Pteridophytic diversity and Conservation priorities in Tea Estates of mid hill region of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, India

The tea estates of sub-Himalayan region are internationally recognized renowned not only for their tea but also for their notable ecological diversity. This research work offers the first in depth documentation of pteridophyte (ferns and their allies) diversity, distribution, and conservation value among the three renowned tea estates of the sub-Himalayan region. Field surveys were conducted from December 2023 to January 2025 which result in the recognition of 43 species of pteridophytes belonging to 9 families. Polypodiaceae, Pteridaceae, and Aspleniaceae are richest families which shows the ecological fitness within the tea agro ecosystem. Growth habit study showed that dominance of geophytic species, along with epiphytic and lithophytic which reflects the heterogeneity of microhabitats within estate environment. Makaibari Tea Estate showed the highest species richness and diversity and endemism, while Mission Hill and Rohini are rich in unique and rare species. Among recorded species 13 species were found to be endemic and are restricted to individual tea estates, which underscore the need for site specific conservation measures. Among the recorded species some have ethnobotanical significance act as a source of food, medicine, or ornamentals. The findings of this study highlight the immediate requirement for the conservation strategies to protect the rare and endemic pteridophytes to ensure the ecosystem sustainability of the tea agroecosystem of Sub Himalayan region.