Abstract: Constructing nature reserve networks and optimizing their performance in conservation have become a hot topic in the research area of biodiversity conservation. This study aims todevelop and fine tune a spatially clear nature reserve network, in which conservation gaps are analyzed, ecological corridors are defined, and ecological nodes are identified, on the basis ofcurrent nature reserve system by applying minimum cumulative resistance model (MCR model) in Mountain Qinling region. The MCR model was used to calculate the minimal cumulative resistance surface of ecological source areas. The selected areas were grouped into multiple categories, taking into account ecological vulnerability, the significance of ecosystem services, biodiversity richness and climate change patterns. Eight ecological restraint factors, including altitude, slope and land use pattern, were selected to develop the ecological resistance surface. The results showed that the ecological source area in Mountain Qinling region was 25088.84 km², accounting for 24.66% of the total area. The area of minimum resistance accounted for 25.06% of the regional area. A nature reserve network was developed with interwoven points, lines and surfaces, including 38 eco-nodes, 40 eco-corridors, one relatively large eco-source area and few small eco-source areas. Our findings would contribute to the planning of biodiversity conservation and nature reserve construction.

Key words: ecosystem vulnerability, gross primary productivity (GPP), vegetation type, southwestern China