Research on habitat quality in ecologically vulnerable areas has gained attention due to mountain urbanization and climate change. However, the absence of comprehensive reviews limits a systematic understanding of habitat quality. This study investigates habitat quality research in ecologically vulnerable regions of China, drawing data from Web of Science and Scopus. Using CiteSpace software analyzes trends in publication volume, geographic distribution, journal outlets, research disciplines, and keyword co-occurrence. The findings identify two distinct research phases: an initial exploratory stage and a period of steady growth, with the Loess Plateau emerging as a primary focal region. Key journals, such as Ecological Indicators and Acta Ecologica Sinica, dominate the field, reflecting contributions from disciplines including environmental science and ecology. Research hotspots center on trade-offs between habitat quality and ecosystem services, driving factors of change, landscape pattern optimization, and simulation techniques. Future research should prioritize addressing the spatial heterogeneity of vulnerable regions, advancing methodological approaches, and enhancing uncertainty analyses in model parameterization. This study provides a critical foundation for addressing key scientific challenges and guiding future research, with implications for ecological security and sustainable development.
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