Integrating CVOR and circuit theory models to construct and reconstruct ecological networks: A case study from the Tacheng-Emin Basin, China

Abstract

The ecological sustainability of arid and semi-arid areas is under increasing threat due to global climate change, and well-established ecological networks are essential for improving landscape connectivity and conserving biodiversity. This study takes the Tacheng-Emin Basin in China as an example. Based on the “source-resistance-corridor” research paradigm and sustainable development theory, the “contribution-organization-vitality-resilience” and circuit theory of the ecosystem are incorporated into the construction of the ecological networks. The results show that (1) the ecosystem service value of the Tacheng-Emin basin is 5.85 × 1010 Yuan, the ecosystem of the basin is of medium health level, and the ecological security hierarchy has low level and uncoordinated problems. (2) The total integrated resistance surface in the basin is of medium level, dominated by natural resistance, and characterized by evident fragmentation. (3) 25 ecological sources, 58 ecological corridors, 32 ecological stepping stones, 39 obstacle points, and 46 ecological fracture points were extracted at the threshold of 10,000 in the circuit model. (4) The reconstruction cost of the ecological network is 1,007.41 × 104 Yuan, and the reconstructed ecological network have increased 2 ecological sources, 1 stepping stone, and reduced 3 obstacle points, while the closure of the ecological networks structure has been significantly improved and the ecological networks has developed toward a stable multi-grid structure. (5) The ecological zoning protection and restoration scheme of “one ring, one belt, one sink, multiple zones, and multiple corridors” is conducive to the sustainable ecological development of the basin. The results of this study can serve as a reference for ecological management and sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions of Central Asia.

Keywords

• Ecological security
• Ecosystem health
• Ecological networks
• Ecological conservation and restoration
• Inland river basin