Identifying the Key Protection Areas of Alpine Marsh Wetlands in the Qinghai Qilian Mountains, China: An Ecosystem Patterns–Characteristics–Functions Combined Method

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The study “Identifying the Key Protection Areas of Alpine Marsh Wetlands in the Qinghai Qilian Mountains, China: An Ecosystem Patterns-Characteristics-Functions Combined Method” is an important investigation, the paper expands the methods for protection framework of regional marsh wetlands. The research made by these authors on this topic and merits to be published in “Land” after the introduction of the following minor changes.

 

-In the abstract section, line 37, mention “Different adaptive measures have been recommended”. PLEASE TO INCLUDE SOME EXAMPLES OF THAT ADAPTATIVE MEASURES.

-In the abstract section is important a conclusion about future possible investigations after the founded in this study

-is important not repeat keywords the terms used in the tittle, my suggestions are change marsh wetland and Qilian Mountain, maybe words as: natural wetlands, conservation, biodiversity, wetland eco-engineering, etc

-In the introduction section is necessary a description about the definition of marsh wetlands

-In the paragraph 47-78, are necessary references after the mention, …few studies have concentrated on the integrated application of various assessment models (xxxxx)

            There have been comparatively fewer research efforts (XXX)

-In the paragraph with lines 44-49 is important to add the carbon sequestration function of the wetland soils

-Line 116: including the proliferation of rodents (examples) and poisonous plants (examples)

-Line 119: including the proliferation of rodents and poisonous plants (references).

-In the methods section is important to describe about the alpine marsh ecosystem, and to describe some representative species.

-In the Evaluation of ecosystem service functions, explain why not consider a method for soil carbon sequestration of the ecosystem? considering that it is also one of the very important environmental services of wetlands.

-Formula 1 in Line 240 the closing parenthesis is half erased change  

--line 258, ..”the rain distribution characteristics in the area”(reference about the rainfall in the area is necessary)

-lines 330-332 the authors describe about the “ecological resistance indicators is lacking, and even more so, there is an even greater shortage of studies focused specifically on marsh-wetland ecosystems” Could you please refer to some studies different than marsh wetlands, where attention is being paid to these topics?

- Include in the discussion and conclusions how the results detected can help in the design of new public policies that help the conservation of the ecosystem.

-the description about the importance of identifying KEPAs in lines 362-363 could be included in the abstract

-In the lines 388-389 are necessary references about examples of current programs mentioned

-lines 419-420, It is important to have further discussion on the need for the inclusion of communities for the adoption and appropriation of the ecosystem, including strategies for this such as social capital, environmental education....

-Is the wetland studied a Ramsar site?

If it is not, it would be important to discuss how, with the proposed conservation strategies, it could become a Ramsar site.

-Strengths and weaknesses, or restrictions, of this study together with further research lines could be introduced at the end of conclusions and abstract.

- Try to contrast the literature with recent works on the methodology used (just there is one references of 2024)

-I suggest further discussion with new studies to increase bibliographic references to at least 60 citations.

-some important studies are recommended for discussion

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2017.12.027

DOI: 10.23818/limn.39.42

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-05572-6

 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Author’s Response to the Review Comments 

Journal: Land

Manuscript ID: land-3326959

Type of manuscript: Article

Title: Identifying the Key Protection Areas of Alpine Marsh Wetlands in the Qinghai Qilian Mountains, China: An Ecosystem Patterns-Characteristics-Functions Combined Method 

 

Dear Editor and reviewers，

Thank you and the two referees for your valuable and constructive comments on our manuscript. We have revised the manuscript and addressed all issues indicated in the review report, and we hope that the revised version will meet the journal’s publication requirements. 

Regards

All the authors 

 

Reviewer 1:

The study “Identifying the Key Protection Areas of Alpine Marsh Wetlands in the Qinghai Qilian Mountains, China: An Ecosystem Patterns-Characteristics-Functions Combined Method” is an important investigation, the paper expands the methods for protection framework of regional marsh wetlands. The research made by these authors on this topic and merits to be published in “Land” after the introduction of the following minor changes. 

Abstract

1.        line 37, mention “Different adaptive measures have been recommended”. PLEASE TO INCLUDE SOME EXAMPLES OF THAT ADAPTATIVE MEASURES.

• Response：Thank you for your comments. We have revised the sentence:
• In response to the factors contributing to the degradation of marsh wetlands, adaptive measures including prioritizing natural restoration, modifying grazing strategies, executing ecological restoration projects for mins, and designating protected areas have been recommended.

 

Keywords

1.        -is important not repeat keywords the terms used in the tittle, my suggestions are change marsh wetland and Qilian Mountain, maybe words as: natural wetlands, conservation, biodiversity, wetland eco-engineering, etc.

• Response: Thank you for your suggestions. We have revised the “ecological protection, marsh wetland, and the Qilian Mountain” to “ecological conservation, alpine marsh wetlands, and wetland eco-engineering”.

Since marsh wetlands were the main subject of the study, it was changed to alpine marsh wetlands, taking into account the natural environmental characteristics of the species' distribution.

 

Introduction

1.        In the introduction section is necessary a description about the definition of marsh wetlands

• Response：Thank you for your comments, and we agree with you. We have added the definition of marsh wetlands in the introduction section.
• As a kind of typical wetland, marsh wetlands usually develop in areas with excessively moist soil, where marsh plants grow, peat accumulates, or have gleyic characteristics.

 2.        In the paragraph with lines 44-49 is important to add the carbon sequestration function of the wetland soils

• Response: We have added the carbon sequestration function of the wetland soils according to your suggestion.

 

3.        In the paragraph 74-78, are necessary references after the mention, …few studies have concentrated on the integrated application of various assessment models (xxxxx)There have been comparatively fewer research efforts (XXX)

• Response：Thank you for pointing out this issue. We have added some relevant references.
• [1] Du, J.; Gong, Y.; Xi, X.; Liu, C.; Qian, C.; Ye, B. The study on the spatiotemporal changes in tradeoffs and synergies of ecosystem services and response to land use/land cover changes in the region around Taihu Lake. Heliyon 2024, 10(13), e33375.
• [2] Zhou, J.; Wang, Z.; He, Y.; Liu, P.; Xu, J.; Lu, C.; Lei, G.; Wen, L. Evaluating the Effects of Wetland Restoration on Ecosystem Services Using InVEST and Geostatistics: A Case Study of Dongting Lake in China. Remote Sens. 2024, 16, 4062.
• [3] Gao, X.; Huang, X.; Chang, S.; Dang, Q.; Wen, R.; Lo, K.; Li, J.; Yan, A. Long-term improvements in water conservation functions at Qilian Mountain National Park, northwest China. Mountain Sci. 2023, 20(10), 2885-2897.
• [4] Yang, R.; Mu, Z.; Gao, R.; Huang, M.; Zhao, S. Interactions between ecosystem services and their causal relationships with driving factors: A case study of the Tarim River Basin, China. Indic. 2024, 169, 112810.
• [5] Wang, M.; Wang, X.; Shi, W. Exploring the response of trade-offs and synergies among ecosystem services to future land use changes in the hilly red soil region of Southern China. Environ. Manage. 2024, 372, 123283.
• [6] Wei, X.; Wu, X.; Wang, D.; Wu, T.; Li, R.; Hu, G.; Zou, D.; Bai, K.; Liu, Y.; Yan, X.; Fan, X.; Dashtseren, A.; Adiya, S. Spatiotemporal changes and management measure to enhance ecosystem services in the Mongolian Plateau. Dev. 2024, 101103.
• [7] Zhang, X.; Li, S.; Yu, H. Analysis on the ecosystem service protection effect of national nature reserve in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau from weight perspective. Indic. 2022, 142, 109225.

 4.        Line 116: including the proliferation of rodents (examples) and poisonous plants (examples)

• Response：We have added the examples and references according to your suggestions.
• -…including the proliferation of rodents (Ochotona curzoniae and Myospalax baileyi) and poisonous plants (Stellera chamaejasme and Achnatherum inebrians) [8,9].
• References:
• [8] Yang, L.; Song, M.; Wang, Y.; Wang, H.; Zhou, R. Changes of plant community diversity and soil ecological stoichiometry in alpine meadow under the disturbance of plateau pika Ochotona curzoniae and plateau zokor Myospalax bailey J. Plan Protect. 2024, 51(05), 1056-1067.
• [9] Nie, H.; Gao, J. Research progress on the ecological impact and spreading mechanism of weeds on degraded grassland. J. grassl. 2022, 44(07), 101-113.

 

Methods

1.        In the methods section is important to describe about the alpine marsh ecosystem, and to describe some representative species.

• Response：Thank you for your comments. We have supplemented the description about the alpine marsh ecosystem and some representative species in the Study Area.
• The hydrology, vegetation, and water-saturated soil are recognized as the three fundamental components of marsh wetlands. Alpine marshes are mainly found in the depressions, floodplains, and foothill discharge zones of the eastern Qilian Mountains, where the drainage is impeded and the soil permeability is poor. The vegetation of alpine marsh wetlands is dominated by marsh meadows, with typical dominant species including Carex capillifolia (Decne.) S. R. Zhang, Carex tibetikobresia R. Zhang, Carex alatauensis S. R. Zhang, and Blysmus sinocompressus Tang & F. T. Wang. They are often exhibit distinctive frost heave geomorphic features.

 

Ø  In the Evaluation of ecosystem service functions, explain why not consider a method for soil carbon sequestration of the ecosystem? considering that it is also one of the very important environmental services of wetlands.

• Response：The carbon sequestration capacity of wetland ecosystems encompasses four basic carbon pools: aboveground biomass carbon storage, belowground biomass carbon storage, soil carbon storage, and carbon storage in dead organic matter. Previous studies have utilized the CASA model to assess net primary productivity as the ecosystem service for carbon sequestration [10,11], which only accounted for aboveground carbon storage. Due to lack of experimental data currently, we are unable to accurately quantify the belowground carbon storage and the carbon storage in dead organic matter within marsh wetland ecosystems. Therefore, this study does not evaluate soil carbon sequestration services. Moving forward, we will prioritize research in this area.
• [10] Ren, S.; Jing, H.; Qian, X.; Liu, Y. Spatial and temporal coordinated development research on ecosystem services and human well-being in the typical pastoral area of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Geogr. Sci. 2024, 34(2), 252-288.
• [11] Wang, X.; Wu, J.; Liu, Y.; Hai, X.; Shanguan, Z.; Deng, L. Driving factors of ecosystem services and their spatiotemporal change assessment based on land use types in the Loess Plateau. J. Environ. Manage. 2022, 311, 114835.

 

2.        Formula 1 in Line 240 the closing parenthesis is half erased change

• Response：Thank you very much for your careful and rigorous comments. We have revised the formula 1 for clarity.

 

Results

1.        line 258, ...”the rain distribution characteristics in the area”(reference about the rainfall in the area is necessary)

• Response：Thank you very much for your careful suggestions. We have added the reference about the rainfall in the area.
• Reference:
• [12] Wei, X.; Eboy, O. V.; Cao, G.; Xu, L. Spatio-temporal variation of water conservation and its impact factors on the southern slope of Qilian Mountains. Sustain. 2023, 4(1), 54-67.

 

Discussion

1.        lines 330-332 the authors describe about the “ecological resistance indicators is lacking, and even more so, there is an even greater shortage of studies focused specifically on marsh-wetland ecosystems” Could you please refer to some studies different than marsh wetlands, where attention is being paid to these topics?

• Response：This study has referenced some studies different than marsh wetlands, including lake ecosystems and the urban agglomeration around Poyang Lake. Additionally, the study on urban safety patterns has been added, which constructs an ecological resistance surface while considering type of land use, NDVI, distance from residential area, distance from water source, elevation, slope, and the degree of soil erosion [13]. Furthermore, the sentence “a standardized framework for ecological resistance indicators is lacking……” may have been inappropriate, and it has been deleted.
• References:
• [13] Huang, L.; Tang, Y.; Song, Y.; Liu, J.; Shen, H.; Du, Y. Identifying and optimizing the ecological security pattern of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration from 2000 to 2030. Land 2024, 13(8), 1115.

 

2.        Include in the discussion and conclusions how the results detected can help in the design of new public policies that help the conservation of the ecosystem.

• Response：Thank you for your comments. The application of the results was mentioned in the discussion (4.2 The importance of identifying key areas for ecological protection of marsh wetlands and 4.3 Adaptive strategies). And the conclusions have been revised.
• Based on the research paradigm of ecological sources, corridors, and nodes, the KEPAs of marsh wetlands were identified and adaptive strategies for marsh wetland degradation were proposed, combining with drivers of the EPCFs, which is valuable for implementing ecological protection projects and delineating ecological security patterns. The conclusions are as follows:

(1) The water conservation, soil conservation, and habitat quality functions of the marsh wetlands in the QMQ in 2020 were simulated by the InVEST and RUSLE models. The overall ecosystem service function was good, with nearly 70% of the area at the extremely important level.

(2) The KEPAs of marsh wetlands in QMQ included 40 ecological sources with a total area of 996.53 km², 39 ecological corridors, and 40 ecological nodes, which are spatially concentrated in the upper reaches of the DT Basin and the HH Basin. Based on the identification results of the KEPAs, the ecological network system of "2 ecological axes, 4 ecological belts, 4 ecological cores, and multiple nodes" was proposed.

(3) The internal ecological interference of the KEPAs for wetland ecological protection in marsh wetlands was highlighted by constructing the ecological resistance evaluation system. In response to the two types (grazing and mineral mining) of interference in degraded marsh wetlands, it is proposed that natural restoration should be the main approach for marsh wetlands in the source areas of the HH and SL. Grazing strategies should be adjusted to effectively alleviate the conflict between livestock and grass, and coordinate the relationship between human activities and biodiversity. In addition, the implementation of mining ecological restoration projects and regulatory measures such as the delineation of protected areas in the source areas of the DT, have improved the ecological environment and enhanced the quality and function of the regional ecosystem.

 3.        the description about the importance of identifying KEPAs in lines 362-363 could be included in the abstract

• Response：Thank you and we have included the description about the importance of identifying KEPAs in the abstract according to your suggestions.

 4.        In the lines 388-389 are necessary references about examples of current programs mentioned

• Response：We have added the references about examples of current programs mentioned.
• References:
• [14] Peng, J.; Li, B.; Dong, J.; Liu, Y.; Lv, D.; Du, Y.; Luo, M.; Wu, J. Basic logic of territorial ecological restoration. China Land Sci. 2020, 34(5), 18-26.
• [15] Song, W.; Han, Z.; Liu, L. Systematic diagnosis of ecological problems and comprehensive zoning of ecological conservation and restoration for an integrated ecosystem of mountains-rivers-forests-farmlands-lakes-grasslands in Shaanxi Province. Acta Ecol. Sin. 2019, 39(23): 8975-8989.

 

5.        Lines 419-420, It is important to have further discussion on the need for the inclusion of communities for the adoption and appropriation of the ecosystem, including strategies for this such as social capital, environmental education....

• Response：We will be happy to edit the text further based on helpful comments.
• Community members can directly participate in the conservation of biodiversity in marsh wetlands, such as monitoring species and recording ecological changes. At the same time, it is also possible to teach residents wetland protection knowledge and skills through organizing lectures, exhibitions, practical activities, etc., to improve their environmental awareness and participation. In addition, the introduction of social capital can provide financial support, technical assistance, and management experience for wetland protection. This comprehensive protection model emphasizes multi-party participation, collaboration, and joint efforts to promote the development of wetland conservation.

 

6.        Is the wetland studied a Ramsar site?If it is not, it would be important to discuss how, with the proposed conservation strategies, it could become a Ramsar site.

• Response：According to the local standards of Qinghai Province (DB 63/T 1746—2019) and the definition of wetlands outlined in the Ramsar Convention, the marsh wetland we are studying qualify is a Ramsar site.

 

7.        Strengths and weaknesses, or restrictions, of this study together with further research lines could be introduced at the end of conclusions and abstract.

• Response：Thank you for your suggestions. The reason for not including the limitation in the conclusions and abstract is that they will increase in length, which will make them appear less topical.

 

8.        Try to contrast the literature with recent works on the methodology used (just there is one references of 2024) -I suggest further discussion with new studies to increase bibliographic references to at least 60 citations.-some important studies are recommended for discussion https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2017.12.027DOI: 10.23818/limn.39.42 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-05572-6

• Response：Thanks for your comments and recommending many valuable references for us. We have increased the new references.
• References:
• [16] Mitsch, W. J.; Mander, Ü. Wetlands and carbon revisited. Eng. 2018, 114, 1-6.
• [17] Fluet-Chouinard, E.; Stocker, B. D.; Zhang, Z.; Malhotra, A.; Melton, J. R.; Poulter, B.; Kaplan, J.; Goldewijk, K. K.; Siebert, S.; Minayeva, T.; Hugelius, G.; Joosten, H.; Barthelmes, A.; Prigent, C.; Aires, F.; M. Hoyt, A.; Davidson, N.; Finlayson, C. M.; Lehner, B.; Jackson, R. B.; McIntyre, P. B. Extensive global wetland loss over the past three centuries. Nature 2023, 614(7947), 281-286.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Land REV

 

In this manuscript, authors identified the Key Protection Areas of Alpine Marsh Wetlands in selected mountainous areas of China using GIS approach and a rationale to obtain data at ecosystem services level. Manuscript is well written with a strong analysis, good maps and clear conceptual frameworks. Perhaps references are too much Chinese-oriented and I think that for a more wide reading some more references from other countries should be added. The topic of ecological network ranges from to environmental planning to biological sciences and some more links to this literature should be added. Below I suggest some seminal papers. However, this is a good paper and I recommend a publication on Land after MINOR REVISIONS. Here below some minor points that, I hope, could improve a bit this good ms.

MINOR REVISIONS

Row 123. ‘(2) assess’ should be ‘(2) Assess’.

Authors reported grazing and mining as the main disturbances. I suggest to refer to IUCN threat taxonomy (See review in Conservation Biology, 22(4), 897-911).

All the topic of corridors, buffer zones, core areas and so on, include a specific jargon with specific terms. I suggest to refer to a paper published on this Journal: Land, 11(2), 230, for better define the concepts.

Among limitations I would read some more about the difference between the concept of ‘contiguity’ (structural connections) and ‘connectivity’ (functional connections). In this regard, see the differences as reported in Bennett (Bennett, A. F. (2003). Linkages in the landscape: the role of corridors and connectivity in wildlife conservation (No. 1). Iucn.) and other authors (Crooks, Lindenmayer and Nix, and so on).

Row 437. ‘structured ecological framework’. I suggest to report the term ‘ecological network’ as yet included in this disciplinary arena (Current opinion in environmental sustainability, 29, 187-197, Conservation biology, 21(6), 1414-1422 and criticism in  Land use policy, 68, 686-691). There is only one citation of this concept ‘ecological network’ in row 381. Here, the authors should explain a bit the meaning of this term inside the topic of ‘corridors’. 

Add the role of anonymous reviewers in Acknowledgments.

Have a nice work.

 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Author’s Response to the Review Comments 

Journal: Land

Manuscript ID: land-3326959

Type of manuscript: Article

Title: Identifying the Key Protection Areas of Alpine Marsh Wetlands in the Qinghai Qilian Mountains, China: An Ecosystem Patterns-Characteristics-Functions Combined Method 

 

Dear Editor and reviewers，

Thank you and the two referees for your valuable and constructive comments on our manuscript. We have revised the manuscript and addressed all issues indicated in the review report, and we hope that the revised version will meet the journal’s publication requirements. 

Regards

All the authors 

 

Reviewer 2:

In this manuscript, authors identified the Key Protection Areas of Alpine Marsh Wetlands in selected mountainous areas of China using GIS approach and a rationale to obtain data at ecosystem services level. Manuscript is well written with a strong analysis, good maps and clear conceptual frameworks. Perhaps references are too much Chinese-oriented and I think that for a more wide reading some more references from other countries should be added. The topic of ecological network ranges from to environmental planning to biological sciences and some more links to this literature should be added. Below I suggest some seminal papers. However, this is a good paper and I recommend a publication on Land after MINOR REVISIONS. Here below some minor points that, I hope, could improve a bit this good ms.  1.        Row 123. ‘(2) assess’ should be ‘(2) Assess’.

• Response：Thank you very much for your careful and rigorous comments. We have changed the ‘assess’ to ‘Assess’ in line 228.

 

2.        Authors reported grazing and mining as the main disturbances. I suggest to refer to IUCN threat taxonomy (See review in Conservation Biology, 22(4), 897-911).

• Response：Thank you for your suggestions. We have referred to IUCN threat taxonomy.
• According to the World Conservation Union–Conservation Measures Partnership (IUCN-CMP) classification of direct threats to biodiversity (version 1.1), marsh wetlands are threatened by agriculture and aquaculture, energy production and mining [1].
• References:
• [1] Salafsky, N.; Salzer, D.; Stattersfield, A. J.; Hilton-Taylor, C.; Neugarten, R.; Butchart, S. H. M.; Collen, B.; Cox, N.; Master, L. L.; O’connor, S.; Wilkie, D. A standard lexicon for biodiversity conservation: unified classifications of threats and actions. Biol. 2008, 22(4), 897-911.

 

3.        All the topic of corridors, buffer zones, core areas and so on, include a specific jargon with specific terms. I suggest to refer to a paper published on this Journal: Land,11(2), 230, for better define the concepts.

• Response：Thank you for your suggestions. We have referred to the paper into the Methods section [2].
• References:
• [2] Battisti, C.; Gallitelli, L.; Scalici, M.; Angelici, F.M. Habitat fragmentation, connectivity conservation and related key-concepts: temporal trends in their recurrences on web of science (1960–2020). Land 2022, 11, 230.

 

4.        Among limitations I would read some more about the difference between the concept of ‘contiguity’ (structural connections) and ‘connectivity’ (functional connections). In this regard, see the differences as reported in Bennett (Bennett, A. F. (2003). Linkages in the landscape: the role of corridors and connectivity in wildlife conservation (No. 1). Iucn.) and other authors (Crooks, Lindenmayer and Nix, and so on).

• Response：In the field of landscape ecology, structural connection usually refers to the continuity of landscape elements in spatial structure, that is, physical connection. This includes the spatial continuity of natural features such as topography, vegetation, water bodies, and the physical connections between them. Functional connectivity considers the particular ecological process from the perspective of an ecological entity (e.g., biological individual, population, species, etc.). It refers to the role of landscape elements in facilitating ecological processes such as species movement, gene exchange, energy flow, and material cycling. Structural connection emphasizes the spatial and physical contiguity of landscape elements, which is the foundation of ecosystem structure and function. Functional connection emphasizes the function and role of landscape elements in the ecological process, which is the key to the health and stability of the ecosystem.
• The contiguity of the spatial structure of marsh wetlands is the basis for promoting the connectivity of ecological processes and functions, such as species migration, gene exchange, energy flow, and material cycling [3,4].
• References:
• [3] Bennett, A. F. Linkages in the landscape: the role of corridors and connectivity in wildlife conservation (No. 1). Iucn 2003.
• [4] Lindenmayer, D.; Bowd, E. Critical ecological roles, structural attributes and conservation of old growth forest: lessons from a case study of Australian mountain ash forests. For. Global Change 2022, 5, 878570.

5.        Row 437. ‘structured ecological framework’. I suggest to report the term ‘ecological network’ as yet included in this disciplinary arena (Current opinion in environmental sustainability, 29, 187-197, Conservation biology, 21(6), 1414-1422 and criticism in Land use policy, 68, 686-691). There is only one citation of this concept ‘ecological network’ in row 381. Here, the authors should explain a bit the meaning of this term inside the topic of ‘corridors’.

• Response：Thanks for your comments and for recommending many valuable references for us. We have modified the ‘structured ecological framework’ into the ‘ecological network’ and explained a bit the meaning of this term inside the topic of ‘corridors’. In addition, we have increased the new references.
• Ecological networks are systems of nature reserves and their interconnected, which make fragmented natural systems coherent and thus support more biodiversity than non-connected forms, including core areas, buffers and corridors [5-7].
• [5] Gonzalez, A.; Thompson, P.; Loreau, M. Spatial ecological networks: planning for sustainability in the long-term. Opin. Environ. Sustain. 2017, 29, 187-197.
• [6] Boitani, L.; Falcucci, A.; Maiorano, L.; Rondinini, C. Ecological networks as conceptual frameworks or operational tools in conservation. Biol. 2007, 21(6), 1414-1422.
• [7] Gippoliti, S.; Battisti, C. More cool than tool: Equivoques, conceptual traps and weaknesses of ecological networks in environmental planning and conservation. Land use policy. 2017, 68, 686-691.

 

6.        Add the role of anonymous reviewers in Acknowledgments.

• Response：Thank you for your suggestions. We have added the role of anonymous reviewers in Acknowledgments.
• Acknowledgments: The authors gratefully acknowledge the editors and anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments on our manuscript.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.docx