What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to identify and document the pteridophytic flora in Badsaitilla Reserved Forest.

March 21, 2026Open Access

Taxonomic enumeration of Pteridophytic flora of Badsaitilla Reserved Forest of Sribhumi district, Assam, India

Key Points

This research aims to identify and document the pteridophytic flora in Badsaitilla Reserved Forest.
Conducted extensive field surveys across different seasons.
Collected specimens from various habitats in the forest.
Prepared taxonomic documentation based on critical examination of samples.
Consulted relevant floras and published literature.
Recorded 35 species of pteridophytes from 26 genera and 21 families.
Terrestrial species dominate, representing about 64% of total taxa.
Identified 12% of species as epiphytic and lithophytic.
Pteridaceae and Polypodiaceae are the most dominant families in the area.

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to identify, document and taxonomically enumerates the pteridophytic flora of Badsaitilla Reserved Forest located in the Sribhumi district of Assam, North-east India. Extensive field surveys were carried out across different seasons to record the diversity and distribution of pteridophyte species in the study area. Specimens were collected from various habitats including forest floors, rocky substrates, moist shaded slopes, tree trunks, and aquatic environments. A comprehensive taxonomic documentation of Pteridophytic flora has been prepared based on systematic field collections, critical examination of specimens, and consultation of relevant floras, manuals, published literature, and academic thesis. The study recorded a total of 35 species of pteridophytes belonging to 26 genera and 21 families from the forest. Analysis of the life-form spectrum indicates that terrestrial species constitute the dominant group, representing about 64% (27 species) of the total taxa. This dominance reflects the availability of diverse microhabitats within the forest ecosystem that favour terrestrial fern growth. Epiphytic species account for approximately 12% (5 species), indicating the presence of suitable host trees and favourable microclimatic conditions within the forest. In addition, five lithophytic species (12%) and a few other fern taxa were also documented, further indicating the habitat heterogeneity of Badsaitilla Reserved Forest. The occurrence of a considerable number of species highlights the ecological richness of the forest and its significance as a potential reservoir of pteridophytic diversity. A comparative assessment of the 21 recorded families shows that Pteridaceae and Polypodiaceae are the most dominant families in the area. The findings of this study provide baseline data on the pteridophytic flora of the region and underline the importance of further detailed investigations and conservation initiatives to safeguard this valuable component of forest biodiversity.

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