Abstract
With the continued social and economic development of northern China, landscape fragmentation has placed increasing pressure on the ecological system of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region. To maintain the integrity of ecological processes under the influence of human activities, we must maintain effective connections between habitats and limit the impact of ecological isolation. In this paper, landscape elements were identified based on a kernel density estimation, including forests, grasslands, orchards and wetlands. The spatial configuration of ecological networks was analysed by the integrated density index, and a natural breaks classification was performed for the landscape type data and the results of the landscape spatial distribution analysis. The results showed that forest and grassland are the primary constituents of the core areas and act as buffer zones for the region’s ecological network. Rivers, as linear patches, and orchards, as stepping stones, form the main body of the ecological corridors, and isolated elements are distributed mainly in the plain area. Orchards have transition effects. Wetlands act as connections between different landscapes in the region. Based on these results, we make suggestions for the protection and planning of ecological networks. This study can also provide guidance for the coordinated development of the BTH region.
Highlights
Ecological networks are frequently discussed with regard to nature conservation and land use planning [1,2,3,4] and represent an important element for resolving issues related to species and habitat protection [5,6]
The kernel density estimation (KDE) results for forest were 0–95.75 points/km2, which was divided into high-density (69.85–95.75 points/km2), medium high-density (49.95–69.84 points/km2), medium-density (29.30–49.94 points/km2), medium low-density (9.77–29.29 points/km2) and low-density (0–9.76 points/km2) values by the natural breaks classification
Methods were proposed for analysing the spatial configurations of ecological networks at the regional level, which can be very effective for the protection and planning of ecological networks
Summary
Ecological networks are frequently discussed with regard to nature conservation and land use planning [1,2,3,4] and represent an important element for resolving issues related to species and habitat protection [5,6]. Ecological networks can protect biological and landscape diversity and promote the sustainable development of land use patterns. The fragmentation of natural habitats and landscapes is aggravated by urbanization, associated land development and transport network construction [18,19]. Irrational urban planning and land use patterns, excessive resource consumption and unexpected socio-economic development are the main factors underlying damage to regional ecosystems, including the island effect of urban areas on ecosystems [20,21]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
