Assessing riparian vegetation structure and the influence of land use using landscape metrics and geostatistical tools

▶ Riparian vegetation structure was described using a combination of landscape metrics. ▶ Proximal agricultural land use had a great effect on the riparian vegetation. ▶ The degradation pattern became stronger with increasing land use pressure. ▶ Degradation is expressed by few and small tree patches with less complex shapes. ▶ Landscape metrics can help to prioritize where to restore or protect riparian zones.