Vascular Epiphyte Diversity in a Key Atlantic Forest Remnant from Minas Gerais State, Southeastern Brazil

Abstract Vascular epiphytes contribute significantly to the biodiversity of tropical forests. We aimed to identify the epiphyte species occurring in the Muriqui Trail at Serra do Brigadeiro State Park (SBSP), a priority area for Atlantic forest conservation in southeastern Brazil. We selected 10 phorophytes, from which we sampled epiphytes and took light intensity measurements at three strata: up to 4 m, 4 to 8 m, and above 8 m. Phorophytes represented eight species, eight genera, and six families. We found 25 epiphytic species from 17 genera and nine families. Ferns showed highest richness, especially Polypodiaceae. We report herein important data on epiphyte diversity in eastern Minas Gerais state (Zona da Mata), including the occurrence of species rarely cited in surveys. Fomenting local conservation along with environmental education may be pivotal for counteracting anthropic pressure on SBSP.

摘要：维管附生植物（vascular epiphytes）对热带森林生物多样性具有显著贡献。本研究旨在探明巴西东南部大西洋森林保护优先区域——布里加德罗山州立公园（Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, SBSP）穆里基步道内的附生植物物种。研究选取10株附生宿主植物（phorophyte），对其附生植物进行采样，并在三个层位（0~4米、4~8米及8米以上）开展光照强度测定。所选附生宿主植物涵盖8个物种、8个属及6个科。本次调查共记录附生植物25种，隶属于17个属、9个科，其中蕨类植物的物种丰富度最高，尤以水龙骨科（Polypodiaceae）为甚。本研究报道了米纳斯吉拉斯州东部马塔地带（Zona da Mata）附生植物多样性的重要调查数据，包含若干在既往野外调查中鲜有记载的物种。推动本地保护与环境教育协同实施，或是缓解布里加德罗山州立公园所面临的人为干扰压力的关键举措。