This study analyzed the changes in landscape patterns and the ecological health status of karst plateau wetlands, providing valuable insights into their conservation. Using land cover data from 1996 to 2021, DEM, and Landsat series satellite imagery, this study employed landscape ecology methods and the pressure–state–response (PSR) model framework. A regional landscape grid was constructed, and 13 indicators were selected to establish an ecological health evaluation system for karst plateau wetlands. This allowed us to explore the spatiotemporal change characteristics of the landscape pattern and the ecological health of karst plateau wetlands. The results showed that over a 25-year period, farmland, grassland, and construction land areas have increased, whereas forested land areas have decreased. Water bodies remained relatively stable but showed a trend of transitioning into grassland. Unused land showed no significant change. Landscape analysis indicated that grasslands experience the highest rate of fragmentation, complex shapes, and greater heterogeneity, whereas water bodies have the lowest fragmentation, more regular shapes, and lower heterogeneity. Other landscape types exhibited moderate characteristics. Overall, the landscape of the study area exhibited high fragmentation, specific patch aggregation, moderate patch density, and low diversity. A comprehensive ecological health evaluation revealed that the wetland health value remained at an “unhealthy” level from 1996 to 2021. Although there was a brief improvement in 2010, effective long-term recovery was not achieved. Spatially, the proportion of “diseased” areas peaked in 2006, and most grid zones remained in an “unhealthy” state over the years, with none reaching the “healthy” standard. These findings highlight the severe challenges faced by the wetland ecosystem.

To investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of ecosystem health in a typical rocky desertification control demonstration zone. This study utilized land use data and remote sensing imagery from 1992, 2003, 2009, 2015, and 2021. Landscape pattern analysis was employed to quantify landscape characteristics. A Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model framework was integrated to establish an ecosystem health assessment system comprising 14 indicator factors, enabling ecosystem health evaluation from the perspective of coupling landscape patterns and ecological processes. Key findings reveal: Significant cropland expansion occurred within the study area, accompanied by mutual transitions within ecological land types, yet the overall landscape structure remained relatively stable. The regional landscape underwent substantial transformations, characterized by grassland reduction alongside increases in cropland and shrubland. These changes led to decreased landscape heterogeneity and fragmentation, an increasingly dominant landscape matrix, significantly enhanced connectivity, and reduced diversity. Ecosystem health experienced an initial deterioration phase followed by gradual recovery. By 2021, a transition trend emerged where a suboptimal state prevailed, yet localized areas exhibited improved quality. Distinct variations in ecological response mechanisms were observed across different geomorphic types. Unhealthy ecosystems were predominantly distributed in areas of intensive human activity, specifically peak-cluster platforms (I), eroded platforms (III), and V-shaped valleys (V). These results underscore the necessity of considering differential ecological carrying capacities inherent to various geomorphic types during rocky desertification control. Implementing differentiated management strategies and adaptive governance is crucial for promoting the sustainable enhancement of regional ecosystem health.