Construction and Optimization Strategy of County Ecological Infrastructure Network Based on MCR and Gravity Model—A Case Study of Langzhong County in Sichuan Province
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
P1: This manuscript applies the traditional method of ecological network construction to analyze County Ecological Infrastructure Network. However, there are many such studies in this field at county level, it is not innovative. In addition, the writing paradigm of the manuscript is similar to the research report. Especially in the introduction section, the scientific question to be solved is not clearly stated. In general, the authors have combined many methods to achieve ecological network construction, which is a reference value for the integration and synthesis of methods.I would suggest that the authors could elaborate on the differences and improvements of the study in terms of methodology, which would lead to the scientific questions to be addressed in this study. Meanwhile, the authors can show the differences of this study in terms of innovation of strategies for ecological conservation and restoration.
P2，Figure 2:The authors mentioned in L259-270 that the potential corridor path was generated by adopting MCR model is not consistent with Figure 2.Please correct.
P3，Table1:The Resistance factors, Distance and Distance water body, in Table 1 seem to be wrong. Please correct.
P4，the Results section: In the Results, the authors simply describe the results of the calculations rather than analyze them, which making the chapter looks like a report.
P5，L259-270: This paragraph seems out of place and more suitable for the Methods section. And what is the meaning of diffusion distance in the paragraph?
P6，L276-284:Here the authors simply describe the MSPA results without proper analysis.
P7，L288-294:Again, this paragraph seems out of place and more suitable for the Methods section.
P8，L303-309: This paragraph seems out of place and more suitable for the Methods section.
P9，L346-347:What is the basis for selecting the patches with large area and high forest land near long-distance corridors as stepping stones?
Author Response
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Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
This is a very long paper about a significant and important issue on the ecological infrastructure network. From my perspective an article on this topic - published in a journal - should be shorter: The message (and the topic) of the paper is clear but it does not need 25 pages (including literature). Especially those who should apply the strategy of the EI-network are not those people who read half of their time for a better professional practice. Against this background I suggest to deal with two versions: One version must be the scientific with lots of examples and references, the other one must be a clear and short version which shows the necessity of introducing the topic of the ecological network into the planning practice.
I am aware that this is not easy but complexity and the length with be a barrier for the introduction into the planning practice. Maybe you can develop another version which is shorter (referring to the long paper) and coming to the point where you show the steps towards the application of the Ecological Network Infrastructure.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
Dear authors,
I have had a pleasure to read your article which is very well made. You have touched many benefits of described approach but I have founf it that it could be made even better:
Line 59: "This is also of great significance to the improvement of regional 58 ecological resilience and quality of human settlements[6-7]. "– you should explain why?
In discussion (4th chapter) you have mentioned a cultural heritage. Please, make your statement more argumental.
Figure 11. Field forest belt formed by EI corridor design - is showing a aerial photo which has a very distinctive agricultural land division. This parcelisation is cultural heritage as well (in Europe they are made often of dry stone walls which are protected from UNESCO institution and these drystone structures are eraising biodiversity as they are living space for some species). You should reconsider ecological network made like they are everywhere in a function of a sun shelters because it is not good for all crops. Lots of crops have a higher production when on the direct sun. Maybe these corridors can be partly woody and partly only with grassland and distributed soliter trees.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
The innovation of this paper is the integration of ecological security methods. However, the problems existing in the integration of ecological security methods are not explained from the perspective of literature review, or why to integrate, including what impact it will have if the ecological security methods are not integrated.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
I suggest to develop a shorter version which has to address the planners and decision makers - these people have to be introduced into your idea and method: Then the chances will grow immensely that the relevant administration offices and decision makers work along your ideas and even start to develop similar evaluation ideas as you propose!
