Abstract
Forest fragmentation, the process of changing original large and intact forest patches into smaller and isolated areas, significantly influences the balance of surface physical environment, biodiversity, and species richness. Sufficient knowledge of forest fragmentation is necessary to maintain ecological balance and promote sustainable resource utilization. This study combines remote sensing, geographical information systems, and landscape metrics to assess forest fragmentation at landscape and pixel levels during different time periods (2000–2005, 2005–2010, and 2010–2015) in the Yingkou region. Spatial statistical analysis is also used to analyze the relationship between forest landscape fragmentation and its determinants (e.g., natural factors, socioeconomic factors, and proximity factors). Results show that forest patches became smaller, subdivided, and isolated during 2010–2015 at the total landscape level. Local changes occurred in the southwest of the study region or around the development area. Our data also indicate that shrinkage and subdivision were the main forest fragmentation processes during three times, and attrition became the main forest fragmentation process from 2010 to 2015. These changes were significantly influenced by natural factors (e.g., elevation and slope), proximity factors (e.g., distance to city and distance to province roads), and socioeconomic factors (e.g., gross domestic product). Results presented in this study provide valuable insights into the pattern and processes of forest fragmentation and present direct implications for the protection and reasonable utilization of forest resources.
Highlights
As one of the most significant natural resources, global forests cover approximately 40 million km2 [1]
The results in this study demonstrated that natural factors, proximity factors, and socioeconomic factors significantly influence forest landscape fragmentation from a spatial perspective
Our results revealed that the forest landscape became more subdivided, isolated, and regular between 2010 and 2015 at the total forest landscape level
Summary
As one of the most significant natural resources, global forests cover approximately 40 million km2 [1]. The total global forested area decreased by 3.1% from 1990 to 2015, with a net loss of 70,000 km per year in tropical countries from 2000 to 2010 [1]. Loss of forests contributes to environmental degradation, reduces biodiversity [4,5], and exerts a significant impact on the environmental protection and socioeconomic development [2]. To reverse this situation, the Sustainable Development Goals were widely considered at the United Nations Summit on Sustainable
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