Boundary Optimization of Tianchuang in the Fujian Section of Wuyishan National Park, China

In China’s national parks, Tianchuang were located on land within boundaries that are excluded from national park administration to reduce governance conflicts. According to existing research on boundary optimization of protected area, Tianchuang are routinely regarded as fixed constraints or contextual backgrounds rather than optimization targets. Based on systematic conservation planning (SCP) theory and integrated models of MaxEnt, InVEST, and Marxan, and taking Tianchuang as dynamically adjustable spatial variables, this study aims to explore the boundary optimization schemes of Tianchuang areas in Wuyishan National Park of China. The main findings are as follows: Firstly, highly suitable habitats for representative species are predominantly concentrated within the north-central region of the park, while Tianchuang patches generate significant edge effects and pose critical disturbances to ecosystem integrity. Secondly, human activity intensity demonstrates marked spatial heterogeneity, indicating distinct variations in socioeconomic impacts and management difficulties among Tianchuang patches. Thirdly, based on irreplaceability, landscape connectivity, and patch fragmentation, three optimization strategies are proposed, namely incorporation, retention, and provisional retention, balancing ecological protection and community development. This study provides a scientific basis for the differentiated management of Tianchuang areas in Wuyishan National Park and offers a practical pathway for the boundary optimization and spatial governance of protected areas in China.