Optimal region connection: Establishing effective ecological corridors for biodiversity conservation in Yunnan Province, China

• Habitat fragmentation from human activity threatens biodiversity. • Integrates ArcGIS Pro tools, MSPA, InVEST, and ecological metrics for corridor design. • Supports habitat core protection, invasive species control, and cropland connectivity. Habitat fragmentation, caused by human activities, is recognized as a major threat to biodiversity. Previous studies have largely focused on identifying potential ecological corridors, with less attention given to the optimization of these connections. In this article, a new framework is introduced that integrates ArcGIS Pro’s optimal region connection tools with the InVEST habitat quality model, Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), and other ecological parameters. Ecological corridors in Yunnan Province, China, were identified and assessed using a minimum cumulative resistance model and a gravity model. Initially, 282 potential corridors spanning 6,310 km were identified. Following optimization, this number was reduced to 119 corridors, totaling 683 km in length. Over 87 % of these corridors were found to be less than 10 km in length, with most positioned strategically adjacent to key habitat cores. The likelihood of protecting and expanding habitat cores increased, while the risks of invasive species and unnecessary connectivity between croplands and natural habitats were minimized. Cost-effectiveness was enhanced, and connectivity between similar habitats was improved, linking all habitat cores within the region. This innovative methodology is presented as a comprehensive solution to mitigate the harmful impacts of habitat fragmentation and support sustainable biodiversity conservation.