The Amazon Epiphyte Network: A First Glimpse Into Continental-Scale Patterns of Amazonian Vascular Epiphyte Assemblages

Epiphytes are still an understudied plant group in Amazonia. The aim of this study was to identify distributional patterns and conservation priorities for vascular epiphyte assemblages (VEA) across We compiled the largest Amazonian plot database date, through a multinational collaborative effort 22 researchers 32 field sites located four countries – Epiphyte Network (AEN). addressed following continental-scale questions by utilizing AEN comprising 96,448 individuals, belonging 518 taxa, growing on 10,907 tree individuals (phorophytes). Our objectives here are, first, present qualitative evaluation geographic distribution highlight regional lacunae as future quantitative inventories. Second, floristic Amazonia-wide VEA third, combine multivariate analyses rank abundance curves, controlled major habitat types, determine how vary geographically ecologically based types. Three most striking found that: (1) spatially structured similarity decays with distance; (2) core oligarchic taxa account more than half all individuals; (3) extensive sampling gaps exist, mainly highly threatened southern deforestation belt. This work represents first step toward unveiling pattern VEA, which is important guide ecology species ranges once grows allowing clearer view patterns.