Species richness and distribution of terrestrial ferns in tropical forest fragments in and around Kampala central, Uganda

Abstract The effects of forest fragmentation on the terrestrial fern species in forest fragments in and around Kampala, central Uganda, were investigated by comparing species richness and distribution among forest fragments of varying sizes ranging from 5 ha to 438 ha. Terrestrial ferns were inventoried in each of the fragment using the plot method (plots of 10 × 30 m, each). Number of sampling units taken varied with the size of the fragments. A total of 49 species belonging to 11 families and 25 genera were recorded in 11 forest fragments. The most species‐rich families in all forests were Aspleniaceae and Pteridaceae. Large forests of Mpanga and Kituza had higher species richness than the small forest fragments. Forest disturbance and size are the two most important factors responsible for fern species differences among the forest fragments. Our study reveals that forest fragments hold moderate number of fern species and are worth targeting for conservation. However, we argue for restoration and strengthening of conservation efforts for private and church owned forest fragments.