Mitigating Human–Nature Tensions Through Adaptive Zoning Informed by the Habitat Suitability of Flagship Species: Insights from the Longbao Reserve on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Authors

Baorong Huang, Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, ChinaFollow

Document Type

Research-Article

Author

Yurun Ding, Hairui Duo, Zhi Zhang, Dongxiao Zhang, Tingting Wei, Deqing Cuo, Basang Cairen, Jingbao An, Baorong Huang, Yonghuan Ma

Journal Name

Land

Keywords

Detailed Management Zoning, Flagship Species, Habitat Suitability, Human–wildlife Conflict, Protected Areas, Algorithm, Habitat Conservation, Habitat Selection, Land Use, Nature-society Relations, Ndvi, Protected Area, Sustainable Development, Wader, Waterfowl, Wetland, Zoning System, China, Qinghai-xizang Plateau

Abstract

Zoning is vital for balancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in protected areas, yet traditional approaches often lead to ecological overprotection and social conflict. This study introduces an integrative modeling framework to optimize zoning strategies in the Longbao Reserve on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. We employed MaxEnt and Random Forest algorithms to evaluate habitat suitability for two flagship species: the bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) and the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis). Results showed that 7.9% of the reserve comprised highly suitable habitats, mainly in the southeast, characterized by wetlands, water proximity, and low human disturbance. Land use and June NDVI emerged as key predictors, contributing over 30% and 35% to model performance, respectively. Based on habitat suitability and current zoning mismatches, we propose a revised four-tier zoning scheme: Core Habitat Conservation (16.9%), Ecological Rehabilitation (7.2%), Ecological Management (53.5%), and Sustainable Utilization Zones (22.4%). This refined framework aligns conservation priorities with local development needs and offers a scalable approach to adaptive protected area management. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081662

Recommended Citation

Huang, Baorong (2025) "Mitigating Human–Nature Tensions Through Adaptive Zoning Informed by the Habitat Suitability of Flagship Species: Insights from the Longbao Reserve on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau," Double Helix Methodology: Vol. 6: Iss. 9, Article 7.
Available at: https://diis-mips.researchcommons.org/helix-content/vol6/iss9/7