Abstract Vascular epiphytes stand out in tropical forests in terms of diversity. However, no comprehensive review of the group in the Amazon region has been performed so far. We carried out a literature review on the scientific knowledge of vascular epiphytes in the Amazon aiming to identify the main gaps, limitations and perspectives for studies on the subject. Searches were conducted in Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science using inclusion and exclusion criteria. 291 articles published in the period 1933-2022, mostly the 21st century, were included in the review. Brazil was the most studied country. However, knowledge gaps were found in regions located in the Brazilian arc of deforestation as well as in areas of Bolivia, Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname. There was a predominance of studies related to the floristics, systematics and biogeography of spermatophytes and ferns, focusing on the diversity and taxonomy of certain families (e.g. Orchidaceae). However, we found gaps for more comprehensive research, considering population dynamics, dominance (biomass), guidelines for evaluation of epiphyte and systematization of data for Amazon. We indicate the need of studies focused on ecology, floral and reproductive biology, biochemistry, phytochemistry, anatomy and physiology. Future research should also consider the impacts of current trends in deforestation and climatic changes on the diversity of vascular epiphytes in the Amazon.

ABSTRACT Understanding the dynamics of endemic tree component species based on natural regeneration (NR) and adult trees (AT) is essential for formulating conservation strategies for protecting these species. The objective of the present study was to identify endemic species in a preserved area of secondary forest in the Atlantic Forest domain in Brazil and to evaluate their dynamics over 24 years. Based on inventories carried out from 1992 to 2016 of the NR (diameter at breast height - dbh ≤ 5 cm) and of the AT (dbh ≥ 5 cm) in ten sites with different characteristics (physiographic, edaphic, and successional), it was possible to, initially, identify 58 species classified as endemic to Brazil (EBR) and/or those exclusive to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (EAF), among the 226 species in the entire survey. Subsequently, this classification was reassessed based on updated information on its occurrence, and only 38 of these species were maintained as endemic to Brazil and/or to the Atlantic Forest. Some species were recorded in the AT and NR strata, in different sites, throughout the study period, while others occurred in only one level (AT or NR), some with low abundance. Among these endemic species, eight are included in the endangered species lists, and 15 can be classified as rare, as there was only one individual in the survey. Considering the two arboreal strata it was observed that some species were abundant in the forest in all inventories and several sites, while others went throughout the study period with few individuals and, in some cases, disappeared due to mortality. These results contribute to understanding the factors that can affect the local abundance of endemic species over time, allowing the definition of conservation actions for protecting these vulnerable species, thus avoiding their extinction.

RESUMO A compreensão da dinâmica das espécies endêmicas do componente arbóreo, com base na regeneração natural (RN) e nas árvores adultas (AA) é fundamental para a formulação de estratégias de conservação dessas espécies. O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar as espécies endêmicas em uma área preservada de floresta secundária, no domínio da Mata Atlântica, no Brasil, e avaliar sua dinâmica ao longo de 24 anos. Com base em inventários realizados de 1992 a 2016 da RN (diâmetro à altura do peito - dap ≤ 5cm) e das AA (dap ≥ 5 cm), em dez locais com diferentes características (fisiográficas, edáficas e sucessionais), foi possível identificar 58 espécies classificadas como endêmicas do Brasil e/ou àquelas exclusivas da Mata Atlântica brasileira, dentre as 226 espécies de todo o levantamento. Posteriormente, essa classificação foi reavaliada a partir de informações atualizadas de sua ocorrência, sendo que apenas 38 dessas espécies permaneceram como endêmicas do Brasil e/ou da Mata Atlântica. Algumas espécies foram registradas na AA e na RN, em diversos locais, em todo o período do estudo, enquanto outras ocorreram em apenas um nível (AA ou RN), inclusive com baixa abundância. Dentre essas espécies endêmicas, oito estão incluídas em listas de espécies ameaçadas de extinção e 15 podem ser classificadas como raras (apresentaram apenas um indivíduo). Considerando os dois estratos arbóreos, foi observado que algumas espécies permaneceram na floresta em todos os inventários, enquanto outras ingressaram ao longo do período do estudo, com poucos indivíduos, inclusive com elevada mortalidade, deixando de ocorrer na área. Esses resultados contribuem para o entendimento dos fatores que podem afetar a abundância local de espécies endêmicas ao longo do tempo, permitindo a definição de ações de conservação para proteger essas espécies vulneráveis, evitando assim, a sua extinção.