ATLANTIC EPIPHYTES: a data set of vascular and non-vascular epiphyte plants and lichens from the Atlantic Forest

Epiphytes are hyper-diverse and one of the frequently undervalued life forms in plant surveys and biodiversity inventories. Epiphytes of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, have high endemism and radiated recently in the Pliocene. We aimed to (1) compile an extensive Atlantic Forest data set on vascular, non-vascular plants (including hemiepiphytes), and lichen epiphyte species occurrence and abundance; (2) describe the epiphyte distribution in the Atlantic Forest, in order to indicate future sampling efforts. Our work presents the first epiphyte data set with information on abundance and occurrence of epiphyte phorophyte species. All data compiled here come from three main sources provided by the authors: published sources (comprising peer-reviewed articles, books, and theses), unpublished data, and herbarium data. We compiled a data set composed of 2,095 species, from 89,270 holo/hemiepiphyte records, in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, recorded from 1824 to early 2018. Most of the records were from qualitative data (occurrence only, 88%), well distributed throughout the Atlantic Forest. For quantitative records, the most common sampling method was individual trees (71%), followed by plot sampling (19%), and transect sampling (10%). Angiosperms (81%) were the most frequently registered group, and Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae were the families with the greatest number of records (27,272 and 21,945, respectively). Ferns and Lycophytes presented fewer records than Angiosperms, and Polypodiaceae were the most recorded family, and more concentrated in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Data on non-vascular plants and lichens were scarce, with a few disjunct records concentrated in the Northeastern region of the Atlantic Forest. For all non-vascular plant records, Lejeuneaceae, a family of liverworts, was the most recorded family. We hope that our effort to organize scattered epiphyte data help advance the knowledge of epiphyte ecology, as well as our understanding of macroecological and biogeographical patterns in the Atlantic Forest. No copyright restrictions are associated with the data set. Please cite this Ecology Data Paper if the data are used in publication and teaching events. © 2019 The Authors. Ecology © 2019 The Ecological Society of Americ

Peaceful Purposes Reservations in the Law of the Sea Convention and the Regulation of Military Exercises or Maneuvers in the Exclusive Economic Zone

The definition of peaceful purposes reservations (PPRs) in the Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC) is still elusive. Some scholars argue that its meaning is similar to the content of Article 301, LOSC, the prohibition of the use of force. Another group claims that such a narrow interpretation is inadequate and instead argues for a broader understanding that includes more than just the prohibition of the use of force. Whereas broad interpretations regarding PPRs in the international seabed area (Area) and on the high seas do not seem to prosper, the broad interpretations of PPRs in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) are still worth discussing; many developing states restrict foreign military exercises or maneuvers (MEMs) in their EEZs by claiming that such activities are non-peaceful. Against this background, this Article asks whether the PPR restricts third states’ abilities to conduct MEMs in their EEZs. This investigation analyzes whether a broad interpretation of PPRs (especially regarding the EEZ) can be justified considering contemporary international law. To provide a comprehensive answer, this Article also examines the prohibition of the use of force in the EEZ as contained in Article 301, LOSC, and its influence on the lawfulness of MEMs. By tackling these topics, this Article aims to help understand the nature of military activities in EEZs, which are still controversial today and bear great political relevance to American foreign policy, including but not limited to activities in the South China Sea