Rapid urbanization has led to landscape fragmentation and increased ecological risks.Constructing and optimizing ecological networks is crucial strategies for ensuring regional ecological security and sustaining ecosystem services.This study focuses on the core area of Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomeration,using morphological spatial pattern analysis(MSPA),remote sensing ecological index(RSEI),and landscape connectivity analysis to comprehensively identify ecological source areas.Considering factors such as terrain,topography,landscape types,and human interference,and utilizing the entropy method to establish a combined resistance surface,the utilizing the entropy method to establish a combined resistance surface,the study employed Linkage Mapper to develop an ecological network,incorporating stepping stone patches and ecological corridors to enhance network structure.Subsequently,the structural indices of the optimized ecological network were compared before and after optimization.1)Seven distinct landscape types were identified through MSPA,with the core area boasts the largest expanse.2)Core ecological source areas are primarily located in the northeastern and southern regions of the study area,whereas middle and western regions exhibit relative sparsity with uneven distribution and poor connectivity.3)Affected by human activities in the central urban area,overall resistance within the study area is characterized by high levels in central locations,which decrease towards peripheral zones.4)A total of 59 ecological corridors were identified,predominantly concentrated around high-quality patches in the northeastern and southern areas,while lateral connectivity remains inadequate in the eastern and western sections.5)The addition of seven stepping stone patches and nineteen new ecological corridors led to significant improvements in both the structural indices of the optimized network and its stability.The optimized ecological network structure has achieved significant improvements in both connectivity and stability.These improvements underscore that optimization measures have effectively enhanced landscape connectivity and ecosystem restoration capabilities in this region,while potentially mitigating environmental issues caused by rapid urban development within the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomeration.