Analysis of the influence of climate change on wetland evolution and its driving process from an integrated perspective of landscape connectivity and fragmentation.

Abstract

The evolution of wetland ecosystems from the perspectives of landscape connectivity and fragmentation is a critical interdisciplinary topic in contemporary wetland science and landscape ecology. In the context of global warming, the mechanisms by which wetland patches respond to climate change through changes in landscape connectivity and fragmentation require further elucidation. This study introduces an SEMD-XGboost-SHAP ecological modeling framework that systematically examines the evolution of wetland landscape patches and their responses under multiple climate scenarios. The findings indicate: (1) From 2000 to 2022, Permanent water, Marsh, and Flooded flat were the primary drivers of wetland evolution in Dongting Lake. Rapid warming led to a significant reduction in wetlands area, whereas slow warming resulted in a notable increase. (2) At the patch scale, aggregation was the predominant form of wetland evolution, while dissection characterized degradation. Under rapid warming and cooling scenarios, patches underwent significant evolution with connectivity increasing by 9.2 % and 48.63 %, respectively. Conversely, under slow warming and cooling scenarios, patches experienced significant degradation, with fragmentation increasing by 9.75 % and 40.62 %. (3) Annual average maximum temperature was a common factor influencing land type conversion across climate scenarios. In terms of patch evolution, annual average temperature, annual average maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and annual average evapotranspiration were key drivers. Moreover, the interaction between temperature and precipitation played a crucial role in maintaining the stability of wetland patterns. This study provides a foundation for understanding the critical responses of wetland patterns to climate change and offers insights into nature-based solutions for wetland conservation.