Environmental and social impacts of Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn) (Bracken Fern) invasive species growing in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda

Pteridium aquilinum is a cosmopolitan weed that readily spreads into pasture and marginal areas and is favoured by fire and soil acidity. Its presence reduces land productivity and adversely affects biodiversity. The plant is little affected by animals because of its toxicity. P. aquilinum has colonized large areas of the Nyungwe forest in Rwanda that were destroyed by fire. The presence of this plant has negative impacts on environment, biodiversity, and animal and human health due to its toxicity. The plant contains the carcinogenic compound ptaquiloside which has potential of contaminating water resources but also affects growth of other plant species. This study is being carried out to determine the impact of Pteridium aquilinum on plant biodiversity and its effect on animal and human health in Nyungwe forest in Rwanda.