Spatiotemporal analysis of landscape ecological risk and its influencing factors based on land cover changes in the Hexi Corridor, Northwest China, 2000–2020

Land cover change (LCC) plays a critical role in shaping the distribution of regional landscape ecological risk (LER). This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of LER and its influencing factors in the Hexi Corridor from 2000 to 2020 by leveraging multi-source data, ecological risk assessment models, and optimal parameter geographical detectors. The results showed that the (1) Farmlands expanded from 14221 km2 to 15787 km2, and built-up areas increased from 1163 km2 to 1758 km2. The main land cover types transferred out were unused land (1849.73 km2), grassland (700.09 km2), and desert (359.82 km2), while the primary types transferred in were farmland (1807.63 km2), grassland (581.05 km2), and built-up areas (598.61 km2). (2) The proportions of areas with medium, relatively high, and high landscape ecological risk are relatively large. In 2020, they accounted for 21.15 %, 33.43 %, and 22.21 %, respectively. Relatively High-risk areas decreasing from 86424 km2 to 82693 km2. It shows a positive correlation at the spatial scale. (3) In the single-factor detection, annual mean precipitation, NDVI, and annual mean surface temperature are the main factors influencing the changes in LER. The interaction between annual mean precipitation and NDVI is the main reason for the evolution of LER. These findings offer valuable scientific support for developing differentiated ecological protection strategies and promoting sustainable development in the Hexi Corridor.