Epiphytes comprise about 10 % of the world's total vascular
flora and in some humid tropical forests may be the most species-rich
life form. Growing on trees, their fate is tied to that of their hosts and
they are threatened by the loss of tropical forests. How many and which
species are lost depends on the type and magnitude of disturbance and
the type of vegetation that replaces the original forest, but very little is
known about epiphyte diversity in other than primary forests. The
available examples include isolated trees, secondary forests, orchards
and coffee plantations. The studies suggest that the performance,
survival and distribution of epiphytes in disturbed forests or secondary
vegetation are influenced by stand density and microclimate, distance
from seed source, tree size and sometimes tree species, type and history
of disturbance, population dynamics of epiphytes and trees, and epiphyte
physiology. Being sensitive to disturbance and microclimate, and
because of their importance for tropical forest ecology, epiphytes may
serve as indicators or guides for careful management. Such data are
important to manage the landscape in tropical countries in a way that
minimises negative effects on biodiversity