KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS TUMBUHAN PAKU (PTERIDOPHYTA) DI KAWASAN WISATA KONSERVASI GAJAH (ELEPHANTIDAE) AEK NAULI, KABUPATEN SIMALUNGUN SUMATERA UTARA

Abstract

This research aims to obtain data and information regarding the diversity of fern types in the Aek Nauli Elephant Conservation Tourism Area. To determine the diversity of fern species in the Aek Nauli Gajah Conservation Tourism Area, direct exploratory research was carried out using a purposive sampling method with 24 plots determined from 3 stations. The collected data was analyzed for the level of diversity using the Shannon-Wienner formula and the Importance Value Index of each fern. The research results showed that there were 167 species ferns (Pteridophyta) consisting of 7 types. The diversity index (H') of 1.267 is in the medium category, the dominance index (C) of 0.404 is in the stable category and the highest Important Value Index (INP) is Polystichum acrestichoides of 160,011. As supporting data, environmental factors such as temperature, soil pH, humidity and light intensity are very suitable for the growth of Ferns (Pteridophyta) in the Aek  Nauli Gajah Conservation Area.