XVI International Botanical Congess

The Atlantic rain forest is one of three large rain forest blocks in the Neotropics, covering a narrow strip along the eastern coast of Brazil. Data are presented on its foliicolous lichen flora. Including lichenicolous fungi, the area shelters more than 300 species. Most have a wide distribution, while few are endemic. From south to north, a humidity gradient is observed which results in decreasing diversity. In the northern part, the small remnants of the Atlantic rain forest are affected by ongoing degradation. Comparison of different localities demonstrates that their foliicolous lichen assemblies represent depauperate, partly stochastical relicts of previously richer floras. It is concluded that single reserves cannot provide for representative conservation purposes. Instead, an integrative concept is necessary to conserve as much original diversity of the Atlantic rain forest as possible.