Integrating Ecological Flows and Source Quality for Heterogeneous Ecological Network Construction with Identification and Restoration of Barrier Points along Key Corridors

The construction of ecological networks(ENs) has become an essential approach to enhancing regional ecosystem connectivity, safeguarding ecological processes, and guiding ecological restoration. However, existing studies have primarily focused on the structural dimension of spatial distribution and connectivity, with limited consideration of the coupling between ecological source quality and ecological flow processes. This limitation has constrained the functional representation of ENs and reduced the effectiveness of restoration efforts. To address this issue, this study developed a heterogeneous EN by integrating ecological source quality with ecological flow magnitude. Key ecological corridors and barrier points were identified through a comprehensive assessment of ecological structure, process, and function, and restoration recommendations were proposed for priority areas. The results showed that: (1) A total of 1,308 ecological corridors were identified, displaying a spatial pattern of higher density in the east and lower density in the west, with relatively weak connectivity in the western and parts of the central region; (2) High-quality ecological sources were concentrated in the southeastern and northeastern parts of the study area, while corridors with strong ecological flow intensity were mainly distributed in the southeast and central regions, indicating a certain spatial mismatch between ecological structure and process; (3) A total of 151 key ecological corridors and 232 ecological barrier points were identified, among which 36 barrier points were located along key corridors. Differentiated restoration strategies were proposed for the 36 ecological barriers located along key corridors to enhance the connectivity of critical ecological processes and improve overall system stability. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for optimizing regional ENs and promoting the sustainable development of ecosystems from the multidimensional perspectives of ecological structure, process, and function. Information & Authors Information Version history Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License.

Authors Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 146views 87downloads Citations Download citation Yilu Pan, Pei Huang, Hongyi Pan. Integrating Ecological Flows and Source Quality for Heterogeneous Ecological Network Construction with Identification and Restoration of Barrier Points along Key Corridors. Authorea. 19 November 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176357033.30116970/v1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176357033.30116970/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.