Ecological condition of the riverbanks of the Cacaluta river, Chiapas, México

Objective To evaluate the bank quality of the river Cacaluta, Chiapas, Mexico, using a structural and functional approach applying the RQI index. Design/methodology/approach: Twenty-six sites were evaluated based on their characteristics and location in the watershed. Surveys were performed using line transects between 180 and 550 m, and approximately 2-3 km apart. Overall. Results show a river with important degradation signs, three sites show good quality, while twenty-two sites show moderate quality, ten sites show poor quality, and one site has bad quality. The most affected attributes were width of the riverbank, longitudinal continuity, vegetation structure and composition, and vegetation diversity and regeneration. The study sites far from rural areas and of difficult access show better quality and conserved riverbank. The presence of human settlements, livestock, agriculture, and river canalization and dredging are the influential activities that result in poor quality sites. Limitations on study/implications: No limitations were identified; however, further evaluations are needed. Findings/conclusions: the development model implemented in the Cacaluta river basin does not represent any guarantee of sustainability for ecological functioning of the river, since the change and use of land adjacent to the riverbanks and the uncontrolled population growth implies significant pressure on riverbanks