Landscape fragmentation is a significant ecological challenge that impacts the watershed hydrological response. This research aimed to examine the river flow response to changes in landscape metrics through historical changes and land use management scenarios. The flow response was simulated using the SWAT model and the SUFI2 program in the SWAT-CUP software package on a monthly time step. The model results were evaluated using the R2 and NS statistical coefficients, which were 0.59 and 0.54 during the calibration period, and 0.59 and 0.53 during the validation period, respectively, which proved the model's accuracy. To investigate the land use fragmentation, landscape metrics (edge density, land cover percentage, Shannon's diversity index, and landscape connectivity) were calculated using Fragstats 4.2. Additionally, the effects of land use change scenarios including increased agricultural land by 10 % (degradation), and converting moderate rangelands to good rangelands (restoration) have been assessed. The results showed an increased fragmentation, complex shapes, lower connectivity, and increasing trend of land use diversity in the watershed. The results indicate that Scenario 2, which involves the expansion of agricultural land, led to an increase in runoff at the watershed outlet. Conversely, Scenario 1, focusing on rangeland restoration, resulted in a significant reduction in runoff. Therefore, preserving the natural land uses and restoration of rangelands is one of the fundamental solutions for reducing surface runoff and the studied watershed. The findings revealed the impact of landscape change on river flow response and the contribution of river flow discharge.
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