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

Yurun Ding, Hairui Duo (), Zhi Zhang, Dongxiao Zhang, Tingting Wei, Deqing Cuo, Basang Cairen, Jingbao An, Baorong Huang and Yonghuan Ma ()
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Yurun Ding: School of the Geographical Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810016, China
Hairui Duo: School of the Geographical Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810016, China
Zhi Zhang: Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Dongxiao Zhang: School of the Geographical Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810016, China
Tingting Wei: Beijing Zhonglin Institute of Smart Eco-Technology, Beijing 100080, China
Deqing Cuo: School of the Geographical Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810016, China
Basang Cairen: Longbao National Nature Reserve Management Station, Yushu 815000, China
Jingbao An: Jiangxi Forest Farm, Yushu 815000, China
Baorong Huang: Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Yonghuan Ma: Information Center, Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100812, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-21

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.

Keywords: flagship species; habitat suitability; protected areas; detailed management zoning; human–wildlife conflict (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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