Assessing Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Habitat Quality under Urbanization Stress in Guangdong Province: An inVEST-MGWR Analytical Approach

Abstract

Amid Guangdong Province's swift urban growth, our research delves into the habitat quality's spatiotemporal trends and underlying factors over the 2000-2018 period, employing the InVEST model and MGWR, grounded on comprehensive land-use data. Results indicate a relatively constant habitat quality index, averaging from 0.78 to 0.8, yet with marked regional variations: the north showing higher values than the southern, especially in the Pearl River Delta. The analysis highlights the positive role of natural elements like terrain and plant life in enhancing habitat quality. On the other hand, anthropogenic influences, including growing urban light pollution and population increase, have been detrimental. Additionally, landscape indices such as the largest patch and shape indices, and diversity in landscape, negatively impact habitat quality. These findings point to the crucial balance needed between developmental goals and ecological preservation, underlining the need to protect natural environments for sustainable progress.