Spatial–temporal patterns of ecological changes in the Dongting Lake region and their responses to climate factors and human activities

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Dongting Lake region is an important ecological and environmental protection zone in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China. Long-term monitoring and evaluation of its ecological environment is of great significance. In this study, the spatio-temporal pattern of ecological condition change and its response to climate factors and human activities in the Dongting Lake region was quantitatively analyzed using RSEI (Remote Sensing Ecological Index) model. The primary conclusions are as follows: (1) The temporal pattern of ecological changes has a small fluctuation period (1990–2007) and a continuous improvement period (2007–2020) with an ecological improvement rate of 1.17% per year. (2) The spatial pattern of ecological changes is directly tied to the land use types in this area. 17.36% of the regions with an excellent ecological level are primarily woodland, whereas 4.45% of the areas with a low ecological level are mostly urban. (3) The deterioration in ecological conditions in urban areas is primarily attributable to human activities, whereas the decline in ecological conditions in surrounding mountainous regions and central agricultural regions is primarily attributable to climate factors. Our research provides valuable support for ecological environment monitoring and management strategy formulation in the Dongting Lake region.