Unique Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary protecting Rare Nepenthes Pitcher Plant

Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary

The Government established the Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary on May 24th, 1984 to protect the rare Nepenthes khasiana pitcher plant. Spanning 2.7 hectares in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills District, this small sanctuary harbors India’s only pitcher plant species. Indigenous Garo peoples nicknamed this carnivorous plant “ghost basket.” As biological relics from ancient eras containing evolutionary secrets, safeguarding N. khasiana and its tropical deciduous forest habitat became an urgent conservation priority.

The Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary’s compact 2.7 hectare area suits its conservation goals – sheltering endemic N. khasiana while deterring threats through monitored seclusion. These 2.7 hectares foster abundant ghost basket growth. As the only area in India dedicated to in-situ preservation of N. khasiana, the sanctuary provides indispensable ecological refuge. Within its boundaries, pitcher plant generations should persist unless outside habitat destruction or exploitation infringe. Thus, constant vigilance of the sanctuary’s environmental health and pitcher plant populations remains vital.

Date of Notification24th May 1984
Area0.02 km2
HabitatSubtropical and tropical deciduous forest
Biographic zoneNorth-east
AnimalsAsian Elephants; Grey-headed Fish Eagle, King Vulture, Longbilled Vulture, White-backed Vulture, White-legged Falconet, White-cheeked Hill Partridge, Tawny Fish Owl, Blyth’s Kingfisher, Spangled Drongo
PlantsPitcher Plant, Drosera Spp., Schima wallichii, Myrica esculenta, Erythrina arborescence, Rhus javanica, Rhododendron arboretum, Ouercus, Castanopsis indica, C. Tribuloides, Dysoxylum sp, Elaeocarpus sp, Engelhardtia spicata, Syzygium spp., Tetrameles nudiflora
Best time of the year to visitMonsoon

Where is Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary Located?

The Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary nestles within the village of Baghmara in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills District. Baghmara town sits approximately 112 kilometers south of Tura and 332 kilometers northeast of Guwahati, the capital of neighboring Assam state. The nearest airport is Guwahati Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, 332 kilometers away. Guwahati Railway Station provides the closest train access. Roads and highways channeling through Assam’s Guwahati hub also function as terrestrial transportation to reach the sanctuary in Meghalaya’s inland hillier terrain. The sanctuary’s secluded location amidst Garo Hills’ forests and valleys likely facilitated the isolated evolution of its rare resident – the insectivorous pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana.

Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary MAP

Meghalaya Map with Markers

Geography of Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary

Spanning just 2.7 hectares within ecologically diverse Meghalaya state, the Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary specifically resides in the South Garo Hills District, among the southern slopes of the Garo Hills range. This forested, subtropical hill region harbors Meghalaya’s subtropical forests, which envelope the sanctuary.

Various rivers, smaller hills, and occasional lakes further shape the area’s geography. Flowing channels, rising slopes and sporadic water bodies likely support the hydrologic needs of the sanctuary’s rare resident – the carnivorous pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana.

These unique plants require high humidity, steady moisture, and dappled shade, which atmospheric rainfall and drainage from the sanctuary’s landforms help provide.

Biodiversity of Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary

Flora found in Baghmara Sanctuary

The Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary mainly protects plant life, especially the rare pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana that only grows in this region. This carnivorous plant and its one-of-a-kind habitat are the main focus of conservation efforts in the sanctuary. N. khasiana is the only Indian pitcher plant species.

As an ancient plant that gives us biological clues about the distant past, it is very important ecologically. Its rareness in India increases its importance. Within the protected 2.7 hectare sanctuary, the ghost basket plant thrives since threats are intentionally kept away.

The sanctuary also shelters other native plants like sundews and trees such as Schima, Castanopsis, and Syzygium. Rhododendron and oak trees likely also grow there. Plants in the sanctuary prevent soil erosion and provide water to nearby towns. Additionally, the community of plants supports the local food chains of animals.

Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary
Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary

Fauna found in Baghmara Sanctuary

MammalsBirdsReptiles
Asian ElephantsGrey-headed Fish EagleSnakes
King VultureLizards
Longbilled Vulture

Although protecting plants is the main goal of the Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary, it is still home to various animals, especially birds, snakes, and lizards. Mammals like Asian elephants also likely pass through the area during migration.

Different resident and migrating birds take shelter among the diverse trees of the sanctuary. Birds such as grey-headed fish eagles, king vultures and long-billed vultures ride the air currents above the landscape. White-backed vultures may join them.

Inside the wooded areas, birds like white-cheeked hill partridges and tawny fish owls nest and search for food. Since many vultures and birds of prey that eat other animals live here, there must be enough smaller prey available to support them. This suggests the sanctuary provides ample food web production at lower levels. So protecting species across all taxas, from predatory birds down to tree producers, is interdependently connected in the sanctuary.

What is the History of Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary?

The Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary is named after the carnivorous Nepenthes khasiana plant that lives there. Local Garo tribes call this plant “Me’mang-Koksi” meaning “ghost basket.” N. khasiana has sacred importance for them. Unfortunately, the plant’s cultural intrigue and medicinal use have led to overharvesting in parts of Meghalaya state. This made conservation action necessary.

As the only area fully devoted to on-location protection of India’s lone pitcher plant, the 2.7 hectare Baghmara sanctuary provides critical refuge. Within its borders, the ghost basket plant now has shelter from human overuse. Other threats like habitat destruction are also lessened by the sanctuary’s environmental rules. Safeguarding N. khasiana was historically critical, motivating the sanctuary’s creation on May 24, 1984.

Importance of Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary

Aside from solely protecting the endemic Nepenthes khasiana pitcher plant in India, the tiny Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary plays critical environmental roles that benefit nearby villages. The sanctuary’s plant life stops soil erosion which could otherwise worsen regional water quality. Additionally, plants in the sanctuary directly provide clean water to close human settlements. So this small haven greatly promotes both ecological health and human wellbeing in the area.

Furthermore, the 2.7 hectare sanctuary lies within the highly biodiverse Baghmara-Balpakram area, which shows exceptional uniqueness of life across all its species. As the only site focused on saving the rare N. khasiana, the Baghmara sanctuary anchors protection of this special ancient plant. Although the preserve itself is small, its ecological contributions disproportionately boost widespread plant and animal diversity in the region.

Nepenthes Khasiana – The Pitcher Plant

Pitcher Plant
Pitcher Plant

FAQ

Where is the Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary located?

The Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary is located in the South Garo Hills District of Meghalaya state in northeast India, specifically situated within the town of Baghmara.

What types of plants grow in the Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary?

The Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary is home to the endemic Nepenthes khasiana pitcher plant as well as other plant species like Drosera, oak trees, rhododendron, and Syzygium.

How does the Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary benefit local villages?

The Baghmara Pitcher Plant Sanctuary benefits nearby human settlements by preventing soil erosion and providing clean water to villages in the area.

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