Abstract
Sikkim is rich in pteridophyte diversity but there are no distributional maps in grid cell manner for assessing the species-rich areas of pteridophytes. In total 127 pteridophytes were collected from different parts of Southern Sikkim within the range of 420–3,573 m altitudes; they were identified and plotted in 6 × 6 km grid cell maps. ‘Epiphyte-richness’ as well as ‘Species-richness’ maps were prepared. Altitude-wise distributions of pteridophytes were also determined. From the grid cell studies of 28 different places of Southern Sikkim, it was revealed that Central Sikkim was richer in the number of pteridophytes than the Southern, Western and Eastern parts of Sikkim. Altitudinally, the middle hill forest areas (1,500–2,700 m) possess the ideal climatic conditions for the growth of pteridophytes as is evidenced by the occurrence of a large number of pteridophytes in this zone. Maenum, Versey, Pelling and Gangtok are very rich in epiphytic and terrestrial species of pteridophytes. This overview of knowledge regarding pteridophytes distribution, in relation to climatic conditions, in Southern Sikkim will be of much help in formulating conservation strategies.
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Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences
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