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Integrating Multi-Model Coupling to Assess Habitat Quality Dynamics: Spatiotemporal Evolution and Scenario-Based Projections in the Yangtze River Basin, China

Author

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  • Yuzhou Zhang

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, China)

  • Jianxin Yang

    (School of Public Administration, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Weilong Wu

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, China)

  • Diwei Tang

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, China)

Abstract

As a pivotal ecological–economic nexus in China, the Yangtze River Basin (YRB)’s spatiotemporal evolution of habitat quality (HQ) profoundly influences regional sustainable development. This study establishes a tripartite analytical framework integrating remote sensing big data, socioeconomic datasets, and ecological modeling. By coupling the InVEST and PLUS models with Theil–Sen median trend analysis and Mann–Kendall tests, we systematically assessed HQ spatial heterogeneity across the basin during 2000–2020 and projected trends under 2030 scenarios (natural development (S1), cropland protection (S2), and ecological conservation (S3)). Key findings reveal that basin-wide HQ remained stable (0.599–0.606) but exhibited marked spatial disparities, demonstrating a “high-middle reach (0.636–0.649), low upper/lower reach” pattern. Urbanized downstream areas recorded the minimum HQ (0.478–0.515), primarily due to landscape fragmentation from peri-urban expansion and transportation infrastructure. Trend analysis showed that coefficient of variation (CV) values ranged from 0.350 to 2.72 (mean = 0.768), indicating relative stability but significant spatial variability. While 76.98% of areas showed no significant HQ changes, 15.83% experienced declines (3.56% with significant degradation, p < 0.05) concentrated in urban agglomerations (e.g., the Wuhan Metropolitan Area, the Yangtze River Delta). Only 7.18% exhibited an HQ improvement, predominantly in snowmelt-affected Qinghai–Tibet Plateau regions, with merely 0.95% showing a significant enhancement. Multi-scenario projections align with Theil–Sen trends, predicting HQ declines across all scenarios. S3 curbs decline to 0.33% (HQ = 0.597), outperforming S1 (1.07%) and S2 (1.15%). Nevertheless, downstream areas remain high-risk (S3 HQ = 0.476). This study elucidated compound drivers of urbanization, agricultural encroachment, and climate change, proposing a synergistic “zoning regulation–corridor restoration–cross-regional compensation” pathway. These findings provide scientific support for balancing ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yangtze Economic Belt, while offering systematic solutions for the sustainable governance of global mega-basins.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuzhou Zhang & Jianxin Yang & Weilong Wu & Diwei Tang, 2025. "Integrating Multi-Model Coupling to Assess Habitat Quality Dynamics: Spatiotemporal Evolution and Scenario-Based Projections in the Yangtze River Basin, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4699-:d:1660101
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    1. Rehman, Shafiqur, 2009. "Study of Saudi Arabian climatic conditions using Hurst exponent and climatic predictability index," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 39(2), pages 499-509.
    2. Cole, Matthew A. & Elliott, Robert J.R. & Wu, Shanshan, 2008. "Industrial activity and the environment in China: An industry-level analysis," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 393-408, September.
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    1. Jiachen Wei & Yuanyuan Ji & Dongdong Yang & Fahui Liang, 2025. "A Multi-Model Coupling Approach to Biodiversity Conservation Strategies for Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-27, September.

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