya due to various threat factors. Hence, the
conservation of pitcher plant need urgent attention. Therefore, an action
plan is required to safeguard the pitcher plant in these habitats. Besides
public awareness, stakeholder participation is the paramount need of the hour
to protect and preserve the plants. Further, new areas also need to be
explored for the distribution of pitcher plants in other areas of the state
including intensive studies in Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Key
words:
Carnivorous plants, Endemic, Meghalaya, Nepenthes khasiana, Pitcher
plant
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