Effects of altitude and microclimate on the distribution of ferns in urban areas

Othman, Rashidi and Mohd Latiff, Nur Hanie and Tukiman, Izawati and Hashim, Khairusy Syakirin Has-Yun (2015) Effects of altitude and microclimate on the distribution of ferns in urban areas. Jurnal Teknologi, 77 (30). pp. 125-131. ISSN 0127–9696 E-ISSN 2180–3722

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Abstract

The aim of the research is to explore the potential of fern species as natural ecological indicator agent to forecast microclimate changes in the urban area. Ferns which also known as pteridophyte are not only valuable in term of its ethno-botanical uses such as food and medicine but also useful in ecological values. Other than that it can be used to treat unhealthy environment such as absorbing methane gas, fertilizing land and treating heavy metal such as arsenic as well as can be used as a potential ecological indicator agent for microclimate changes. In this research, observation and measurement were made at two different environments which are natural environments; Gunung Jerai, Kedah and Lata Jarum, Pahang and manmade setting environments; Hospital Serdang, Serdang and Secret Garden, Kuala Lumpur. Interestingly results from two case studies of natural environments indicated that the distribution and abundance of fern species strongly influenced by differences in altitude. Twelve fern species were found at different elevations at Gunung Jerai, Kedah whereas 20 fern species were found at Lata Jarum, Pahang. Among the species found at Gunung Jerai were Selaginella willdenowii, Arcypteris irregularis, Adiantum caudatum, Pityrogramma calomelanos, Histiopteris stipulacea, Athyrium cordifolium, Osmund wachellii, and Cyathea contaminans. Whereas the species found at Lata Jarum are Dicranopteris linearis, Phymatodes scolopendria, Antrophyum callifolium, Arcypteris irregularis, Phymatodes crustachea, Selaginella willdenowi, Angiopteris evecta and Aglaomorpha heraclea. Another factor that influences the occurrences of the fern species is microclimate particularly atmospheric factor. Results observed from both case studies showed that light intensity, relative humidity and temperature also influenced the distribution of fern species. Therefore fern species are excellent ecological indicator which can be used as phytoindicator for unhealthy environment such as harsh environment or to predict microclimate changes at urban area.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	3842/47239
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Fern species,ecological indicator agent,urban microclima te,climate change
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences Q Science > QK Botany S Agriculture > SB Plant culture T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD169 Environmental protection T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD172 Environmental pollution
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART) Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design > Department of Landscape Architecture
Depositing User:	Dr rashidi othman
Date Deposited:	04 Jan 2016 11:02
Last Modified:	04 Aug 2021 22:18
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/47239

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