| This study was devoted to optimize the layout of national nature reserve(NNR) and improve the protection effectiveness of NR network in China. Using the methods of overlay analysis, TWINSPAN, and GAP analysis the comprehensive geographical regionalization was conducted, and the spatial distribution pattern and protection gaps of NR to geographical unit were analyzed, based on the spatial distribution data of geomorphology, vegetation and NRs etc. Furthermore, the protection effectiveness of NNR to natural vegetation was assessed. The model and method of assessing biodiversity conservation value of NR were also put forward, which were tested with 106 NRs. Finally, the optimized layout scheme of NNR network was proposed according to the results and key regions of NR construction.The main results and conclusion of this study are as follows:1. The geomorphologic regionalization system was proposed, which included four geomorphologic zones,40 geomorphologic areas,127 geomorphologic subareas, and 473 geomorphologic districts. And the comprehensive geographical regionalization system resulted in the designation of four major types of natural conservation geographical areas, including eight regions,37 zones,117 provinces, and 496 districts.2. NNR is the main body of NR. Steppe and meadow ecosystem, ocean and seacoast ecosystem, and wild plant NRs represented lower percentages. Furthermore, medium and small NRs took up a large proportion; Large NRs were less, mainly located in southwest and northwest China regions. The distribution pattern of NR tended to local accumulation.3. There were 7 provinces and 188 districts, which has not yet been protected by NNR. Many natural conservation geographical units were covered by plant vegetation, these geographical units with protection gaps were not all reqiured to build NNR. However, Protection gaps of NNR appeared in some natural conservation geographical units with better natural habitat.4. More than 8.85% vegetation provinces and 35.87% vegetation districts were without NNR, and nearly 25% natural vegetation formations were not protected effectively. The protection effectiveness were poor in Tianshan mountains, the loess plateau, and the southeast coastal areas etc. The protection of wildlife and its habitat was insufficient in narrow piedmont zone of the main mountain (under 800 m) between natural ecosystem and artificial ecosystem. Zonal vegetation and baseband vegetation located in the low altitude did not get enough attention in the process of construction of NRs, leading to obvious gaps.5. The mathematical model and method of assessing biodiversity conservation value based on ecosystem, species diversity and genetic germplasm resources of NR, were first put forward. The study showed that the species diversity conservation value index were higher than NNRs in some provincial NRs, such as Hebei nandagang, Hebei Liao river source, and Heilongjiang jingpohu etc. The evaluation method was proved to be well in identifing the conservation value of NR in ecosystem, species diversity etc.6. We recommend 232 provincial NRs located in 202 geographical districts to be upgraded, and new provincial NRs to be constructed in 102 geographical districts firstly. Moreover,6 nature conservation regions such as Gaolin-Panlin and Altai mountain etc, and 14 NR networks including the north of Taihang mountains and north of Wuyi mountains etc, should be built first. In addition, these NRs located in 18 areas should be combined, and the construction of trans-boundary protected areas should be promoted. |
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