Objectives The degradation and loss of habitat represent a significant threat to biodiversity. This study evaluated the conservation effectiveness of Wuyishan National Park by assessing the changes in habitat quality before and after its establishment. It also explored a path for rapid evaluation of conservation effectiveness and provided suggestions for improving of conservation planning and practices.

Methods Open-source data was employed, combined with the InVEST habitat quality model to assess the habitat quality of Wuyishan National Park one year before and one year after its establishment, and the results was analyzed using a transfer matrix to examine habitat quality hierarchy changes, as well as a Getis—Ord Gi* analysis to identify hotspots of habitat quality change, etc.

Results The scores of the conservation effectiveness of Wuyishan National Park were 0.94 in 2020, 0.94 in 2021, and 0.92 in 2022. The areas exhibiting low habitat quality were predominantly located around Tianchuang community, tourist areas, and the surrounding areas of the Jiangxi Qianshan River. The core protected area exhibited a reduced prevalence of low-quality areas in comparison to the general control area. The following areas have been identified as significant hotspots for alterations in habitat quality over a period of three years: The region encompassing Qixian Mountain-Wangfu Mountain area (Wuyishan Town), the area situated to the west of Simaoping area (Wuyishan Town), the area encompassing Tongmuguan area (Xingcun Town), the area encompassing Xianglu Mountain area (Shaowu-Wuyishan interface), the north and south of Maoling area (Xingcun Town), Shiyuanlong area (Xingcun Town), Shizifeng area (Xingcun Town), and the Leigongko Reservoir area（Huangkeng Town).

Conclusions The overall habitat quality of Wuyishan National Park has remained stable both before and after its establishment. The quality of habitat varied significantly among different regions. The ongoing challenges of road construction and cropland invasion persisted in these areas. Habitat quality evaluation based on InVEST model can be employed as part of a rapid assessment of the conservation effectiveness of national parks and can provide references for improving conservation practices.