Study of ecological water-demand security in the Linghekou Reserve of north-eastern China, based on landscape pattern

Abstract

Context The socio-economic development and the expansion of urbanisation boundaries are constantly eroding the ecological resources of wetlands, making them deteriorate, weakening their ecological functions and making the phenomenon of water shortage within them obvious. Aim Through the study of water-demand model and water distribution process in coastal wetlands, we cannot only improve the current situation of water shortage within wetlands and optimise water allocation, but also improve the research content of ecological water demand in wetlands. Methods In this study, Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System technology were used to study the landscape distribution characteristics and ecological water demand of the Linghekou Reserve, on the basis of the landscape pattern index and ecological water-demand model. Key results The ecological water demand decreases year by year, with obvious spatial and temporal variability, and the areas with higher ecological water demand are located mainly in the central and southern parts of the reserve. Among the total ecological water demand, the biological habitat has the largest proportion of water demand, and plays an important role in ensuring the water-demand security of the reserve. Conclusion The ecological environment quality of the reserve not only affects the landscape distribution characteristics, but also influences the total ecological water demand. Implications This study provides a research reference for water-shortage problems caused by ecological imbalance, and provides a scientific basis for other wetland-related problems in north-eastern China.