Construction of forest ecological security patterns based on MSPA model and circuit theory in the Desertification Control forests in South China Karst

A new framework for ecological security patterns (ESP) reveals significant fragmentation and connectivity issues in karst desertification control forests, with forest patch areas decreasing as desertification severity worsens. Researchers used Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) to identify ecological sources and circuit theory to map corridors and nodes, uncovering critical insights into the structure-function dynamics of these forests. The study highlights how targeted restoration strategies can leverage these patterns for regional sustainable development. By integrating normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and land use/land cover data, the research provides a scientific basis for mitigating internal degradation caused by high ecological flow resistance.

Zhang, S., Zhang, Y., Xiong, K., Yu, Y., He, C., Zhang, S., & Wang, Z. (2025). Construction of forest ecological security patterns based on MSPA model and circuit theory in the Desertification Control forests in South China Karst. Npj Heritage Science, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-025-01973-8