Is There a Spatial Relationship between Urban Landscape Pattern and Habitat Quality? Implication for Landscape Planning of the Yellow River Basin

Abstract

The extent to which landscape spatial patterns can impact the dynamics and distribution of biodiversity is a key geography and ecology issue. However, few previous studies have quantitatively analyzed the spatial relationship between the landscape pattern and habitat quality from a simulation perspective. In this study, the landscape pattern in 2031 was simulated using a patch-generating simulation (PLUS) model for the Yellow River Basin. Then, the landscape pattern index and habitat quality from 2005 to 2031 were evaluated using the Fragstats 4.2 and the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model. Furthermore, we analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics and spatial spillover effects of habitat quality using spatial autocorrelation analysis. Finally, the spatial association between the landscape pattern index and habitat quality was quantitatively revealed based on a spatial lag model. The simulation results showed that: (1) from 2005 to 2031, the landscape of the Yellow River Basin would be dominated by grassland and unused land, and the areas of construction land and water body will increase significantly, while the area of grassland will decrease; (2) patch density (PD) and Shannon’s diversity index (SHDI) show significant increases, while edge density (ED), landscape shape index (LSI), mean patch area (AREA_MN), and contagion index (CONTAG) decrease; (3) from 2005 to 2031, habitat quality would decrease. The high-value areas of habitat quality are mainly distributed in the upper reaches of the Yellow River Basin, and the low-value areas are distributed in the lower reaches. Meanwhile, both habitat quality and its change rate present positive spatial autocorrelation; and (4) the spatial relationships of habitat quality with PD and COHESION are negative, while ED and LSI have positive impacts on habitat quality. Specifically, landscape fragmentation caused by high PD has a dominant negative influence on habitat quality. Therefore, this study can help decision makers manage future landscape patterns and develop ecological conservation policy in the Yellow River Basin.

Coupling Relationship between Rural Settlement Patterns and Landscape Fragmentation in Woodlands and Biological Reserves—A Case of Nanshan National Park

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“…Following a similar trend from very different perspectives, Zhang et al [ 30 ] analysed quantitatively the spatial relationship between landscape patterns and habitat quality. Zhou et al [ 31 ] explored the relationship between recreational services and tourists’ well-being, while Plutino et al [ 32 ] provided a framework for ecosystem services, regulating services, pollination and human health.…”

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“…Hobq Desert control has embarked on a path with Chinese characteristics, providing a method studied in China for global sustainable development [ 31 ]. At present, the northwest arid area is witnessing rapid development with land use in a transitional state, coupled with the increasingly serious problems of the Yellow River basin in recent years, particularly water shortage, the weakening of resources, and environmental carrying capacity [ 32 , 33 ]. At the same time, Hangjin Banner, the county with the longest flow in the Yellow River basin, is suffering from serious wind erosion and desertification.…”