Exploring evaluation methods for integrity and authenticity of terrestrial natural ecosystems in national parks: The case of Qianjiangyuan National Park system pilot

doi:10.17520/biods.2021263

Abstract

Abstract:

Aims: The purpose of establishing national parks in China is to protect the integrity and authenticity of natural ecosystems and to promote biodiversity conservation. Evaluation of the integrity and authenticity of national parks is a prerequisite for studies such as layout planning, boundary range determination, and functional zoning of national parks. To assess the integrity and authenticity status of natural ecosystems in national parks, this study provided a method in which data are easily accessible, assessment methods are simpler, and assessment results are clearly understood by decision-makers, managers, and the public.
Methods: Based on the structure and function of terrestrial natural ecosystems, this study constructed an evaluation index system of terrestrial natural ecosystem integrity and authenticity and its quantitative evaluation method through index screening, expert consultation, index quantification, and the establishment of a comprehensive evaluation model. The evaluation method contained five indicators of natural ecosystem integrity, five indicators of natural ecosystem authenticity, and two comprehensive evaluation indicators. Taking Qianjiangyuan National Park system pilot in Zhejiang Province as an example, this study initially assessed its ecosystem integrity and authenticity status, and graded the assessment results.
Results: According to the assessment method of this study, the evaluation result of natural ecosystem integrity of Qianjiangyuan National Park system pilot was 52.83%, with a less good evaluation grade; while the evaluation result of natural ecosystem authenticity was 87.06%, with a good evaluation grade. The indicators that deserve attention and improvement in Qianjiangyuan National Park system pilot include the integrity index of the conservation area (27.00%) and the integrity index of the flagship species suitable habitat (53.04%).
Conclusion: This study constructed an evaluation method for the integrity and authenticity of terrestrial natural ecosystems in national parks with comprehensive evaluation index coverage, easy data acquisition, and easy evaluation results to be understood by decision makers and managers.

Key words: national park, terrestrial natural ecosystems, integrity, authenticity, evaluation method

Yangjing Peng, Zhihao Huang, Lele Lin, Ruifeng Wang, Guofa Cui. Exploring evaluation methods for integrity and authenticity of terrestrial natural ecosystems in national parks: The case of Qianjiangyuan National Park system pilot[J]. Biodiv Sci, 2021, 29(10): 1295-1307.

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URL: https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/10.17520/biods.2021263

https://www.biodiversity-science.net/EN/Y2021/V29/I10/1295

Figures/Tables 6

Fig. 1 Spatial distribution of formation and subformation in Baiji Mountains-Qingliang Mountains (a) and Huaiyu Mountains (b). 1, Liquidambar formosana forest; 2, Liquidambar formosana forest + Castarcopsis sclerophylla forest and Cyclobalanopsis glauca forest; 3, Castarcopsis sclerophylla forest and Cyclobalanopsis glauca forest; 4, Quercus variabilis, Q. serrata var. brevipetiolata, Castarcopsis sclerophylla, Cyclobalanopsis glauca forest; 5, Quercus fabri, Q. serrata var. brevipetiolata forest + Q. variabilis, Q. acutissima forest + Platycarya strobilacea, Dalbergia hupehana forest; 6, Cunninghamia lanceolata forest; 7, Pinus massoniana forest with Loropetalum chinense, Rhododendron simsii; 8, Pinus massoniana forest with Quercus fabri, Q. serrata var. brevipetiolata; 9, Phyllostachys pubescens forest; 10, Loropetalum chinense, Vaccinium bracteatum, Rhododendron simsii scrub; 11, Quercus fabri, Q. serrata var. brevipetiolata scrub; 12, Quercus fabri, Q. serrata var. brevipetiolata scrub + Loropetalum chinense, Vaccinium bracteatum, Rhododendron simsii scrub; 13, Filifolium sibiricum, grass-forb steppe + Populus spp. forest; 14, Miscanthus sinensis, Arundinella hirta, Eulalia speciosa community; 15, One crop rice; 16, Double-cropping rice, rapeseed (winter wheat); 17, Double-cropping rice and Astragalus sinicus; winter wheat, sweet potatoes; sesame, Dioscorea alata, tea, tea-oil tree; tangerine, kumquat; 18, Summer rice, winter wheat (double-cropping rice locally); cotton, peanut, sesame, winter rapeseed, mulberry, tea; pomegranate, red bayberry; 19, Rice, orange complex; 20, Tea garden; 21, Water body.

Fig. 2 Schematic diagram of area increasing pattern of Baiji Mountains-Qingliang Mountains (a) and Huaiyu Mountains (b)

Fig. 3 Distribution map of landscape types in Qianjiangyuan National Park system pilot. 1, Natural arboreal forest; 2, Shrubland; 3, Natural grassland; 4, Bamboo forest; 5, Other forest land; 6, Nursery land; 7, Tea plantation; 8, Pond; 9, Dry land; 10, Bare land; 11, Highway; 12, Road land; 13, Bridge; 14, Trail; 15, Urban residential land; 16, Rural residential land; 17, Detached house; 18, House under construction; 19, Land for hydraulic; 20, Other construction land; 21, Ditch; 22, Reservoir; 23, River; 24, Lake.

Fig. 4 Distribution of protected and unprotected landscapes in Qianjiangyuan National Park system pilot

Fig. 5 The distribution of mosaic of protected and unprotected vegetation

Fig. 6 Suitable habitat distribution for elliot's pheasant (a) and black muntjac (b)

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