Ecological degradation risk assessment and influence analysis of ecological conservation redlines in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China

Performing quantitative evaluations and diagnostic studies on human disruptions within ecological conservation redline areas is highly significant both theoretically and practically for enhancing redline management efficacy and safeguarding regional ecological security. This study examines the ecological conservation redline areas in Xilingol League of Inner Mongolia, using patches experiencing ecological degradation as a basis for assessing ecological risk and conducting diagnostic analysis. The study seeks to objectively identify the principal stressors, characterize risk areas, and suggest unique risk management techniques. The findings reveal that: (1) The risk of ecological degradation in the study area displays a spatial configuration characterized by a predominantly low overall level, interspersed with localized concentrations of high risk areas, with more than 80% of the area classified as having extremely low risk, but with a limited number of high-risk zones (4.61% of the study area), which are concentrated within the ecologically significant Hunshandak Sandland windbreak including a sand-fixation redline area; (2) the ecological degradation risk pattern is primarily influenced by the spatial heterogeneity of human-induced stress, which becomes more pronounced in regions with heightened ecological sensitivity; (3) human-induced stress serves as the principal catalyst for risk formation, with tourism development exerting an area-wide influence, while the impact of human patches is significant locally exhibiting a scale effect. This work elucidates the risk-driving process via nonlinear quantitative evaluation. The results can establish a scientific foundation for differentiated management, source-specific risk mitigation, and the sustainable development of ecological conservation redline areas in the Xilingol League.