Ecosystem services in giant panda habitats and the Giant Panda National Park: A decade of insight (2011–2021)

The giant panda habitats, especially the Giant Panda National Park (GPNP), play an important role in China's “Two Screens and Three Belts” ecological security strategic pattern. This study evaluates the effectiveness of ecological restoration in giant panda habitats by comparing the differences in land use structure, quantity, and ecosystem service value (ESV) between the GPNP and non-GPNP areas within it from 2011 to 2021, and the possible driving factors behind ESV heterogeneity are revealed. Our findings uncover profound implications of the national park pilot scheme on ESV in giant panda habitats: a remarkable increase in ecological land, reaching 1,430 square kilometers, with non-ecological land primarily converted into ecological space through reforestation and afforestation initiatives. The ESV within GPNP displayed a distinctive trajectory, initially declining then rebounding, predominantly driven by forest land and water. In GPNP, natural factors predominate as chief ESV contributors. Contrarily, the surroundings experienced varying influences from both natural and human activities until 2015, followed by a distinct shift in ESV regulation under the GPNP’s establishment, suggesting a dominance of natural factors afterward. This research highlights the positive impact of establishing a national park, not only enhancing ESV within its boundaries but also spillover effects on adjacent habitats, culminating in a consistent ESV uplift across the study area. These findings contribute valuable insights into understanding the restorative effects of the GPNP and inform the broader strategy for ecological conservation and management. • Assess restoration in panda habitats by comparison between GPNP and non-GPNP areas. • Uncover national park pilot's impact and drivers of ESV in panda habitats. • In GPNP, ESV dips then rebounds, led by natural factors. • Highlight positive role of GPNP that enhancing ESV and having spillover effects.