New distribution records of the endemic pitcher plant, Nepenthes khasiana Hook. f. and identification of threats in Meghalaya, India

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