Ferns as indicators of habitat quality in (agro)forest in Sumatra

Biodiversity research has to deal with an enormous diversity of plants, animals, fungi and other forms of life, which is often difficult and
costly to measure. It helps to have tested indicators of habitat quality through species that are easily recognizable while marking specific
ecological niches. Such indicators can be used in biodiversity conservation and habitat quality management. Ferns and related species
(Pteridophyta) are proven to be indicators of habitat quality based on a detailed assessment in the rubber agroforests, natural forests and
plantations of Sumatra.