Ecological Impacts Associated with the Qinghai–Tibet Railway and Its Influencing Factors: A Comparison Study on Diversified Research Units

Abstract

The ecological impacts of the construction and operation of the main transport infrastructure on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau cannot be disregarded. Based on different sections, buffers, bilateral sides, and periods, the authors of this study explored the ecological changes along the Qinghai–Tibet Railway through an integrated analysis of the landscape fragmentation index and ecological service value calculation from 2000 to 2020, as well as the influencing factors of differentiated trends, using multinomial logistic regression. It was discovered that there was heterogeneity among the sections, buffers, and bilateral sides in both the landscape fragmentation index and the ecological service value. It was also found that there was recoverability in the operation period, compared to the construction period. The negative correlation between the landscape fragmentation index and the ecological service value was only significant in 2020, which was not enough to fully explain the negative effect between them. Distinct human and natural circumstances have resulted in different consequences. However, regions far away from the main settlement areas, and with lower population densities, could aid in the simultaneous recovery of the ecological service value and landscape fragmentation index. According to these findings, prior studies may have exaggerated the ecological impact of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway. However, it should be highlighted that, in a location with a delicate ecological environment, it is still crucial to consider regional development, infrastructure construction, and ecological protection synchronously.