Identification of ecological security pattern in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is a critical ecological region that plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services in Asia. However, this region is increasingly threatened by climate change and human activities, leading to degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. Understanding and protecting the ecological security pattern (ESP) of the QTP is essential for ensuring its long-term resilience and stability. This study aims to construct a comprehensive ecological security pattern for the QTP by identifying key ecological sources, corridors, and barriers. We assessed ecosystem service importance, ecological sensitivity, and the locations of nature reserves to determine the spatial distribution of ecological sources. The Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model and circuit theory were used to map ecological corridors and identify critical pinch points and barriers. The findings show that ecological source areas cover 13.6 % of the QTP’s total area, with most located in the central and eastern regions. We also identified 34 primary and 64 secondary ecological corridors, spanning a total length of 13,667 km. The study highlights the vulnerability of these corridors due to their narrow dimensions, which hinder the movement of species and ecological processes. Furthermore, critical ecological zones such as ecological expansion and conservation areas cover 66.9 % of the region, while ecological protection areas occupy only 10.4 %. The results underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies to enhance ecological connectivity and protect key ecological functions on the QTP. This research provides essential insights for sustainable development and the conservation of biodiversity in the region.