Spatiotemporal Evolution of Mountainous Ecosystem Services in an Arid Region and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang

A comprehensive analysis of the Tianshan Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Xinjiang, reveals that while habitat quality and carbon storage have remained stable over two decades, soil retention and water yield exhibit significant fluctuations. The study, conducted using InVEST and RUSLE models, highlights spatial synergies and trade-offs in ecosystem services (ESs), with hotspots covering 73% of the region, predominantly at middle to high altitudes. Land-use changes are the primary driver for habitat quality and carbon storage, whereas water yield is strongly influenced by annual precipitation. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers aiming to enhance ecosystem conservation and management in arid regions.

Lu, Y., Xu, X., Zhao, J., & Han, F. (2022). Spatiotemporal Evolution of Mountainous Ecosystem Services in an Arid Region and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang. Land, 11(12), 2164. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122164