Construction and Optimization of the Ecological Network in Yimen County Based on MSPA and Landscape Connectivity

Purpose To construct and optimize the ecological network in Yimen County, providing reference for local biodiversity conservation.

Methods The morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) method was used to identify ecological source areas, and an integrated ecological cost surface was constructed, considering both anthropogenic and natural factors. The minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model and gravity model were used to extract and screen ecological corridors and to construct the ecological network in Yimen County.

Results 1) The ecological source areas were mainly distributed in the high-quality habitat areas, which distributed in the northeast and central parts of Yimen County, while the distribution was less in the east-central and southern parts due to human activities. 2) The integrated ecological cost surface showed that: higher resistance in the east-central and western parts of the county, and lower resistance in the south-central and northern parts. A total of 45 potential corridors were identified through least-cost path analysis, and 15 important corridors were extracted by the gravity model, and the spatial distribution of ecological corridors was uneven and short in length. The grid analysis verified that: the value of α, β, and γ was 0.40, 1.50, and 0.63, respectively, indicating low network connectivity with missing connections in the north and south, which might affect species dispersal.

Conclusion To optimize the ecological network in Yimen County, it is recommended to add eight new ecological sources and 16 planned corridors. It is also recommended to implement graded protection for ten important ecological nodes and 23 general ecological nodes, and to identify and restore 24 ecological breakpoints. The results provide a scientific basis for the optimization of urban ecological network.