Research progress and future perspectives on the landscape ecology of mountainous areas

Analysis of Spatial Differentiation of NDVI and Climate Factors on the Upper Limit of Montane Deciduous Broad-Leaved Forests in the East Monsoon Region of China

“…The Qinling-Daba Mountains mark a significant geographical division, with northern mountainous areas showing a notable trend of increasing annual RAD and southern mountainous areas showing a significant trend in rising annual TMP; mountainous areas with comparatively lower annual PRE demonstrate the fastest rates of increase in annual NDVI. (2) The shortest lag time and cumulation duration in NDVI response were observed for TMP, followed by PRE and RAD. The correlation of NDVI response is strongest with RAD, followed by TMP and PRE, with the correlation between NDVI and these climatic factors generally decreasing from higher to lower latitudes.…”

“…The sixth assessment report on climate change by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities have led to an increase of approximately 1.1 • C in global temperatures since the period 1850-1950; projections suggest that global temperatures will likely reach or exceed 1.5 • C within the next 20 years [1]. Against the backdrop of global warming, habitat conditions in mountain landscapes have experienced notable changes [2]. Engler et al conducted simulation studies on 2632 representative species across European mountain ranges with established long-term observation sites; they predict that in a scenario where temperatures rise by 1.8 • C, between 19% and 46% of mountain forest species are at risk of losing up to 80% of their suitable habitats [3].…”

“…Körner posits that temperature acts as a limiting factor for tree line positions, suggesting an upward shift of these tree lines amid warming conditions [6]. This phenomenon exhibits spatial heterogeneity on a global level: Wang et al reviewed the literature and revealed that among 179 sampling points in the Northern Hemisphere, approximately 56% of tree line positions in Europe and North America demonstrated upward movement, compared to 64% in Asia [2]. Certain areas that remain unchanged might be influenced by terrain conditions [7] and wind speed [8], potentially hindering the upward movement of forest lines.…”

Progress in the Research of Features and Characteristics of Mountainous Rural Settlements: Distribution, Issues, and Trends

“…Zeng, X. et al analyzed suitable landscape development patterns for mountainous rural settlements from an ecological perspective, and they found that local improvements in the ecological environment would promote the economic income of rural residents and enhance their quality of life [134]. The impact of climate change on the vital components of mountainous landscape ecology is one of the reasons leading to changes in the treeline pattern and biodiversity [24]. In recent years, some researchers have begun to explore the mechanisms and risk mitigation strategies related to the formation of features and characteristics of mountainous rural settlements based on ecological protection objectives.…”

“…Viewed from the perspective of mountainous human habitat science, the research on features and characteristics of mountainous rural settlements can be categorized into the following two main themes [17]: (1) The study of the relationship between basic elements of mountainous environments and the development of rural settlement human habitats. The fundamental elements of mountainous environments include terrain, rivers, complex topography, climate, and ecological components [24]. (2) The "Four-in-One" strategy for mountainous human habitat development (urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and technical support) has generated new scientific meanings and problem-solving approaches in complex mountainous environments.…”