Evaluating the effects of urban expansion on natural habitat quality by coupling localized shared socioeconomic pathways and the land use scenario dynamics-urban model

•Localized SSPs were used to assess the effects of urban expansion on NHQ.•Localized SSPs can better describe the actual situation of socioeconomic development.•The effects of future urban expansion on NHQ can be simulated more effectively.•The error of simulated results was reduced by about 50%.•This approach will provide more reliable guidance for improving sustainability.