Nepenthes khasiana (Indian Pitcher Plant) - Sikkim Flora

Nepenthes khasiana (Indian Pitcher Plant)

Venue: Ever Green Nursery, Rhenock,  East Sikkim

Date: April 9, 2010

Pic: Shital Pradhan

Nepenthes khasiana (Indian Pitcher Plant)

Venue: Ever Green Nursery, Rhenock,  East Sikkim

Date: April 9, 2010

Nepenthes khasiana, commonly known as the Indian Pitcher Plant, is a fascinating carnivorous plant native to the northeastern region of India, particularly in Meghalaya. This species is the only one of its genus found in India and is distinguished by its unique pitcher-shaped leaves. These specialized leaves are adapted to trap and digest insects and other small organisms, providing the plant with essential nutrients, especially in nutrient-poor soil conditions.

The pitchers of Nepenthes khasiana are typically green with red speckles and can grow up to 25 centimeters long. They produce a sweet-smelling nectar that attracts prey. Once an insect enters the pitcher, it becomes trapped by the slippery inner walls and drowns in the digestive fluids at the bottom.

Due to habitat loss and over-collection, Nepenthes khasiana is classified as a vulnerable species. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this unique and ecologically important plant, ensuring its survival in the wild.

Indotestudo elongata (Elongated tortoise) - Sikkim Reptile

Indotestudo elongata (Elongated tortoise)

Venue: Rhenock, Chalamthang,  East Sikkim

Date: June 27, 2011

Pic: DEEPEN PRADHAN, RHENOCK

Indotestudo elongata (Elongated tortoise)

Venue: Rhenock, Chalamthang,  East Sikkim

Date: June 27, 2011

Pic: DEEPEN PRADHAN, RHENOCK

In my little knowledge there are two instance that a tortoise was ever recorded in Sikkim. on both ocassion the tortoise was reported to be Indotestudo elongata. 

* The first recorded instance was during the last week of July 2008 a little yellow tortoise was found by two labourers woring at the site of a Rock Garden construction, at the base of nearby Tarey Bhir (South Sikkim) on the bank of a seasonal rivulet called Khanni Khola.that was later identified by Usha Lachungpa Sr. Research Officer (WL) identified it as a male Sal Forest Tortoise Indotestudo elongata (Blyth) of the Family Testudinidae.

* The second finding was from Chalamthang near Rhenock (East Sikkim) on June 27, 2011. The yellowish color tortoise weighed around 3.5 to 4 Kg. It was latter taken to Kitam Bird Sanctuary. It was recsued by Mani Kumar Pradhan, resident of Chalamthang. The department confirmed the species as Indotestudo elongata, an endangered species.

This cold-blooded reptile is one of the only four land tortoises found in India. It is legally protected under Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as amended up to 2006.