Abstract:
The ecological security pattern serves as an indicator of ecosystem health and sustainability, playing a crucial role in enhancing human well-being. This study identified ecological source areas in the Guanzhong Plain based on three ecosystem services, including water conservation, soil conservation, and habitat provision. Considering regional characteristics, this study selected soil erosion sensitivity index, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and nighttime lighting as disturbance factors to correct the basic resistance surface and identify ecological corridors. The results indicate that the primary and secondary ecological source areas in the Guanzhong Plain cover 3 011.85 km
2 and 8 434.51 km
2, respectively, corresponding to 5.22% and 14.62% of the total area. These areas, characterized by mountainous terrain and high vegetation cover, are primarily distributed in the Qinling Mountains in the south, the hilly and gully regions in northern Baoji City, and the junctions of Xianyang, Tongchuan, and Weinan cities. The resistance surface correction for Guanzhong Plain reduced 61 ecological corridors (total length: 1 613.4 km), leading to significant changes in their distribution, and ultimately rationalizing corridor identification. Overall, this study provides a novel case for constructing regional ecological security patterns and data support for ecological conservation and urban planning in the Guanzhong Plain.