【Objective】This study aims to investigate the impact of the ecosystem service value (ESV) of the Dafeng Milu (Elaphurus davidianus) National Nature Reserve on regional socio-economic development, with the goal of providing a scientific basis for reserve management and ecological compensation.【Method】Aerial surveys of the reserve were conducted using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing technology to acquire land use and land cover (LULC) data, complemented by ground-truthing measurements. Through integrated field investigations and image interpretation, the spatial distribution of LULC types and plant communities within the reserve was characterized. Physicochemical parameters of vegetation, soil, and water were systematically measured in situ. Spatial analysis was performed using ArcGIS 10.8 to quantify the areas of different LULC types. Based on the ecological characteristics of the reserve, an ecosystem service evaluation framework was established by selecting localized indicators and integrating UAV-derived data with field measurements. Various methods, including the market value method, shadow project method, travel cost method, replacement cost method, benefit transfer method, afforestation cost method, carbon tax method, and soil nutrient retention method were employed to assess the ecosystem service functions of the reserve.【Result】In 2017, the dominant land use types within the Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve were tidal flats, bare land, and waters, which together accounted for 89.40% of the total area. Tidal flats constituted the largest proportion, covering 68.46%, followed by waters, which accounted for 11.75%. The total ESV of the reserve was estimated at 3.998 1 × 10⁸ CNY, with carbon sequestration being the most significant service. The service values, ranked in descending order, were: carbon sequestration > leisure tourism > nutrient cycling > water conservation > atmospheric regulation > water purification > biodiversity maintenance > scientific and cultural value > material production. The ESV of different plant communities followed by the order: Spartina alterniflora > bare land > Populus euramericana cv. I-214-Robinia pseudoacacia > Phragmites australis > Pennisetum alopecuroides > Imperata cylindrica > Suaeda glauca > Cynodon dactylon-Pennisentum alopecuroides mixed community.【Conclusion】The primary land use types in the reserve are tidal flats, bare land, and waters. The dominant herbaceous species in the first, second, and third core areas are Pennisentum alopecuroides, Phragmites australis, and S. alterniflora, respectively. Carbon sequestration and recreational tourism constitute the main ecosystem services provided by the reserve.