Analysis of landscape characteristics of forests in northern Changbai Mountains based on ecological protection pattern.

This study aims to analyze the landscape pattern of Quanyang and Lushuihe forestry bureaus in northern Changbai Mountains, and thus provide basis for future biodiversity conservation and construction of overall forest protection in Changbai Mountains. Based on the forest resources inventories and forest type maps, we analyzed the landscape elements and forest protection situation by using spatial analysis software Arcgis and Fragstats. The forest structure and landscape pattern were studied in terms of land-use type, dominant tree species and age group. Combined with overlay analysis of forest type map and landscape situation, suggestions on management of each planning area are proposed. The results showed that forest is the dominated land use type, showing apparent superiority in forest landscape; however, fragmentation exists in the overall landscape in the study area, and fragmentation is more serious in the dominant landscape. The dominance of landscape of dominant tree species and age group is weak, the landscape connectivity is poor, tree species and age composition are complex, and the landscape fragmentation is more serious. The young growth forest is subjected to the most serious fragmentation. Human activities have significant effects on the dominant tree species and age composition, and human disturbance is the major reason causing landscape fragmentation. Based on the forest landscape classification and spatial pattern analysis, according to the current status of landscape and the objectives of forest landscape planning, we propose methods of landscape planning at different scales in this area. We suggest that the ideal forest landscape should include natural forest protection area, artificial tending area, Korean pine seed orchard protection areas and ecological corridors. To sum up, managers should make greater efforts in tending Korean pine seedlings, replanting bare land, restoring degraded forest, improving the status of landscape fragmentation and establishing ecological corridors. All these measures have important implications for responding to climate change and improving the biological diversity and stability of forest ecosystem.