Can ecological networks established through interactions of multi-species conservation priorities maintain biodiversity and contain urban development?

Abstract

Target species are crucial for biodiversity conservation. Determining the priority level of protection for different target species based on their risks in the face of rapid urbanization is of great significance for balancing ecological conservation and urban growth management. In this study, Hangzhou, China, a typical rapidly urbanizing area, was chosen as the case study. Six target species representing various categories of mammals, amphibians, birds, and fish were selected to characterize the urban ecosystem in Hangzhou. The InVEST model was used to assess the habitat quality (HQ) and habitat degradation (HD) for each species. By employing a four-quadrant framework, interaction relationships between HQ and HD of multiple species were identified to determine the risk levels and conservation priorities under fast-paced urban construction. Subsequently, the Analytic Hierarchy Process was utilized to calculate protection weights for all species and produce a comprehensive habitat map. Ecological patches were identified by extracting high-quality habitat agglomeration areas using hotspot analysis. Additionally, circuit theory-based simulations were conducted to generate a corridor network and ecological barriers. The established ecological network (EN), consisting of patches, corridors, pinch points, and barriers along with their buffers, formed an ecological management area that supported revisions in planned urban development boundaries in Hangzhou. The results are as follows: (1) The urban core area, characterized by high levels of urbanization and human disturbance, exhibits poor habitat value and significant biological risk. Conversely, the inner and outer suburbs, dominated by a high proportion of natural reserves, demonstrate good ecological quality and low levels of degradation; (2) Among the target species, mammals and birds face substantial threats, making their conservation priorities the highest. Amphibians and fish follow closely behind in terms of priority; (3) The Hangzhou EN comprises 31 patches, 56 corridors, 23 pinch points, and 26 barriers, covering approximately half of the study area. These findings have important policy implications for optimizing natural reserve plans and managing urban growth effectively in Hangzhou.