Influence of Human Activity Intensity on Habitat Quality in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, China

Abstract

Due to long-term human activity interference, the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park (HTRNP) of China has experienced ecological problems such as habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss, and with the expanding scope and intensity of human activity impact, the regional ecological security is facing serious challenges. A scientific assessment of the interrelationship between human activity intensity and habitat quality in the HTRNP is a prerequisite for achieving effective management of ecological disturbances caused by human activities and can also provide scientific strategies for the sustainable development of the region. Based on the land use change data in 2000, 2010, and 2020, the spatial and temporal variations and the relationship between habitat quality (HQ) and human activity intensity (HAI) in the HTRNP were explored using the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST) model. System dynamics and land use simulation models were also combined to conduct multi-scenario simulations of their relationships. The results showed that during 2000–2020, the habitat quality of the HTRNP improved, the intensity of human activities decreased each year, and there was a negative correlation between the two. Second, the system dynamic model could be well coupled with the land use simulation model by combining socio-economic and natural factors. The simulation scenarios of the coupling model showed that the harmonious development (HD) scenario is effective in curbing the increasing trend of human activity intensity and decreasing trend of habitat quality, with a weaker trade-off between the two compared with the baseline development (BD) and investment priority oriented (IPO) scenarios. To maintain the authenticity and integrity of the HTRNP, effective measures such as ecological corridor construction, ecological restoration, and the implementation of ecological compensation policies need to be strengthened.