Vol. 11, Special Issue 9 (2022)

Author(s):
Suraj R Hosur, M Jadeyegowda, Shivakumar BH, Soumya Ganapati Bhat and Jagadish MR

Abstract:
A present study on the fern flora diversity in two different vegetation types of sacred groves of Kodagu was conducted and enumerated for the first time. A total of 36 fern taxa are recorded. Species diversity indices (Species richness, Shannon, Simpson, and Margalef) were more in Semi-evergreen (30, 2.90, 0.07 and 4.06) than moist deciduous (19, 2.43, 0.12, and 2.75). Tectaria paradoxa recorded maximum frequency, density, and IVI among the species. Seven species are generalist to both vegetation and three species i.e Athyrium hohenackerianum, Diplazium esculentum, Drynaria quercifolia specialist to moist deciduous vegetation whereas three species i.e Arachnoides sledge, Asplenium formosum, Angiopteris helferiana are specialist to semi evergreen vegetation. Overall among the two vegetation, semi-evergreen is the best site for ferns. This study gives an understanding of the diversity of ferns in sacred groves which would help in the conservation and management of the species.