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Biodiversity is essentially a reflection of the number of species and individuals inhabiting a community, as seen in the Pteridophyta group. These plants, which have evolved to have differentiated roots, stems, and leaves, play an important role in forest systems, primarily as protectors of the soil surface from the effects of erosion, in addition to contributing to the decomposition of organic matter that produces nutrients, and being a major part of the producer chain in the trophic structure. The Jaboi hot spring area, located in the Sukajaya District of Sabang City, exhibits unique ecological characteristics, influenced by the presence of the Jaboi volcano, which gives rise to geothermal phenomena such as fumarole activity, hot steam emissions, and the emergence of high-temperature water flows. This geothermal dynamic directly causes alterations in the physical and chemical conditions of the local soil, thereby shaping habitat characteristics and influencing the existence of vegetation, including ferns. To date, there is little scientific information available on the diversity of ferns in this area. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine and measure the diversity of ferns in the Jaboi hot spring area. The study was conducted in October 2025 using an exploratory survey approach to determine plots and purposive sampling techniques for field data collection. Diversity analysis was based on the Shannon-Wiener index (Ĥ) formula. Based on the identification results, 15 species of ferns from a total of 6 families and 433 individuals were found. The diversity index obtained (Ĥ=2.490171) indicates a moderate level.

Shrub vegetation is an important component in the structure of vegetation communities that have a significant ecological role, especially in maintaining soil stability and supporting biodiversity. One area that has the potential for shrub vegetation diversity but has not been scientifically documented is the Jaboi hot spring area, Weh Island, Sukajaya District, Sabang City. The purpose of this study was to investigate various types of shrub vegetation found in the study area and to calculate the diversity index. Data collection was carried out using a one-hundred-meter line transect method divided into four paths, with one pair of transects directed towards residential areas and plantation areas, while the remaining two transects were directed towards areas that were still forested. At each transect there were six observation points with a distance between points of 20 meters, each point consisting of three quadrat plots measuring 2 × 2 meters. Analysis of the diversity index used the Shannon-Wiener formula (H’). The results showed that there were 9 shrub species from 7 families with a total of 169 individuals from four observation stations. The Melastomataceae family dominates the shrub community with two main species, Melastoma malabathricum and Memecylon caeruleum. The diversity index value is 2.17, which is included in the moderate category (H = 2–3). This diversity is influenced by the physical-chemical conditions of the environment, such as acidic soil pH (4.4–5.5) and relatively stable temperatures, although temperatures exceeding the optimum limit were found in some locations. This study provides initial data on the potential of shrub vegetation as a basis for ecosystem management and conservation in the area.