Landscape structure along urban-rural gradients: Aisén river watershed (Aisén region, Chile).

Changes in landscape structure are generally associated to physical, biological and social factors. However, their integrated analysis is rarely done. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution patterns of native vegetation patches and the level of human intervention within the Aisen watershed. The main aim was to establish if the position within urban-rural gradients have some relation with the above patterns. Vegetation units were analyzed in multiple directions considering the city of Coihaique as the main urban center. Results show that the proximity to the city is not correlated with the decrease of areas covered by native vegetation, as well as with a greater level of intervention. However, we found a negative correlation between the level of intervention and the mean patch size. Furthermore, the distribution of land use/land cover patches is strongly influenced by the slope. On the other hand, considering the local socioeconomic context and the currents policies about the use of the territory and its management, it is not possible to use the urban-rural gradient concept as a paradigm that may serve as unique to study the structure of the landscape as proposed by other authors.