Landscape Suitability Research Articles

Modeling climate change impacts on the distribution of an endangered brown bear population in its critical habitat in Iran

Climate change is one of the major challenges to the current conservation of biodiversity. Here, by using the brown bear, Ursus arctos, in the southernmost limit of its global distribution as a model species, we assessed the impact of climate change on the species distribution in western Iran. The mountainous forests of Iran are inhabited by small and isolated populations of brown bears that are prone to extinction in the near future. We modeled the potential impact of climate change on brown bear distribution and habitat connectivity by the years 2050 and 2070 under four representative concentration pathways (RCPs) of two general circulation models (GCMs): BCC-CSM1-1 and MRI-CGCM3. Our projections revealed that the current species' range, which encompasses 6749.8 km2 (40.8%) of the landscape, will decline by 10% (2050: RCP2.6, MRI-CGCM3) to 45% (2070: RCP8.5, BCC-CSM1-1). About 1850 km2 (27.4%) of the current range is covered by a network of conservation (CAs) and no-hunting (NHAs) areas which are predicted to decline by 0.64% (2050: RCP2.6, MRI-CGCM3) to 15.56% (2070: RCP8.5, BCC-CSM1-1) due to climate change. The loss of suitable habitats falling within the network of CAs and NHAs is a conservation challenge for brown bears because it may lead to bears moving outside the CAs and NHAs and result in subsequent increases in the levels of bear-human conflict. Thus, re-evaluation of the network of CAs and NHAs, establishing more protected areas in suitable landscapes, and conserving vital linkages between habitat patches under future climate change scenarios are crucial strategies to conserve and manage endangered populations of the brown bear.

Harnessing the Potentiality of Farm Landscape for Trees Based on Satellite Evaluation: A GIS Modeling Perspective

Increasing agroforestry areas is an important step to adapt to climate change, increase food security, and have many ecological and socio-economical benefits. Proper planning and strategies are required for the assessment of land potential and selection of suitable land for the multifunctional benefits of agroforestry. Remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) tools are widely used to identify the priority areas for agroforestry and policy-making. The multi-high resolutions of Google pro mosaicked images were used as a base map for precision, detailed analysis, and valid interpretation. To identify the farm landscape suitability areas in the Belpada block of Belangiri district, Odisha, a GIS modeling approach was used based on satellite data measurement. The post-monsoon multi-date monthly cloud-free Landsat-8 data and products of the Digital Elevation Model were used to understand the farm landscape characteristics of agroforestry. Soil wetness, slope, drainage, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were used in the preparation of landscape suitability analysis. Overall 27.8% (134.16 sq. km) of land was highly suitable, 50.0% (241.85 sq. km) of land was moderately suitable and 19.7% (94.98 sq. km) was marginally suitable and the remaining 2.5% (12.01 sq. km) of land was found unsuitable for agroforestry. Out of 116 villages, 14 villages are found with high (greater than 70%) farmland potentiality, the highest is found in the Jalia village. The moderate and highly suitable land/villages should be given preference for tree-based farming in various agroforestry arrangements. The high-resolution farm landscape potential grid maps were produced for the first time which was earlier a research gap in the past that will support micro-level agroforestry planning. There is a need for a robust synergic approach when integrated with native and multifunctional trees in potentially suitable agroforestry farmland with adequate watershed management and conservation practices enriched with indigenous knowledge that will significantly support achieving the many sustainable development goals (SDGs) up to the smallest unit (village) level.

Shifting landscape suitability for cocaine trafficking through Central America in response to counterdrug interdiction

Cocaine traffickers, or ‘narco-traffickers’, successfully exploit the heterogeneous landscapes of Central America for transnational smuggling. Narco-traffickers successfully adapt to disruptions from counterdrug interdiction efforts by spatially adjusting smuggling routes to evade detection, and by doing so bring collateral damages, such as deforestation, corruption, and violence, to new areas. This study is novel for its integration of landscape suitability analysis with criminological theory to understand the locations of these spatial adaptations by narco-traffickers as intentional, logical, and predictable choices based on the socio-environmental characteristics of Central America’s landscapes. Multi-level, mixed effects negative binomial regression models predict the suitability of landscapes for cocaine trafficking across 17 departamentos (the unit of analysis) in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama from 2007 to 2018. Informed by long-term research in the region, independent variables included proximity to roads, country borders, and international ports, indigenous territories, population density, and protected areas. The year of peak interdiction (measured by kg of cocaine seized) in each departamento was used to analyze spatial shifts in landscape suitability before and after maximum counterdrug interdiction pressure. We find that areas with lower population density and closer proximity to international borders became more suitable following peak interdiction—i.e, they are more likely to be sought out by traffickers seeking to avoid further disruptions from counternarcotic efforts. Additionally, indigenous territories were disproportionately exploited as cocaine trafficking routes following significant interdiction activities by law enforcement. While interdiction may reduce the suitability of targeted locations, it can also unintentionally increase the attractiveness of other locations. Our study pushes criminological theory through its application to a unique space/time context, and it advances land system science by considering landscape suitability for logistical rather than productive uses. Policy implications are clear. Since interdiction resources are limited relative to the overall amount of trafficking activity, knowing which landscape features are viewed as suitable by traffickers can in the short-term guide interdiction deployment strategies, and in the longer term build strategies to mitigate associated harms from trafficking where they are most likely.

Multi‐scale habitat selection of key frugivores predicts large‐seeded tree recruitment in tropical forest restoration

AbstractLarge‐seeded, animal‐dispersed (LSAD) trees include some of the most valuable and threatened species in the tropics, but they are chronically underrepresented in regenerating forests. Toucans disperse many LSAD species, so attracting toucans to regenerating forests should help re‐establish more diverse tree communities. We ask: (1) What constitutes suitable toucan habitat in premontane southern Costa Rica? (2) How much do small‐scale restoration strategies influence toucan visitation compared to landscape‐scale habitat suitability outside of restoration sites? (3) How well does toucan visitation predict the richness of LSAD tree species recruiting into regenerating forests? We combined habitat suitability models with long‐term toucan observations and comprehensive tree recruitment surveys to assess these questions in a multi‐site forest restoration experiment. Restoration treatments included tree plantations, natural regeneration, and applied nucleation. Habitat suitability obtained by modeling for three sympatric toucan species was predicted by elevation and the extent and age of landscape forest cover. Within suitable landscapes, toucans visited areas restored via tree planting ≥5 yr sooner and ≥2× more often than plots restored via natural regeneration. Tree plantations in suitable toucan habitat at the landscape scale had LSAD tree recruitment communities that were 2–3× richer in species than plantations in poor toucan habitat, and 71% (15/21) of all recruiting LSAD tree species were found only in plantations where landscape habitat was suitable for the largest toucan, Ramphastos ambiguus. Results support a multi‐spatial‐scale model for predicting toucan‐mediated dispersal of LSAD trees. Tree planting increases toucan visitation and LSAD tree recruitment, but only within landscapes that represent suitable toucan habitat. More broadly, habitat suitability modeling for key seed dispersers can help prioritize restoration actions within heterogenous landscapes.

Analisis Kesesuaian Lahan Lanskap Candi Sumberawan Sebagai Objek Wisata Sejarah di Singosari Kabupaten Malang

Land suitability analysis of the Sumberawan Temple landscape as a historical tourist attraction in Singosari, Malang Regency. Sumberawan Temple is located in Toyomarto Village, Singosari District, Malang Regency. The Sumberawan Temple area has a natural landscape, unique landscape beauty, historical buddhist temple buildings and preserved flora and fauna so that it has the potential to be developed into historical tourism objects. However, the absence of land suitability analysis for tourism in Sumberawan Temple, could possibly threaten and lose its historical value. This study aimed to analyze the land suitability of theSuberawan Temple landscape as a historical tourist attraction in Singosari, Malang Regency. Data collection techniques used in this study were quantitative descriptive methods. While the method of analysis was the method of land suitability analysis consisting of topography analysis, soil characteristics, hydrology, and land cover. The results showed that the development of a suitable area of Candi Sumberawan was 12,96 Ha (82%) and a very suitable area was 2,84 Ha (18%) of the total area of 15,80 Ha (100%).

Macroscale climate change predictions have little influence on landscape-scale habitat suitability

Although a few studies have addressed the combined effects of climate change and habitat loss on biodiversity at a regional scale, the extent to which climate change will impact species occurrence at the landscape scale remains unclear. We evaluated the potential effects of climate change at the landscape scale for 11 bird species endemic to the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot. We quantified current and future climatic suitability for each species using ecological niche models, and quantified habitat amount and structure using connectivity analyses. Climate and landscape suitability were then combined using two approaches, which differed in the spatial scale at which climate was quantified. First, we incorporated climate at patch-level into the probability of connectivity (PC) index, obtaining a Combined Landscape Suitability (CLS) index. Second, we multiplied climate at landscape-level with PC. Climatic suitability at the landscape scale was predicted to vary little (<3%) from current to future conditions and there was a high correlation between current and future CLS and PC x climate, regardless of the method used and species’ trait differences (r ≥ 0.95 for all species). Landscapes that currently have the highest suitability for birds are likely to remain highly suitable in the future, regardless of climate change. For Atlantic Forest endemic birds, our results suggest that climate change will have minor effects on landscape-level, which does not exclude potential impacts at a regional scale. This study supports the growing perception that, in tropical regions, land-use change is an urgent threat to biodiversity.

Landscape Structure of Woody Cover Patches for Endangered Ocelots in Southern Texas

Few ecological studies have explored landscape suitability using the gradient concept of landscape structure for wildlife species. Identification of conditions influencing the landscape ecology of endangered species allows for development of more robust recovery strategies. Our objectives were to (i) identify the range of landscape metrics (i.e., mean patch area; patch and edge densities; percent land cover; shape, aggregation, and largest patch indices) associated with woody vegetation used by ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), and (ii) quantify the potential distribution of suitable woody cover for ocelots across southern Texas. We used the gradient concept of landscape structure and the theory of slack combined with GPS telemetry data from 10 ocelots. Spatial distribution of high suitable woody cover is comprised of large patches, with low shape-index values (1.07–2.25), patch (27.21–72.50 patches/100 ha), and edge (0–191.50 m/ha) densities. High suitability landscape structure for ocelots occurs in 45.27% of woody cover in southern Texas. Our study demonstrates a new approach for measuring landscape suitability for ocelots in southern Texas. The range of landscape values identified that there are more large woody patches containing the spatial structure used by ocelots than previously suspected, which will aid in evaluating recovery and road planning efforts.

The cultural landscape of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly riverfront in Kolkata, India: studies on its built and natural heritage

PurposeThe paper introduces a lesser-known cultural landscape along the sacred Bhagirathi-Hooghly river in the Indian city of Kolkata, with particular reference to its built and natural heritage. The narratives cover the cultural and ecological qualities of the unique “ghat-scape” (riverfront pavilions with steps descending into the river) and their contemporary urban challenges. It also explores the suitability of the Historic Cultural Landscape (HCL) tools, or their adapted versions, in managing this exceptional landscape.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is structured under six discrete sections covering the inventory and assessment, interpretation and evaluation and possible roadmap for the ecological restoration of the riverfront cultural landscape. Primary and secondary studies were conducted to understand the related challenges and opportunities. The authors then examined the application of the HCL tools based on a conceptual framework and identified the alternative approaches suitable for its restoration. Finally, a successfully restored ghat environ is taken as a model and reviewed against the most potent approach in addressing the eco-cultural criticalities.FindingsThe paper argues in favour of a paradigm shift from riverfront “development” to riverfront “restoration” with particular emphasis on the ghat-architecture. Three eco-cultural restoration alternatives were derived out of the HCL principles. A practical case study found that a community-led approach positively influences restorative actions, cultural heritage management and long-term sustainability.Originality/valueThe HCL tools comprising planning, regulatory systems, financial designs and community engagement have been explored for the first time in the context of the unique riverfront “ghatscape” of Kolkata. An under-discussed topic, it has been brought to the centre stage to gain new insights into the Indian cultural landscape heritage. An HCL-based new approach in their management came forth through a review of a successful case study.

Assessing Ecosystem and Urban Services for Landscape Suitability Mapping

Ecosystem services (ES) and urban services (US) can comparably improve human well-being. Models for integrating ES and US with unexpressed and objective needs of defined groups of stakeholders may prove helpful for supporting decisions in landscape planning and management. In fact, they could be applied for highlighting landscape areas with different characteristics in terms of services provided. From this base, a suitability spatial assessment model (SUSAM) was developed and applied in a study area considering different verisimilar scenarios that policy makers could analyse. Each scenario is based on the prioritization of a set of services considering a defined group of stakeholders. Consistent and comparable ES and US indices of spatial benefiting areas (SBA) of services were calculated using GIS spatialization techniques. These indices were aggregated hierarchically with the relevance of services according to a spatial multicriteria decision analysis (S-MCDA). Results include maps for each scenario showing detailed spatial indices of suitability that integrate the local availability of SBA of ES and US, along with their relevance. The results were compared with known landscape classes identified in previous studies, which made it possible to interpret the spatial variation of suitability in the light of known landscape features. A complete sensitivity analysis was performed to test the sensitiveness of the model’s outputs to variations of judgements and their resistance to the indicators’ variation. The application of the model demonstrated its effectiveness in a landscape suitability assessment. At the same time, the sensitivity analysis and helping to understand the model behaviour in the different landscape classes also suggested possible solutions for simplifying the whole methodology.

Setting priority conservation management regions to reverse rapid range decline of a key neotropical forest ungulate

Mammals are important components of biodiversity that have been drastically and rapidly impacted by climate change, habitat loss, and anthropogenic pressure. Understanding key species distribution to optimize conservation targets is both urgent and necessary to reverse the current biodiversity crisis. Herein, we applied habitat suitability models for a key Neotropical forest ungulate, the white-lipped peccary (WLP Tayassu pecari), to investigate the effects of climate and landscape modifications on its distribution, which has been drastically reduced in Brazil. We used 318 primary records of WLP to derive habitat suitability maps across Brazil. Our models included bioclimatic, topographic, landscape, and human influence predictors in two modelling approaches. Models including all categories of predictors obtained the highest predictive ability and showed prevalence of suitable areas in forested regions of the country, covering 49% of the Brazilian territory. Filtering out small forest fragments (<2050 ha) reduced the suitable area by 5%, with a further reduction of 4% that was caused by deforestation until 2020, therefore until 2020, the species has suffered a reduction of ~60% from its historical range in Brazil. Of the 40% of the Brazilian territory suitable to WLP, only 12% is protected. In the Atlantic Forest, only half of all protected areas have suitable habitat for WLP and even less in Pantanal (44%), Cerrado (14%) and Caatinga (7%). In a second modelling approach, mapping the areas with suitable climate and those with suitable landscapes separately, allowed us to identify four categories of conservation values, and showed that only 17% of the Brazilian territory has both high landscape and climatic suitability for WLP. Our models can help inform complementary conservation management strategies and actions that could be essential in slowing down and possibly reversing current trends of population and geographic range reductions for the species, thereby averting a possible future collapse of forest ecosystem functioning in the Neotropical region.

20Forest loss shapes the landscape suitability of Kyasanur Forest disease in the Western Ghats, India

Abstract Background Anthropogenic pressure in biodiversity hotspots is increasingly recognised as a major driver of the spillover and expansion of zoonotic disease. In the Western Ghats region of India, a devastating tick-borne zoonosis, Kyasanur Forest disease (KFD), has been expanding rapidly beyond its endemic range in recent decades. While it has been suggested that anthropogenic pressure in the form of land use changes that lead to the loss of native forest may be directly contributing to the expanding range of KFD, clear evidence has not yet established the association between forest loss and KFD risk. Methods The current study sought to investigate the relationship between KFD landscape suitability and both forest loss and mammalian species richness to inform its epidemiology and infection ecology. Forty-seven outbreaks of KFD between 1 January, 2012 and 30 June, 2019 were modelled as an inhomogeneous Poisson process. Results Both forest loss (relative risk (RR) = 1.83; 95% C.I. 1.33 – 2.51) and mammalian species richness (RR = 1.29; 95% C.I. 1.16 – 1.42) were strongly associated with increased risk of KFD. Conclusions These results provide the first evidence of a clear association between increasing forest loss and risk for KFD. Moreover, the findings also highlight the importance of forest loss in areas of high biodiversity. This evidence supports integrative approaches to public health that incorporate conservation strategies simultaneously protective of humans, animals, and the environment. Key messages The association between deforestation and KFD risk suggest potential benefit in leveraging conservation efforts in the service of public health.

Temporal Assessment of Eastern Spotted Skunk Geographic Distribution

Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) experienced range-wide population declines beginning in the mid-1900s with no clear understanding of the causal mechanism or whether such declines were associated with range contractions. Species-distribution models can provide a powerful framework to assess changes in landscape suitability in response to changing environmental conditions. Herein, we modeled time-stepped distributions of suitable environmental conditions for Eastern Spotted Skunks from 1938 to 2016 in Maxent, incorporating climate and land-cover predictors. Climate and land-cover variables reliably predicted landscape suitability of Eastern Spotted Skunks over time. We found a 37% decline in suitable area from historic predictions, consistent with reports of population declines in these areas. Our predicted landscape-suitability maps can be used to evaluate the current distribution of environmentally suitable conditions for the species as well as guide research and conservation efforts.

Response of avian cavity nesters and carbon dynamics to forest management and climate change in the Northern Rockies

AbstractForest ecosystem services (e.g., carbon and nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and wood products) in many moisture‐limited systems in the western USA are being impacted by climate change. Maintaining these services, increasing resiliency, and conserving wildlife habitat will depend on climate change adaptive forest management strategies. Studying the impacts of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land management plans on long‐term carbon cycling and wildlife habitat is imperative for evaluating and implementing adaptive management under climate change. In this study, we present the results of an integrated framework of forest landscape and avifauna niche suitability modeling, applied in the northern Rockies of Idaho (NRI). We report on the interactive effects of climate change, fire, and harvest management on carbon cycling and the distribution of suitable habitat of two avian cavity nesters: Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops flammeolus) and American Three‐toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis). The net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB) of the NRI was predicted to be negative (carbon source) at the end of the century, primarily because of harvest removals on privately managed lands. This was despite increases in net ecosystem productivity stimulated by harvest. In contrast, NECB of USFS land was positive throughout the century. This was a direct result of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest Land Management Plan (Plan) objectives that were implemented via harvest prescriptions. Under climate warming, compositional shifts in Pinus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga menziesii along with increases in mature/old‐growth forest stands were in agreement with the Plan's objectives. These and additional species composition shifts also maintained the realized niche of the Flammulated Owl and increased the potential niche of the American Three‐toed Woodpecker on USFS land by the end of the century. These projections highlight the potential for the NRI to remain viable wildlife habitat in a warming climate and to sequester carbon. The research demonstrates the benefits of an integration modeling framework as a tool to evaluate multi‐objective forest management directives.

Elderly Suitability of Park Recreational Space Layout Based on Visual Landscape Evaluation

Urban parks are critical for sustainable urban development. They are of theoretical and practical significance for analyzing the visual landscape of recreational spaces from the perspective of the elderly. This analysis can be used for exploring new methods for optimizing recreational space layouts to improve the physical and mental health of the elderly in parks, thus realizing the sustainable development of urban society. Taking Ziyang Park in Shangrao Central District of Jiangxi Province, China, as an example, starting from the visual characteristics of the elderly, this study quantitatively calculated the landscape viewability, total view ratio, and water view ratio for the elderly in each recreational space using Python Scripting for ArcGIS. We briefly express the elderly suitability of the visual landscape for each recreational space through a weighted synthesis of the calculation results. Our findings show that, in Ziyang Park, the elderly suitability of the visual landscape for recreational spaces is not only low overall, but also gradually decreases from the interior to the exterior of this park. Moreover, this spatial distribution may be caused by the location of zoning, surface elevation, and road slopes, as well as the individual characteristics of each recreational space. Finally, we discuss the requirements of the elderly for some geographical factors, along with the feasibility of using ArcGIS 3-D analysis to optimize the layout of the park recreational space, with the aim of providing a new research perspective and an effective reference method for designing layouts of such spaces that are favorable for the elderly to better guarantee the sustainable development of urban society.

Continent-wide modelling of potential habitats and connectivity for the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Europe

Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) once inhabited almost the whole of the European continent. After facing nearly complete extinction about a century ago, they now form a more or less connected metapopulation with eleven broad-scale populations and numerous isolated habitat patches throughout Europe. Increasing public interest and a favourable legislative status by the EU give rise to hope for the return of the felide to parts of Central and Western Europe, where it is currently absent. In this context, a solid understanding of the overall suitability of the European landscape for a well-connected lynx population is crucial. Therefore, this work is looking into the current situation as well as potential habitats, ease of movement between those habitats, and potential future distribution, with the main focus on broad-scale spatial patterns. In addition to existing populations, eight habitat clusters were identified across Europe, using a modelling approach, rooted in a rule-based assessment accompanied by least-cost path identification, generating possible movement corridors. Key findings include large areas of potential habitat, yet overall low connectivity, with lynx movement restricted by a lack of forest cover as well as human land use, including mainly linear barriers like highways and dense road networks. This situation provides a number of challenges and opportunities for national and international conservation: The results clearly indicate that for a recolonisation of many parts of the European landscape reintroduction measures are indispensable in many parts of Europe. They also offer a first step towards a general understanding of how large carnivores like the Eurasian lynx might exist within a landscape increasingly shaped by anthropogenic actions and land use.

Evaluation of the plant landscape suitability in mountain parks based on principal component analysis: A case study of Guiyang City

AbstractThis study covered 72 plant landscape units in three mountain parks in Guiyang Guizhou Province, China (i.e., Huaxi Park, Qianlingshan Park, and Denggaoyunshan Forest Park). We established a plant landscape suitability evaluation system for mountain parks using ecological, landscape, and social suitability as the criterion layer. Principal component analysis was used to evaluate the landscape suitability of the 72 units and the composite suitability scores were ranked. The results showed that 39 units had high suitability, accounting for 54.17% of the total, leaving 33 units with poor suitability. Specifically, the plant communities with an arbor/shrub ratio of no larger than 2 (for the number of species and quantity) had high landscape suitability scores, as did plant communities with an evergreen/deciduous ratio of no smaller than 1. By contrast, all of the evergreen or all‐deciduous plant communities had low landscape suitability scores. The waterfront wetland plant communities had high overall scores, and the mountain plant communities had high ecological suitability scores. Based on the evaluation results, we proposed three strategies to guide the proper development of the plant landscapes both theoretically and practically.

Combining high-resolution remotely sensed data with local and Indigenous Knowledge to model the landscape suitability of culturally modified trees: biocultural stewardship in Kitasoo/Xai’xais Territory

Environmental management and monitoring must reconcile social and cultural objectives with biodiversity stewardship to overcome political barriers to conservation. Suitability modelling offers a powerful tool for such “biocultural” approaches, but examples remain rare. Led by the Stewardship Authority of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation in coastal British Columbia, Canada, we developed a locally informed suitability model for a key biocultural indicator, culturally modified trees (CMTs). CMTs are trees bearing evidence of past cultural use that are valued as tangible markers of Indigenous heritage and protected under provincial law. Using a spatial multi-criteria evaluation framework to predict CMT suitability, we developed two cultural predictor variables informed by Kitasoo/Xai’xais cultural expertise and ethnographic data in addition to six biophysical variables derived from LiDAR and photo interpretation data. Both cultural predictor variables were highly influential in our model, revealing that proximity to known habitation sites and accessibility to harvesters (by canoe and foot) more strongly influenced suitability for CMTs compared with site-level conditions. Applying our model to commercial forestry governance, we found that high CMT suitability areas are 51% greater inside the timber harvesting land base than outside. This work highlights how locally led suitability modelling can improve the social and evidentiary dimensions of environmental management.

The Study on Urban Landscape Suitability Index of Indigenous Vines In Nanchang

This paper through brainstorming, the Delphi method, and in-meeting &amp; after-meeting method, screening out suitability evaluation indicators of indigenous vines for urban landscapes in Nanchang. It sets up the suitability evaluation indicator system of indigenous vines to urban landscapes in Nanchang. The suitability index of 41 kinds of indigenous vines in Nanchang was calculated. Besides, 24 kinds of indigenous vines with a comprehensive score of more than 60 which were recommended by Nanchang were put forward. With these efforts, this paper can provide sufficient basis for the application of indigenous plants in vertical greening in Nanchang.

Research on the Suitability Design of University Gate

With the development of university campus construction, the campus planning and architectural design concept also presents a variety of characteristics. The university gate is an important part of the university campus city interface, which is of great significance for the display of the overall image of the campus and the education concept. On the basis of summarizing the development process and morphological characteristics of university gate, this paper analyzes the suitability of its scale, culture and landscape, and puts forward corresponding design strategies. The paper concludes that the school gate scale suitability design should be based on people, from the perspective of human comfort, to determine the appropriate scale, cultural suitability design should take into account the discipline characteristics and regional culture, landscape suitability design should adapt to the climate characteristics.

Challenges and prospects to sustain natural and working landscapes in the urban areas in Ethiopia

Natural and Working Landscapes (NWL) provide physical, social and spiritual benefits to human beings, as a result, people have been engaging and modifying landscapes to meet their needs. However, there are side impacts, visible in urban areas as they are aggravated by the increase in human activities. In Ethiopia, one of the fastest-growing urbanization patterns is taking place in the capital city and other cities. The detriment involves the degradation and deterioration of agricultural and forest lands, the destruction of cultural and historical places, and the destruction of natural scenery and contamination of rivers. Thus, in this paper we looked at the problems that hamper the sustainability of the NWL in urban areas in Ethiopia and suggested a way forward. For that we applied predefined questionnaires and interviews to key experts (n = 17) on urban planning, and the findings contrasted with, urban planning manuals, standards and policies for verification means. Arc GIS was used as a tool to map spatially related examples to validate the responses' of experts. The findings revealed that the detected challenges to NWL relate to urban planners themselves and their working environments, spontaneous development, unclear urban boundary setting, deficient landscape suitability, poor stakeholder engagement and focus on physical planning. Therefore, to keep the sustainability of the NWL, we recommend strengthening and promoting urban planning professionals, implementing urban land information system, increasing active participation of local communities, formulating criteria to set clear urban boundaries, and setting and applying proactive development options for emerging urban areas.