Dynamic Changes in Landscape Connectivity of the Ecological Zone around Fuxian Lake

Purpose To study the dynamic changes in landscape connectivity of the ecological zone around Fuxian Lake, providing references for the ecological protection of Fuxian Lake.

Methods Based on land use/land cover change (LUCC) data for five periods from 2000 to 2020, this study employed morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and graph theory to evaluate the landscape patterns and connectivity changes of the ecological zone around Fuxian Lake. The patch importance index was used to classify and quantify the importance of core patches.

Results 1) Over the past 20 years, cultivated land decreased by 54.28 km², while forest land increased by 69.60 km², with significant conversions occurring between these two and grassland. 2) MSPA results showed that core patches accounted for more than 40% of the total area, while the highest numbers were observed for branch and edge patches. A clear correlation was found between the proportion and number of most patch types, except for core and bridge patches. In 2010, the landscape components peaked, corresponding to a reduction of 108.23 km² in equivalent connected area and a 26.67% decline in degree of network connectivity, indicating significant structural and connectivity changes in ecological land. 3) The higher the patch importance level, the greater the proportion of forest land, while forest land-to-cultivated land conversions were identified as the main cause of the sharp decline in landscape connectivity.

Conclusion The northwestern region of the ecological zone is currently the critical hub for maintaining the existing landscape connectivity and requires prioritized protection. These findings provide a scientific basis for the protection and management of key areas in the ecological zone, and offer insights for optimizing the ecological network and improving landscape patterns around Fuxian Lake.