Fern Enthusiasts of Asian Regional NationS (FEARNS) is a group of professional and amateur individuals dedicated to the scientific study of the biology, ecology, systematics, taxonomy, as well as the conservation and horticulture of ferns and lycophytes of the Asian and Malesian regions, with particular emphasis on the ferns and lycophytes of Malaysia.

This group has been established as a forum for the healthy and vivacious exchange of views and ideas, as an avenue to facilitate collaborative research and as a reference or expert group to whom questions may be addressed. Finally, the group will serve as an information centre where members may, if they so choose, post news on new publications, or announce upcoming seminars, symposia, workshops or expeditions.

I hope that this group will share the same level of success and activity as the two existing fern-related groups on Yahoogroups, i.e. UK-Ferns and Treeferns, of which some of us are already members.

I extend a warm welcome our charter members and hope that our numbers will grow as news of the group spreads. I am optimistic that the exciting and captivating nature of ferns and lycophytes will ensure that all posts will be relevant, professional and civil, and as such, believe that moderation of the forum will not be necessary. I trust that members will share our sentiments and observe appropriate decorum.

Once again, I bid you welcome and wish you fruitful and productive discussions.

Sincerely,
Gary W. Theseira
Senior Research Officer
Tropical Forest Biodiversity Center (TFBC)
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
52109 Kepong, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia
Tel: +603 62797106
Fax: +603 62731041
E-mail: gtheseira@frim.gov.my