ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Fern and Fern Ally Diversity in Dalma Hills, Jharkhand: Ecological, Taxonomic, and Conservation Perspectives

Pteridophytes, comprising ferns and their allies, represent one of the oldest lineages of vascular plants, with nearly 12,000 species worldwide, grouped into about 300 genera and 48 families (PPG I, 2016). In India, they form a vital component of forest ecosystems, particularly in the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and the Chhotanagpur plateau, where diverse microhabitats sustain rich assemblages (Khullar, 1994; Manickam & Irudayaraj, 1992). Jharkhand, though less explored compared to other regions, has revealed considerable diversity in earlier surveys from Ranchi and Latehar districts, which documented 27 species across 13 families (Bharti & Pravesh, 2010). The present study extends this knowledge to Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, an eco sensitive zone in Saraikela Kharsawan and East Singhbhum districts. Systematic surveys conducted between 2023 and 2025 recorded 16 species belonging to 10 genera under 8 families. Species richness was concentrated in mid altitude zones, shaded ravines, moist stream margins, and epiphytic niches, underscoring the ecological potential of Dalma as a refuge for uncommon and medicinally significant taxa (Ghosh, Mallick, & Paik, 2026). Ethnobotanical interviews revealed traditional uses of Hemionitis tenuifolia for wounds and skin ailments, Lygodium flexuosum for respiratory disorders, and Marsilea minuta as a dietary vegetable (Singh, 2008; Roy Chowdhury & Yadav, 2025; Saha, 2024). However, the sanctuary’s fragile habitats face mounting threats. Mining, deforestation, grazing, soil removal, and unregulated tourism are rapidly altering the ecological balance, posing risks of extinction to rare and unexplored species (Bharti & Pravesh, 2010). These pressures highlight the urgent need for conservation measures that go beyond boundary protection. Conservation in Dalma must adopt a bio cultural rescue approach, integrating ecological preservation with traditional ethnobotanical knowledge. Ex situ strategies such as spore banks and cryopreservation, alongside in situ habitat protection, are essential to safeguard threatened taxa (Fraser Jenkins, 2008). Protecting Dalma’s fern diversity is not only vital for maintaining ecological integrity but also for preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that this unique repository of pteridophytes continues to contribute to biodiversity resilience in eastern India.