Habitat preferences of cosmopolite ferns in lowland abandoned rice fields of Manokwari: Potential risks of population outbreak

Ecological studies of cosmopolite ferns are necessary to predict population explosions and potential invasions in an ecosystem. This study investigated habitat preferences, abundance, and adaptation of three cosmopolite fern species, Stenochlaenapalustris (Burm. f) Bedd., Thelypteris interrupta (Willd.) K. Iwats., and Nephrolepis biserrata (Sw.) Schott in abandoned lowland rice fields in Sidey District, Manokwari Regency, West Papua Province, Indonesia. Field observations were conducted using vegetation analysis with quadrats. The results showed that the abundance of S. palustris, T. interrupta, and N. biserrata was 76 ± 12, 77 ± 14, and 57 ± 9 individuals/m2, respectively. The study revealed that S. palustris and T. interrupta preferred open habitats with high light intensity, high moisture, and acidic soils (pH < 5), whereas N. biserrata had distinct habitat preferences. Multivariate analysis showed that environmental factors explained 93.7% of the data variation, and habitat-sharing was observed between S. palustris and T. interrupta. These findings suggest that S. palustris and T. interrupta, which prefer open habitats and acidic soils, may be able to invade abandoned rice fields. This study provides insights into the ecological adaptations of these fern species and their potential invasions.