Abstract:
Fems are among the important plant biodiversity components in the Malaysia forests and
widely distribute, making it as a good subject for the study of diversity and composition.
The study was carried out from 1 i
11
August 2006 in Bukit Bauk Forest at three
different elevations; low elevation ( 45m), middle elevation (145m) and high elevation
(345m) by using five plots at each. A total of 134 individuals from eight species
representing seven families of fem species have been recorded in Bukit Bauk Forest.
Adiantaceae is represented by two species making it as the largest component with 82%
and the most dominant family in the collection. Taenitis blechnoides (Willd.) Sw. was the
most dominant species with I 06 individuals and found in all elevations. While,
Asplenium nidus L. is represented by only one individual. Fern diversity (Shannon
Wiener Index, 0.94) and richness (Margalef Index, 1.06) were highest in low elevation.
The greater evenness was recorded at middle elevation (Evenness Index, 0.75). ANOVA
analysis showed that there is significant difference for total species (F2 .2 1th to 19=0.000, P<0.05).
while there is no significant difference for total individuals (F2 _2 1= 0.551, P>0.05) of
fems between three elevations at Bukit Bauk Forest. Overall, the composition of ferns at
Bukit Bauk Forest is not diverse.
