Fragmentation and percolation thresholds in the degradation process of alpine meadow in the Three-River Headwaters region of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China

Abstract

Understanding the process and mechanisms of alpine meadow degradation is crucial for restoration and management in the Three-River Headwaters region, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. However, little is known about this complex and controversial problem because identification and quantification of the underlying causes is difficult. This research aimed to build a spatiotemporal dynamical model for alpine meadow degradation, capturing the natural process of erosion at the interface of barren patches and undamaged meadow. The model clarified the role of barren patches and meadow connectivity in degradation, and identified the ecological mechanisms and processes accounting for the spatial and temporal pattern of degradation. A fragmentation and percolation threshold exists in the process of meadow degradation, independent of spatial scale. An impulsive differential equation was used to investigate the consequence of periodic restoration of degraded meadow. Both the level of meadow degradation and the restoration period play crucial roles in determining whether the meadow can be successfully restored. This research has demonstrated theoretically that the effectiveness of meadow restoration by periodic effort depends on the degree of degradation.

Dynamic response and adaptation of grassland ecosystems in the Three-River Headwaters Region under changing environment: a review

“…Rational utilization is the best strategy for grassland protection. The likelihood of success of long-term grassland restoration strategies depends on the level of grassland degradation (Lin and Zhang, 2020), and different measures should be taken according to the degree of degradation (Wen et al, 2013). The effectiveness of rehabilitating meadows through cyclical efforts depends on the degree of degradation, and depending on the degree of degradation, different measures should be taken.…”

“…The degree of degradation and recovery period of alpine meadows determine the probability of successful meadow recovery. The effectiveness of meadow restoration through long-term efforts is strongly related to the level of degradatio (Lin and Zhang, 2020). Depending on the degree of degradation, different measures should be taken (Wen et al, 2013).…”

Dynamic Response and Adaptation of Grassland Ecosystems in the Three-River Headwaters Region under Changing Environment: A Review

“…Diagnosis of grassland conditions is an important first step in grassland ecosystem management. The effectiveness of meadow restoration through long-term efforts is strongly related to the level of degradation [157]. Depending on the degree of degradation, different measures should be taken [158].…”

Feedback and Trigger of Household Decision-Making to Ecological Protection Policies in Sanjiangyuan National Park

“…As the primary type of protected area, national park has been playing an important role in biodiversity conservation ( Ma et al, 2020 ). As the first national park in China, the establishment of Sanjiangyuan National Park (SNP) on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) brings a sustainability focus and is vital for wildlife protection with respect to both phylogenetic resources and conservation efforts ( Lin and Zhang, 2020 ; Xi et al, 2020 ; Su et al, 2021 ). Alpine grassland, which is the main ecosystem in the SNP, can provide multiple ecosystem services which contain provision services (e.g., food provision to wildlife and livestock), regulatory services (e.g., flood and disease control), cultural services (e.g., spiritual, recreational, and cultural benefits), and support services (e.g., ecosystem nutrient cycling) ( Wang et al, 2016 ).…”