Biodiversity credit accounting in the Suiyang Administration Branch of Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park based on changes in flagship species habitat suitability

Introduction Quantifying changes in flagship species habitats and translating them into spatial management priorities are essential for improving conservation management in national parks. Methods This study focused on the Suiyang Administration Branch of the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park. Using camera trap records and environmental data from 2017, 2021, and 2024, we applied maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling and landscape connectivity analysis. We examined spatiotemporal changes in suitable habitats for Amur tigers and Amur leopards. We then developed a biodiversity credit quantification framework for both species by integrating habitat area, habitat suitability, and an adjustment based on patch connector contribution. Management zones were delineated by coupling habitat patterns with biodiversity credit changes. Results The results showed that suitable habitat areas for Amur tigers, Amur leopards, and overlapping suitable habitat of both species increased by 179.85, 80.78, and 81.06 km 2 , respectively, during 2017–2024. Habitat expansion occurred alongside localized losses, with habitat centroids generally shifting northwestward. By 2024, patches with high patch connector contribution values were mainly concentrated in the north for Amur tigers and in the northern and central areas for Amur leopards. The composite biodiversity credit gains for both species were 4,860.19 and 15,099.21 Biodiversity Credit Units (BCUs) during 2017–2021 and 2021–2024, respectively. The gain in the latter period was approximately 3.11 times that of the former. Credit gains were primarily concentrated in the northeast, whereas localized credit losses persisted in the southeast. The integration of habitat patterns and credit changes identified four management tiers and seven functional zones, corresponding to core protection, buffer consolidation, habitat restoration and connectivity enhancement, and basic management needs. Discussion This study reveals temporal differences and spatial heterogeneity in flagship species habitat and biodiversity credit changes during national park development. The findings provide a methodological reference for integrated habitat change quantification and differentiated conservation management.