Abstract

ESCALONA-DOMENECH, Raisa Yarina et al. Quality of the riparian zones in three vegetation cover types in a river of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2021, vol.92, e923526.  Epub Feb 03, 2022. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2021.92.3526.

Quality of the riparian zones, diversity, and structure of the woody vegetation were evaluated in 13 sections of the Margaritas River in Chiapas, Mexico, based on vegetation cover type. Riparian Quality Index (RQI) scores and woody species composition were compared in 3 vegetation cover types surrounding the riparian zones: sub-deciduous tropical forest (S), secondary tree vegetation (VSA), and without tree cover (SCA). RQI scores were different among the 3 vegetation cover types; was greater in the sections with S, followed by the VSA and the SCA. A total of 1,099 individuals from 34 families, 71 genera and 90 species were registered. Alpha diversity was higher in S sections while beta diversity was not modified by coverage types. It was shown that the type of coverage adjacent to the riverbank influences its quality and modifies attributes of the woody riverside vegetation, such as the richness and composition of species and stem density. Other variables such as distance to agricultural areas, altitude, slope and temperature influenced the variation detected in the vegetation between the 3 cover types. This study is relevant for the development of strategies that contribute to the restoration and conservation of riparian vegetation in Mexico.

Keywords : Species composition; Watershed; Diversity; RQI; Land use.