Arid Zone Research ›› 2024, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (2): 314-325.doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2024.02.14

• Ecology and Environment • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Analysis of spatial and temporal changes in habitat quality and driving factors in Gonghe County using the InVEST model

YAN Li1,2(), CAO Guangchao1,2,3(), KANG Ligang1,2, LIU Menglin1,2, YE Deli4   

  1. 1. Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Geography and Environmental Processes, College of Geographical Sciences, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, Qinghai, China
    2. Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Land Surface Processes and Ecological Conservation, Ministry of Education, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, Qinghai, China
    3. Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability, People’s Government of Qinghai Province & Beijing Normal University, Xining 810008, Qinghai, China
    4. Qinghai Upper Yellow River Hydropower Development Limited Liability Company, Plateau Energy Industry and Ecology Research Centre, Xining 810008, Qinghai, China
  • Received:2023-08-10 Revised:2023-11-01 Online:2024-02-15 Published:2024-03-11

Abstract:

In the context of Gonghe County’s role as a pivotal node in Lanxi urban agglomeration and its position as a representative desert area within the new urbanized framework, maintaining a delicate balance between economic and ecologic development is crucial. This balance holds great significance for China in advancing the new development paradigm and implementing the Sustainable Development Agenda’s Innovation Demonstration Zone in Hainan Prefecture. Based on the land use data of 2000, 2010, and 2020, this study utilizes the InVEST model to explore spatial and temporal distribution and habitat quality dynamics in Republican County from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, it investigates influencing factors and their effects on habitat quality using geographic probes and GWR methods. Key results are as follows: (1) Overall habitat quality in Republican County showed an upward trend from 2000 to 2020, with mean values of 0.612, 0.626, and 0.627, respectively. Regional disparities in the spatial distribution of habitat quality were evident, portraying a high-to-low spatial pattern from north to south. (2) Mean annual temperature (TEM) and normalized vegetation index (NDVI) were the main driving factors impacting habitat quality in Gonghe County. The interaction between these factors had a greater influence on spatial differentiation than a single factor, with TEM interacting strongly with Shannon’s evenness index (SHEI) and Shannon’s diversity index (SHDI). (3) The GWR model quantified different driving characteristics and strengths of each driver on habitat quality at the spatial level. TEM exhibited a negative impact on habitat quality, primarily concentrated in the republic’s northern and eastern areas. Gross domestic product (GDP) positively influenced habitat quality, showing a 30% increase compared to 2000, while the photovoltaic system at Tala Shoal promoted synergistic eco-industry development in Gonghe County. This study’s findings offer a scientific basis for decision-making processes aimed at promoting local economic construction and ecological protection in arid areas.

Key words: InVEST model, habitat quality, geographic probe, geographically weighted regression (GWR), Gonghe County, Qinghai Province