Assessing the Impact of the G331 Highway on Three Types of Wildlife Groups’ Habitat and Connectivity in Changbai Mountain Using a Multi-Model Framework

Linear transportation infrastructure significantly contributes to biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation. This study evaluates the impact of the G331 tourist highway on wildlife in the Changbai Mountain region using an integrated multi-model framework. The InVEST 3.14.1 model assessed the habitat quality, while MaxENT v3.4.4 identified the habitat’s suitability for mammals, birds, and amphibians. Ecological source areas were derived by overlaying high-suitability and high-quality zones. A comprehensive resistance surface was constructed, and the Linkage Mapper toolbox identified potential ecological corridors, pinch points, and barrier points. Results reveal significant spatial conflicts between the highway and wildlife networks, with 16 ecological conflict points identified. The “common key area” that is critical for all three species groups covers only 1.2% of the total key area but holds the highest conservation value. This integrated framework not only diagnoses ecological impacts but also generates a prioritized spatial decision-support tool for conservation planning, demonstrating a replicable approach for assessing linear infrastructure in similar ecologically sensitive regions.