Construction and optimization of ecological network based on ecological vulnerability in Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, China.

Natural condition change and human disturbance can trigger a series of ecological and environmental problems. The construction of ecological network plays a crucial role in balancing contradictions between regional development and ecological protection. We employed the ecological vulnerability assessment method based on pattern-service coupling to construct the ecological network of Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia. The results showed a total area of 12951.2 km² of ecological sources, accounting for 23.8% of the study area, mainly located in the northern part. Additionally, 113 ecological corridors were identified, with a total length of 2397.1 km, which were primarily located in the central and southern parts. Ecological pinch points were mainly situated in the central part of the study area, overlapping with some ecological corridors. Ecological barriers were predominantly distributed around the fragmented ecological sources. Based on the spatial distribution of ecological components within the ecological network, an optimized layout was formed, comprising three zones and one belt (ecological security protection zone, typical grassland restoration zone, natural ecological conservation zone, and ecological corridor development belt). These results provided a scientific theoretical basis for future ecological protection and restoration in this region, which were crucial for maintaining regional ecological security and optimizing the spatial patterns.