Construction and evaluation of ecosystem service radiation networks in dryland protected areas: A case study of Central and East Asia

• Built a model to quantify ecosystem services radiation force in protected areas. • Mapped a directed network of protected areas. • Larger grassland protected areas show stronger ecosystem services radiation. • Integrated forest and grassland management increases radiation intensity. The significant warming trend in dryland regions has challenged the stability and sustainability of ecosystem services in protected areas (PAs). With the expansion of PAs, spatial isolation has become the main challenge to ecosystem services in these areas. This study quantifies the spatial influence of ecosystem services to explore their radiation patterns and to build a network of PAs in the dryland regions of Central and East Asia. By integrating landscape ecological network and complex network theory, we assess the relationship between network structure and ecosystem services, aiming to identify shortcomings in the spatial layout of PAs and provide recommendations for maximizing their ecosystem functions. Results show that grassland PAs are influenced by their area in determining radiation force. Forested PAs are affected by the desert and Gobi in China and Mongolia, resulting in high resistance to ecosystem services transmission. Ecosystem services radiation intensity is influenced by the ecosystem services value of PAs and their types. The radiation intensity from strongest to weakest is: forested PAs > grassland PAs > shrubland PAs. The topological features of the protected area network allow for the evaluation of protected area ecosystem services functionality and network structure characteristics, providing insights for management and spatial planning within the protected area network. Findings from the ecosystem services radiation network in PAs contribute to a clearer understanding of the ecological benefits that enhance human well-being in the targeted area.