Landscape Ecology Research Articles

Fixing crisis, transforming landscapes: Social, spatial, ecological, and racial fixes in New Deal South Carolina

This article examines the spatial, social, ecological, and racial fixes of the Santee-Cooper Project, a New Deal hydroelectric project constructed between 1938 and 1942 that inundated the homes of 901 Black, Indigenous, and poor White families in central South Carolina. Drawing upon Ruth Wilson Gilmore’s concept of crisis, and Clyde Woods and David Harvey’s notion of the (socio-)spatial fix, the research underscores how the New Deal attempted to address economic, political, and racial crises by implementing a series of fixes aimed at stabilizing economic markets while reshaping ecological and racial landscapes. This article reveals how the New Deal reconfigured Black geographies and ecologies, displacing communities and ecosystems in the name of progress. By scrutinizing local administrative practices and broader regional consequences, the article highlights the far-reaching impacts of state-initiated development amid crises of racial capitalism. The analysis concludes with an attention to the Green New Deal, pushing back against the fixity inherent in the original public works program, and advocating for a nuanced approach to repair in the face of environmental crises. By reassessing the historical significance of the New Deal and the missteps made in the face of early 20th-century crises, this research informs debates on socio-environmental justice and equitable development, offering guidance for navigating crises in the modern era.

Exploring landscape ecological risk with human activity intensity and correlation in the Kuye River Basin

IntroductionThe Kuye River Basin, a typical erosion area of the Loess Plateau region with the second largest tributary of the Yellow River Basin, faces significant environmental challenges and intense human activities. Balancing environmental sustainability and economic development in this region is urgent.MethodsTherefore, this study takes this basin as the object and evaluates the landscape ecological risk and human activity intensity from 2000 to 2022 based on land use/land cover, population distribution and nighttime lighting data. And a geographically weighted regression model was used to reveal the correlation between the two.Results and discussionResults showed that the average landscape ecological risk index in 2000, 2015, and 2022 were 9.01×10-4, 5.61×10-4, and 7.40×10-4, respectively. This shows that the overall landscape ecological risk index is low in the first 15 years and then gradually increases over time. Cultivated land, grassland and construction land are the main landscapes, the expansion of 7.95 times construction land is a key factor in the intensification of human activities, mainly concentrated in the northwest, followed by a gradual expansion towards the south-east, and likewise the landscape ecological risks follow the same trend. Medium to high intensity human activities exacerbate landscape ecological risks, with a significant positive correlation, while low intensity human activities cause little damage to landscape ecology. To achieve sustainability, it is necessary to effectively control construction land and improve land use structure. Then, in the planning work, priority will be given to the northwest region with high human activity intensity and high landscape ecological risks, and the governance direction will gradually shift to the southeast region. These findings provide empirical evidence to support decision-making and underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate landscape ecological risks and promote sustainable development in the Kuye River Basin.

The location of solar farms within England's ecological landscape: Implications for biodiversity conservation.

A global energy transition to using sustainable renewable sources is being driven by global agreements. Simultaneously there is a call for increased biodiversity conservation. This creates a green-green dilemma, where the expansion of renewables could lead to the demise of biodiversity if not carefully assessed, managed and monitored. Recognition of the dilemma is central to the development of Sustainable Development Goals. It is therefore important to understand whether renewable energy sources such as solar farms are being sited in areas where they have minimal impact on biodiversity. If solar farms were sited with minimal impacts on biodiversity, we hypothesised that they would be less likely to be sited close to ecologically sensitive areas than near random points. We used Geographic Information System methods to explore the density of solar photovoltaic (PV) farms in England and assessed their siting relative to sensitive ecological features, including priority habitat types, designated sites, and land conservation initiatives. We compared the area of 25 sensitive ecological features around solar farms and random points across three spatial scales (100m, 1000m, and 6000m radius scales). Solar farms were distributed throughout England, with the highest concentration in South West England. Solar sites were primarily surrounded by habitats with anthropogenic influences, such as agricultural and urban settings. Priority habitats, such as woodland, grassland, wetland and heathland, were more extensive around random points across spatial scales (except for woodland at the largest scale). Most designated sites were significantly more extensive around random points. We conclude that, under current planning regulations, solar sites in England are being placed appropriately with regard to sensitive ecological habitats, and are often sited in areas already impacted by farming and development. Adaptive planning should be implemented to ensure that the evolving research around biodiversity and solar farms is incorporated into decision making, and monitoring is completed across the lifespan of solar farms to assess impacts and effective mitigation.

Constructing ecological network based on multi-objective genetic algorithms: a case study of Changsha City, China

ContextRegional ecological security faces serious threats in a changing world. Ecological network (EN) provides decision-makers with spatial strategies for maintaining ecological security and landscape sustainability via alleviating the contradiction between ecological conservation and economic growth. Despite years of intense and fruitful studies, accurately identifying ecological source patches when facing multiple conflicting objectives still remains a challenge.ObjectivesThis study aimed to propose an advanced framework for recognizing ecological source patches with consideration of multiple objectives and further constructing EN, which would promote a more profound understanding of local ecological condition and provide spatial guidance for ecological conservation planning.MethodsTaking Changsha City as the study area, we evaluated the ecological condition by considering three key ecosystem services, i.e., habitat maintenance, carbon sequestration and water yield using the InVEST model. Ecological source patches were identified using multi-objective genetic algorithms (MOGA) in view of ecosystem services, landscape connectivity and the total area of ecological source patches. Ecological corridors were extracted by applying Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model based on modified ecological resistance surface. The EN was established by combining these ecological source patches with ecological corridors.ResultsThe EN in Changsha City was comprised of 51 ecological source patches and 50 ecological corridors. The ecological source patches were primarily distributed across the eastern and western mountainous areas with the total area of 2842 km2, occupying 24.05% of the study area. There was a clear lack of ecological source patches along the Xiangjiang River owing to the high level of urbanization, which deserved particular attention for ecological restoration. Overall, the identified ecological source patches provided 87.31% of ecosystem service supply and 82.49% of the whole landscape connectivity by occupying 67.09% of the dominant patch area. The depicted ecological corridors formed two clusters in the central and northeastern parts of the study area.ConclusionsThis study offered new insights into accurately identifying ecological source patches by coordinating various conservation objectives. With the application of MOGA, the proposed framework consolidated ecosystem services, landscape connectivity and patch area to effectively delineate core ecological patches.

Long-term effects of underground mining on surface soil moisture and vegetation environment: evidence from the Xishan mining area.

This research aims to study the prolonged effects of underground mining on the ecological environment, particularly on surface soil moisture (SM) and fractional vegetation cover (FVC). Using 21years of data (2000-2020) from the Xishan mining area, a novel quantitative relational model was developed to disentangle the effects of mining activities from those of climate, soil type, and topography. The findings reveal that climatic factors, such as precipitation and air temperature, have significant effects on SM and FVC, while soil type and topographic features are important factors affecting SM and FVC. After years of data analysis, when controlling for factors such as climate, soil, and topography, there were no significant differences in the effects of different mining areas and types of mining activities on SM and FVC. This suggests that the disturbance of mining activities themselves on local hydrology and ecological environment did not exceed the impact range of climate change, surface characteristic changes, and their own restoration capacity. These research findings offer a comprehensive perspective for understanding the impacts of underground mining activities on ecological landscapes and provide a scientific basis for developing effective strategies for ecological conservation and rehabilitation.

Spatial–Temporal Differentiation and Driving Factors of Vegetation Landscape Pattern in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region Based on the ESTARFM Model

Urbanization and industrialization have led to obvious changes in the ecological environment and landscape pattern in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Therefore, it is crucial to clarify the spatial–temporal changes in vegetation cover and its landscape pattern and conduct its analysis with the driving factors for ecological preservation in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. This study combined AVHRR GIMMS NDVI and MODIS NDVI data based on the ESTARFM model to obtain a high spatial–temporal resolution for vegetation cover; it then analyzed the vegetation cover changes at the type and landscape scales using a landscape index and explored the driving factors of the landscape pattern through principal component analysis. The results show that (1) the vegetation is mainly of medium and higher coverage and is distributed in the northeast, the western part of the Taihang Mountains and the central plains in the study area. From 1985 to 2022, there was no statistically significant difference in the overall change in its coverage. (2) From 1985 to 2022, at the landscape level, the vegetation cover landscape exhibited the following characteristics: increased fragmentation, an increase in the complexity of the landscape shape, a decrease in connectivity, a discrete landscape and a decrease in species diversity. At the type level, the medium vegetation demonstrated the most significant degree of fragmentation. The high-vegetation-cover areas exhibited a more concentrated distribution. Additionally, the low, lower and higher vegetation types displayed an increase in complexity, shape, discreteness and heterogeneity within the landscape. (3) Meanwhile, the principal component analysis showed that the changes in the landscape pattern of vegetation cover were mainly the result of the combined effects of climatic and anthropogenic factors in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. The human factor played the dominant role; this was followed by larger contributions from climatic factors. In addition to offering pertinent scientific insights for the maximization of the ecological environment and the fostering of regional ecological and sustainable development in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, the aforementioned analysis and research could serve as the foundation for the sustainable management and planning of vegetation cover.

An in-depth multiscale analysis of farmland abandonment and recultivation dynamics in the Yangtze River Delta, China: A landscape ecology perspective empowered by google earth engine

Farmland abandonment represents the extreme utilization of marginal land and results from the interplay between humans and the environment. In the Yangtze River Delta region of China, a significant economic hub, understanding the landscape patterns and driving mechanisms of farmland abandonment and recultivation land is crucial for regional sustainable development. This study aims to map the extent of farmland abandonment in 2020 and recultivation land in 2021 across the Yangtze River Delta, analyze the landscape patterns of farmland abandonment and recultivation land on multiple scales, and explore their driving mechanisms. Utilizing multi-source data and the Land Use Trajectory Change Method on the Google Earth Engine platform, we classified land use and identified farmland abandonment, fallow land, active farmland, and recultivation land. Spatial statistical analysis was conducted to investigate the distribution and patterns of farmland abandonment and recultivation land at Yangtze River Delta, provincial, and municipal scales. Additionally, a stepwise multiple linear regression model was employed to dissect the main driving forces of farmland abandonment and recultivation land. Results revealed that farmland abandonment in the Yangtze River Delta region exceeded an abandonment rate of 10%, with a reclamation rate in the following year of less than 30%. The spatial distribution of farmland abandonment and recultivation land varied significantly across different scales. On the Yangtze River Delta scale, farmland abandonment was positively influenced by altitude, distance to rivers, and temperature, while recultivation land was positively correlated with night light intensity. At the provincial and municipal scales, the driving forces exhibited scaling effects, with different factors becoming significant. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity of farmland abandonment in the Yangtze River Delta region. The results provide a scientific basis for formulating land use policies, promoting sustainable agricultural development, and ensuring ecological balance. By uncovering the land use status and ecosystem balance influenced by human-environment interactions, this study offers insights into achieving a harmonious coexistence between economy, society, and ecology in the Yangtze River Delta region.

Crop, semi-natural, and water features of the cotton agroecosystem as indicators of risk of infestation of two plant bug (Hemiptera: Miridae) pests.

This study considers concepts and tools of landscape ecology and geographic information systems (GIS) to prioritize insect monitoring in large-scale crops, using the cotton agroecosystem of the Texas Gulf Coast and two plant bug species (Creontiades signatus Distant and Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter) [Hemiptera: Miridae]) as a case study. The two species differed in host plants and time span as cotton pests. C. signatus and P. seriatus abundance in early growth of cotton were regressed on landscape metrics. Comparisons of three approaches to select landscape variables in stepwise multiple regressions were made across spatial scales and two weeks of insect data extracted from monitoring of 21 cotton fields, years 2010 through 2013. The spatial variation of plant bug abundance and the landscape features were substantial, aiding the regression approach. For full stepwise regression models using 18 landscape variables, regression model fit using C. signatus data was modestly better in week one of sampling when C. signatus adults and young nymphs were detected (R 2 range of 0.56 to 0.82), as compared with model fit at week two (R 2 range of 0.49 to 0.77). The smallest scale (2.5 km radius) models had the greatest number of variables selected and highest R 2, while two broader scales (5 and 10 km) and truncating the models to three variables produced a narrower range of R 2s (0.49 to 0.62) and more consistent entry of variables. Wetland composition had a consistent positive association with C. signatus abundance, supporting its association with seepweeds which are common in coastal wetlands. When selected, the composition of cotton and grassland/shrubland/pasture also had a positive association with C. signatus abundance. Aggregation metrics were also relevant, but composition metrics in the models were arguably more easily utilized in prioritizing insect monitoring. In contrast, there were few significant regressions using P. seriatus data, possibly due to the widespread distribution of its weedy host plants and lower abundance. Overall, selected landscape features served as indicators of C. signatus infestation potential in cotton particularly grown near coastal wetlands, but landscape features were not useful for P. seriatus infestation potential in cotton.

Assessing Landscape Fragmentation Dynamics with Fourier Transforms

Abstract Quantifying landscape fragmentation is crucial for understanding its impact on biodiversity. Within landscape ecology, there is an ongoing effort to create metrics that systematically characterize landscape patterns and predict their effects on various species. In this study, we utilized Fourier transforms to measure landscape fragmentation in urban and heterogeneous landscapes over periods of 24 and 12 years, respectively. Analyzing Landsat images from 1986, 1999, and 2010, we focused on the first principal component (PC1) to evaluate changes in fragmentation over time. Our analysis revealed a significant increase in fragmentation in urban areas from 1986 to 2010, with a particularly noticeable rise between 1999 and 2010. Specifically, the average Fourier spectrum decreased slightly from 16.0 to 15.9 throughout the study period, indicating increased fragmentation at both urban and landscape levels. The sensitivity analysis further showed that removing 6,000 cells from the original image caused the mean Fourier spectrum to drop from 16.0 to 15.5, demonstrating the method’s effectiveness in detecting subtle land cover changes. Our findings demonstrated that Fourier analysis effectively detects subtle landscape changes, particularly in larger study areas and over longer time intervals. However, it lacks detailed information on specific types or quantities of altered land cover. To address this limitation, integrating Fourier analysis with land cover classification datasets could enhance understanding of landscape dynamics and support more informed conservation and management decisions.

The role of contaminant risk landscapes in the Anthropocene

Across the planet, human mobilization of chemical pollution and widespread land‐cover changes are key markers of the Anthropocene. However, because they occur at different spatial scales, contaminant mobilization and land‐cover changes are generally studied as separate issues. Landscapes differ in how contaminants are processed and risk manifests. The way that landscapes are altered plays a critical role in the likelihood that any particular place will capture, sequester, and transform contaminants, ultimately impacting bioavailability to people and wildlife. This article introduces a conceptual framework—the “contaminant risk landscape”, which merges perspectives from geochemistry, landscape ecology, and ecotoxicology—to improve understanding of the transport, fate, and impact of toxic contaminants in the natural world. Successful management and mitigation of contaminant toxicity requires a merging of these diverse perspectives and traditions to achieve environmentally just solutions.

Exploring the multispectral acoustic response of reef habitats

In recent decades, the value and utility of multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data has been increasingly recognized within the field of seascape ecology (the ocean-centric equivalent of landscape ecology) to map the bio- and geodiversity of the ocean floor. More recently, multispectral multibeam backscatter has emerged as a promising endeavor in seabed classification, and its acoustic response across multiple frequencies has been studied in a range of substrates. Coral reef systems are an under-represented seabed type within this research, as these shallow water ecosystems are more commonly mapped with optical remote sensing techniques. Further investigation is necessary to determine the extent to which backscatter data can contribute to the characterization of these habitats–especially for reef systems that are beyond the reach of optical remote sensing approaches. This study investigates the multifrequency acoustic response of coral reefs in two study areas on the Abrolhos Shelf, Brazil. Backscatter mosaics and angular response curves (ARC) are investigated to explore the potential applications of these data for enhanced reef seascape characterization. In both survey areas, the acoustic mapping revealed extensive reef features, and the assessment of acoustic response was influenced by reef surface roughness and biological attributes (algal cover). Results contribute significantly to the understanding of multi-frequency signatures in reef seascapes and highlight the potential of backscatter for mapping and monitoring the health of these ecosystems. Herein, the higher frequencies were found to be fundamental for detection of subtle variations in texture in the inter-reef region of both study areas; this underscores the value of employing these frequencies in a multispectral framework for discerning heterogeneities in coarse substrate types. Furthermore, the lower frequencies were indispensable for more precise delineation of reef characteristics in the Abrolhos Channel area, whereas the higher frequencies were the most effective in identifying reefs with epibiotic cover (those characterized by flatter ARC associated with lower backscatter values) in the Forgotten Reefs region.

Effect Verification in Ecological Landscape Design of Riverbank Leisure Space Based on Sketch Line Simulation Analysis

In order to improve the effectiveness of landscape design for riverbank leisure spaces, this article applies sketch line simulation technology to the design of leisure space landscapes, constructs a design model suitable for the needs of modern urban leisure space landscapes near rivers, and automatically generates high fidelity wireframes through hand drawn user interface sketches, thereby improving the efficiency of prototype design. The key to automatically generating high fidelity wireframes is to accurately detect the type and position of UI components from hand drawn UI sketches. In addition, a prototype software tool plugin was implemented to detect hand drawn UI sketches using an improved Faster R CNN and automatically convert the detection results into high fidelity wireframes. Through computer simulation research, we can see that sketch line simulation has a good effect in the landscape design of leisure spaces near riverbanks in cities.

Spatio-temporal evolution and driving factors of landscape pattern in minority villages: a case study of Zahan Village in Hainan Province

Ethnic minority settlements, as an important medium for the transmission of ethnic cultures, are also a key resource for accelerating the development of ethnic minorities and the regions where they are located. Currently, research on landscape patterns focuses on traditional villages and ancient villages, whereas there is a relative lack of discussion on ethnic minority settlements. This study focuses on the multi-ethnic Zahan Village in Hainan Province, adopting the analysis methods of landscape pattern index and land-use transfer matrix, based on the theoretical framework of landscape ecology, to systematically analyze the spatial and temporal characteristics of the landscape pattern of the village and its patterns between 2007 and 2022, and to qualitatively analyze the influencing factors of its landscape changes from two dimensions, namely, humanities and nature. Research findings: (1) As the dominant landscape type, the proportion of woodland (although decreasing year by year) still exceeds 80%, whereas other land types, such as watersheds and grasslands, are gradually transformed into construction land and arable land, whose increment is significant. (2) During the study period, Throughout the study period, the landscape homogeneity of Zahan Village became better and better, the landscape types tended to be richer, and the spatial heterogeneity of the landscape also increased. (3) The area of woodland landscapes shows a decreasing trend from year to year, whereas construction land and arable land show an overall increasing trend, and the area of watersheds and meadows also decreases slightly. (4) The village landscape is mainly spatially “clustered,” concentrated in the center and southern part of the village, with a few “dots” distributed in the east and northwest, and the overall trend is spreading from the center to the periphery. (5) The evolution of village landscapes is influenced by a combination of human factors, including demographic, economic, and policy factors, as well as natural geographic factors, such as topography, climate change, and precipitation. The study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the sustainable development of Zahan Village, as well as valuable experience and inspiration for the optimal development of other minority villages.

Multiscale Effects of Slash-and-Burn Agriculture Across the Tropics: Implications for the Sustainability of an Ancestral Agroecosystem

Slash-and-burn agriculture (SBA) is critical to maintaining rural peoples’ livelihoods. Yet, it causes environmental degradations that challenge its sustainability. Such degradations are often underestimated, as they are usually assessed at the local (stand) scale, overlooking larger-scale impacts. Here, we drew upon existing SBA and landscape ecology knowledge to assess the multiscale abiotic and biotic effects of SBA. This agroecosystem involves four stages (slashing of vegetation, burning of vegetation, farming, and forest recovery) but the SBA research is biased towards biotic impacts, especially during forest recovery. Despite its importance for key abiotic (e.g., soil fertility) and biotic (e.g., species richness) attribute recovery, this stage is typically too short (<10 years) to compensate for the environmental degradation caused by the previous stages. Successional and landscape ecology theory suggests that such compensatory dynamics can promote SBA sustainability in landscapes dominated by old-growth forests. Yet, when old-growth forest loss exceeds certain boundaries, abiotic and biotic SBA impacts may compromise the conservation value and sustainability of this ancient agroecosystem. We highlight that SBA sustainability should be comprehensively assessed by including landscape-scale variables (e.g., percent old-growth forest cover) that may be key for maintaining biodiversity patterns and processes in landscapes where SBA is practiced.

Human-Nature Boundaries: Cultural Heritage, Landscape Ecology, and Healing in the Kumano Kodo

Abstract: The Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage route network in the Kii Peninsula of Japan, serves as a unique case study in the intersection of cultural heritage, landscape ecology, and human-nature relationships. This paper explores the dynamic interactions between human interventions and natural processes along the Kumano Kodo, highlighting how landscape ecology principles illustrate the blurred boundaries between nature and culture. The rewilding of the human-imposed structures, coupled with the restorative experiences of modern pilgrims, reinforces the notion of coexistence rather than dominance over nature. The findings support Turners theory of landscape dynamics and Mortons assertion that the human-nature dichotomy is artificial, showing how human interventions and natural processes coalesce in a living landscape. The study also applies Kaplans Attention Restoration Theory to demonstrate the psychological benefits of engaging with cultural landscapes. However, the research is limited by its focus on a specific demographic of pilgrims and calls for more diverse methodologies in future studies. Broader data collection will offer deeper insights into the long-term psychological effects and cultural significance of such heritage sites.

Novel Method for Evaluating Wetland Ecological Environment Quality Based on Coupled Remote Sensing Ecological Index and Landscape Pattern Indices: Case Study of Dianchi Lake Wetlands, China

Wetlands serve as crucial ecological buffers, significantly influencing temperature reduction, carbon storage, regional climate regulation, and urban wastewater treatment. To elucidate the relationship between wetland landscape patterns and ecological environment, and to accurately assess lake ecosystems, this study proposes a semi-supervised classification method based on RSEI and K-Means. By integrating landscape pattern indices, the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI), and disturbance proximity, a comprehensive evaluation of the ecological quality of the Dianchi wetlands was conducted. The results indicate that the RSEI-K-Means method, with K set to 50, achieved overall accuracies (OAs) and Kappa values of 0.91 and 0.88, surpassing the SVM’s 0.85 and 0.80. This method effectively combines ecological and landscape indices without relying on extensive training samples, enhancing accuracy and speed in wetland information extraction and addressing the challenges of spatial heterogeneity. This study reveals that from 2007 to 2009, and 2013 to 2015, landscape patterns were significantly influenced by the rapid expansion of Kunming city, exacerbating wetland fragmentation. Notably, significant ecological quality changes were observed in 2009 and 2013, with gradual recovery post-2013 due to strengthened environmental protection policies. The RSEI disturbance proximity analysis indicated that the affected areas were primarily concentrated in regions of high human activity, confirming the method’s high sensitivity and effectiveness. This study can help in wetland ecosystem research and management.

Evaluating China’s urbanization trajectory: an overextension or still in progress?

China’s urbanization has undergone a transformative journey since the initiation of the reform and opening-up policy in 1978, catalyzing economic growth while profoundly impacting its ecological and demographic landscapes. This study offers a systematic evaluation of China’s urbanization trajectory over the past 4 decades through the development of an indicator system encompassing three key dimensions: population urbanization, land urbanization, and economic urbanization. Using the entropy method for weight assignment, the analysis reveals a consistent upward trend in China’s comprehensive urbanization, with occasional sharp increases. Although population urbanization influences the overall index, land urbanization has outpaced both population and economic urbanization, indicating a pronounced dependence on land resources. This trend poses a potential risk of unsustainable urban growth if left unaddressed. The findings indicate that to achieve sustainable urban development, China must prioritize balancing the interplay between population and land, moving away from land-dependent strategies, and adopting a more balanced approach to urbanization. The quantitative analysis provides key insights into this imbalance, indicating that policies should integrate land use planning with population dynamics to promote holistic urban growth. Future research should investigate the long-term socio-economic and environmental impacts of land-centric urbanization and propose innovative strategies to guide China towards a sustainable urban future.

An investigation into the shifting landscape preferences of rural residents in Taiwan and their relationship with ecological indicators

Rapid urbanization has significantly altered landscape environments in both urban and rural regions, and these landscapes have been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in human well-being. This study develops a coherent framework that integrates landscape change, landscape ecological indicators, and landscape preferences within the context of the evolving landscape environments of rural communities in Taiwan. Four distinct types of rural communities were selected, and a quantitative methodology was employed to investigate the variations and transformations in landscape preferences among rural residents in the context of landscape change. A qualitative methodology was employed to investigate the relationship between landscape ecological indicators and landscape preferences. The study’s findings indicate significant temporal variations in residents’ landscape preferences, with landscape beauty, stewardship, and coherence emerging as key determinants in the evaluation of these preferences. Landscape ecological indicators were found to be significantly correlated with variables such as landscape complexity, landscape beauty, openness, naturalness, and comprehensive landscape assessment. The findings of this study indicate that design planners, land managers, and public sector organizations can employ multidimensional thinking in the management of rural landscapes to align with the visual aesthetic preferences of rural residents.

Characterization and Classification of Soils of Chamba Block of Tehri Garhwal District of Uttarakhand, India: A Case Study from Lesser Himalayas

In the present study, an attempt was made to characterize and classify the soils occurring on different topography in the Chamba block of Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. A detailed soil survey was carried out by simple random sampling and studying master profiles using Landscape Ecological Unit’s map on 1:10000 scale to study the soils. The high-resolution remote sensing data product derived from the IRS-R2, specifically the LISS-IV data and GIS approaches were used. Nine representative pedons (covering all the soil types) were studied for their morphological, physical and chemical properties. These soils were very shallow to deep, dark grayish brown to dark brown/dark yellowish brown, brown to dark yellowish brown, dark grayish brown to olive brown and very dark grayish brown to dark yellowish brown in colour. Structure of the surface soils varied from sub-angular blocky to disturbed to single grain.Soil texture varied fromsandy loam to sandy loam, sandy loam to loam, loamy sand to sand and loam to clay loam in texture, strongly acidic to acidic (<5.5-6.5) and neutral (6.5-7.5) in reaction. The electric conductivity exhibited a range from 0.17 to 1.83 dS m-1 within surface horizons and from 0.02 to 0.80 dS m-1 within the sub-surface horizons, accompanied by organic carbon content categorized as medium (0.50-0.75%) to high (>0.75%). The exchangeable cations, specifically Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+, demonstrated variability ranging from 4.90 to 10.40, 1.30 to 4.00, 0.39 to 1.01, and 0.44 to 1.27 cmol p+kg-1, respectively, in surface horizons. Base saturation (BS) varied from 80 to 92% in surface horizons and from 68 to 91% in the sub-surface horizons. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) varied between 8.6 to 19.9 cmol p+kg-1 in surface horizons and from 2.7 to 17.2 cmol p+kg-1 in the sub-surface horizons. The soils were classified within the Entisols and Inceptisols orders. To ensure sustainable agricultural production within these soils, it is imperative to implement appropriate management strategies to mitigate the impacts of soil degradation.

Private protected areas and ecological connectivity in Chile

AbstractSpecies extinction rates have accelerated despite the global growth of the protected area estate, and maintaining or restoring ecological connectivity across landscapes is a major challenge in conservation. To address shortfalls in statutory protected areas, the designation of private protected areas (PPA) has been encouraged. Here we assess the level of ecological connectivity in the National System of Protected Areas in Chile (SNASPE) and measure the contribution of PPAs to the connectivity of the system, using novel indicators derived from landscape ecology. In so doing, we demonstrate how countries could report progress towards achieving connectivity among protected areas, using three complementary indicators. Our results show that while SNASPE currently has a high level of ecological connectivity, it varies substantially from region to region, with more protected and connected land needed to enhance connectivity. When PPAs are considered alongside statutory protected areas, connectivity is improved slightly, but still falls well short of meaningful levels. We therefore conclude that substantial expansion of the formal protected area network in Chile needs to happen, guided by a scientific and systematic process that enables the strategic designation of new PAs that enhance the performance of the current PA system and achieves international conservation goals. Additionally, new approaches and frameworks to recognize and manage land outside protected areas for connectivity and other ecosystem services are required.