Objective To scientifically evaluate the spatiotemporal characteristics of ecosystem services in the Yangtze River and Yellow River Basins, uncover the spatial heterogeneity of their influencing factors, and provide scientific evidence for ecosystem protection policy formulation and land use policy regulation. Methods This study utilized remote sensing monitoring data of land use status in the Yangtze River and Yellow River Basins from 2000, 2010, and 2020, along with other multi-source data. The InVEST model and integrated scoring method were used to describe the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of comprehensive ecosystem services in the two river basins. The spatial clustering of comprehensive ecosystem services was analyzed using hotspot analysis tools, and spatial heterogeneity of driving factors was revealed based on the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. Results (1) During the study period, the comprehensive ecosystem service index showed sustained growth from 0.43 in 2000 to 0.46 in 2020 in the Yangtze River Basin and from 0.30 in 2000 to 0.33 in 2020 in the Yellow River Basin. High-value areas were predominantly distributed in the hilly mountainous area of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, while low-value areas were concentrated in the mountainous area of the upper reach of the Yangtze River and plains in the middle reaches of the Yellow River. (2) The significant hot spots of comprehensive ecosystem service index in the Yangtze River and Yellow River Basins accounted for 10.642%, 12.512%, and 12.412% in 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. These were primarily distributed in Hunan and Jiangxi provinces of the middle Yangtze River regions, as well as the lower reaches of the Yellow River Basin. The cold spots were mainly located in Qinghai and Gansu provinces in the upper reach of both river basins. (3) The regression results showed that socioeconomic factors had a significant negative correlation with ecosystem services. Among natural baseline factors, an increase of 1% in average altitude led to a decrease of 0.08% in ecosystem services, while precipitation showed a positive correlation. An increase of 1% in land use intensity resulted in a decrease of 0.065% in ecosystem services. A rational land use structure could effectively enhance ecosystem services. Conclusion Comprehensive ecosystem services exhibit significant spatial dependence. Natural environmental baseline factors (e.g., climate, topography, land use) and socioeconomic driving factors demonstrate significant spatial heterogeneity.
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