Coal mining and its leachate are potential threats to Nepenthes khasiana Hook. f. (Nepenthaceae) that preys on insects - an endemic plant in North Eastern India

Abstract

The present study was conducted in the coal mining areas of Jaintia Hills Meghalaya to access the impact of acid mine drainage on Nepenthes khasiana Hk. f. an endemic and threatened species of Meghalaya, which occur mostly in isolated pockets of region. Mine drainage originating from coal spoils, leaching of heavy metals and intuitive collection of the pitcher of this species, create a severe threat to the survival of this hunter plant in its environs.