Research Article | Published: 31 March 2025

Phytosociological and diversity studies of terrestrial ferns of reserve forests in Ranni Forest Division, South Western Ghats, India

Leena Abraham and Karthikeyan Sarathy Hima

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 48 | Issue: 1 | Page No. 56-63 | 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2025-69HAH6 | Cite this article

Abstract

Terrestrial ferns are a diverse group of vascular plants that emerged millions of years ago and tropics have played a crucial role in the evolution and diversification of ferns. Terrestrial fern richness and diversity in Ranni Forest Division (RFD) of South Western Ghats, was assessed using qualitative and quantitative diversity indexing methods. The study area showed the presence of 59 terrestrial fern species, belonging to 15 families, spread in three forest ranges, viz., Vadasserikkara (VFR), Ranni (RFR) and Goodrical (GFR). Fern Family Pteridaceae and Genus Pteris were well represented in the study area. The phytosociological studies were carried out to understand the relative frequency, density and abundance of terrestrial ferns by transect-walk method. A total of 200 belt transects were laid covering various forest vegetation types, altitudes and geo-coordinates. Based on the primary ecological data, various indices such as Importance Value Index (IVI), Diversity Index, Dominance Index, Similarity Index, Species Richness and Evenness were computed. The IVI of the Ranni Forest Division revealed that Adiantum latifolium Lam. in RFR and Bolbitis semicordata (Bak.) Ching in VFR and GFR possessed highest values. The occurrence of vulnerable, near threatened, endemic, exotic species and invasive species remind the need for formulating better conservation strategies.

Keywords

Conservation, Endemic, Goodrical Forest Range, Importance Value Index, IUCN, Pathanamthitta, Pteridophytes

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How to cite

Abraham, L. and Hima, K.S., 2025. Phytosociological and diversity studies of terrestrial ferns of reserve forests in Ranni Forest Division, South Western Ghats, India. Indian Journal of Forestry, 48(1), pp.56-63. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2025-69HAH6

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 01 June 2024

Manuscript Revised on 04 March 2025

Manuscript Accepted on 27 March 2025

Manuscript Published on 31 March 2025

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