Like many other tropical countries, Peru’s attempts to conserve its natural resources have been mostly expressed through the establishment of protected areas. It is assumed that this habitat protection will ensure the survival of endangered species. Here, we examined the habits, habitat requirements and patterns of distribution of ferns and fern allies known from few localities in Peru. We included species only found in the country, and others, although known from elsewhere, that are rarely found within Peru. Our objectives were to examine the state of protection for the species, to evaluate the conditions outside protected areas, and to propose a strategy for future research and exploration. The number of pteridophytes in Peru reaches 1060 species, of which 136 species (13%) are currently known only from Peru. Seventy two are known from one political department, and most of these from only the type collection. Seventeen of these species are known to occur within a national park or other protected area. Most endemic species are found in humid forested localities at or above 1500 m elevation, while only a few are known from <1000 m. Nearly half are terrestrial, including those growing among rocks in more open sites, while another 34 species are epiphytes, and three grow as aquatics or in boggy conditions. We perceive a lack of information concerning the conditions of pteridophyte populations outside protected areas. Needed are detailed data on population size and persistence, and habitat specificity. An important initial step would be to consider priority areas for exploration and conservation based on distribution data and available information on rates of habitat conversion and degradation.

Key words: conservation, endemism, Peru, pteridophytes, rarity