Quién tiene la culpa: el deterioro de una comunidad de peces pobre en especies en una red hídrica de montaña bajo diferentes presiones humanas

Abstract

Abstract: Anthropogenic activities have a significant impact on fish communities in river systems, causing substantial modifications in their composition, diversity, and abundance. Therefore, we have proposed to assess the impact of these activities on the size and abundance of fish populations in the streams located in the Loja Basin. To this end, systematic sampling was conducted in most of the streams in the region, supplemented with comprehensive analyses of physicochemical water parameters. It has been observed that there is a higher population density and body size of fish in those sites characterized by a predominant land use of forest and pasture. Additionally, these same sites exhibited the most favorable values in terms of Water Quality Index (WQI). The results obtained not only serve as a reference for future research but also provide a deeper understanding of the impact of anthropogenic activities and offer guidance for the design and implementation of appropriate mitigation measures.