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Research Article Volume 9 Issue 4
Construction and optimization of ecological networks in the metro-politan area of the west bank of the Pearl River Estuary, China based on MSPA linkage mapper
Liang Xueqian, Zeng Junfeng
Received: October 13, 2025 | Published: October 23, 2025
Citation: Xueqian L, Junfeng Z. Construction and optimization of ecological networks in the metro-politan area of the west bank of the Pearl River Estuary, China based on MSPA-linkage mapper. Horticult Int J. 2025;9(3):164-172. DOI: 10.15406/hij.2025.09.00340
Abstract
This study addresses the imbalance between ecological networks and socio-economic development in the Pearl River West Metropolitan Area. Using Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) and Linkage Mapper tools, we systematically identified core ecological sources, potential ecological corridors, and critical ecological nodes across the region. Results show that forest and grassland dominate the core landscape, accounting for 83.62% of coverage. We identified 25 core ecological sources, extracted and prioritized 41 potential ecological corridors, and pinpointed 228 ecological nodes (comprising 86 pinch points and 142 barrier points). To enhance connectivity, we propose establishing seven additional ecological sources and 14 planned corridors in the central-western zone. This optimization substantially improves regional ecosystem connectivity, evidenced by a 29.7% increase in the Integral Index of Connectivity (IIC) and a 73.8% increase in the Probability of Connectivity (PC). The findings provide a scientific basis and technical framework for advancing ecological conservation and sustainable development in the metropolitan area.
Keywords: MSPA, linkage mapper, pearl river delta urban agglomeration, ecological network, landscape pattern
©2025 Xueqian, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.