Ecosystem Services Evaluation and Its Spatial Characteristics in Central Asia’s Arid Regions: A Case Study in Altay Prefecture, China

摘要: Ecosystem services are important foundations to realize the sustainable development of economy and society. The question how quantitatively evaluate ecosystem in a scientific way is hot topic among international researchers. Studying spatial characteristics arid regions can provide theoretical practical basis for coordinating man-land relationship. Altay Prefecture China, typical region Central Asia, was taken as study area. It on Silk Road economic belt, which key program developing Western China. Three services: water yield, soil conservation, net primary productivity were evaluated. results show that (1) distribution pattern has distinct characteristic zonality; (2) mountain zone mountain-oasis ecotone hotspots services; (3) correlation between yield shows gradual increasing trend altitude decreases. Objective analysis from aspect mechanism given by discussing causes this particular pattern. found slope have great influence distributions services, zones with most amount distributed 1.5–2 km-altitude 15–25°-slope. Different human activities different distance decay also contribute formation Thus, overgrazing, logging mining prohibited ecotones. Scholars encouraged focus desert-ecosystem future.