The analysis of ecological network characteristics of Baiyangdian Basin in China using the complex network theory

• The ecological sources were extracted from the perspective of ecosystem service supply and demand. • Based on complex network theory, ecological network was abstracted into topological structure. • The impact simulation of the node was carried out. • The complex network in the study area has scale-free characteristics. Ecological networks are important channels that describe ecological systems and thus facilitate interactions between communities and ecosystems. Building a reasonable and effective ecological network is imperative for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Taking Baiyangdian Basin as an example, an ecological network was constructed through “source–resistance surface–corridor”. Based on complex network theory, an ecological network was abstracted into a topological structure. The characteristics of the ecological network were analyzed from robustness and redundancy indices. Simulation of nodes was conducted to evaluate the plasticity of the constructed ecological network. The results indicate that: (1) A total of 145 ecological source areas were identified in Baiyangdian Basin, with a total area of 6479.24 km 2 . In total, 338 ecological corridors with a total length of 3939.87 km were identified. Further, 104 ecological pinch points were identified. (2) The complex network in the research area had scale-free characteristics, with a topological structure of 8 communities, multiple closed loops, and good connectivity. (3) The distribution of nodes in the network was uneven, with node 52 being the most important node in the network. The analyzed characteristics of the ecological network in Baiyangdian Basin is imperative for optimizing the structure of the ecological network.