Pteridophytic diversity in human-inhabited buffer zone of Murlen National Park, Mizoram, India

A taxonomic inventorization of pteridophytes occurring in a human inhabited buffer zone of Murlen National Park, India, was conducted in 2012 and 2013. This survey revealed 35 species belonging to 27 genera and 15 families. Polypodiaceae was recorded as dominant family, represented by six genera and eight species, followed by Pteridaceae (three genera and six species) and Lycopodiaceae (three genera and four species). Of the recorded species, 23 species were terrestrial, 11 (epiphytic) and two (lithophytic) in their habit forms. The species richness was highest in Tualpui village, with 11 species, followed by Rabung (7) and Ngur (6). The site preference of species among the villages is discussed. These data will provide baseline for future research and monitoring of pteridophytic vegetation in this protected area, as well as in similar habitats in the adjacent areas.