• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.316-335
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• 2021

This study reviewed the change of theory of ecological niche(concepts and definitions) over time to provide a theoretical basis for habitat-related studies of animals and plants. Accordingly, it analyzed and summarized the major discussion trends of ecological niche worldwide in each period from the 1900s to the present. Countries advanced in ecological studies, such as the EU and the USA, have conducted theoretical and empirical studies on the ecological niche since the early 1990s. The concept of the ecological niche was introduced in the early 1900s, developed in the mid-1900s, and advanced from the mid-1900s to the late 1900s. Since the 2000s, the advanced concept has diversified with new developments in technologies and research methods. The factors suggested by theoretical and empirical studies in defining the ecological niche of a species include 1) population dynamics of the target species, 2) all biotic conditions to sustain a population (food relationship and material flow in the food chain), 3) all non-biotic conditions to sustain a population (physical environmental conditions), 4) all direct and indirect interactions between these environmental factors, and 5) response and adaptation mechanisms that include the migratory ability of the target species or genetic diversity and adaptability to change. Unlike such international advancement, there have not been sufficient theoretical, philosophical, and empirical studies of ecological niche in Korea. The concepts and definitions by Greennell, Elton, and Hutchinson were selectively and partially borrowed for empirical studies without full description. Considering that the theory of ecological niche becomes the foundation for habitat-based species conservation and restoration, it is necessary to seek diversification and advancement of theoretical and empirical research and research methods and technological development. It will provide an important foundation for the academic advancement of ecology and for establishing and implementing policies to preserve and restore ecology and biodiversity effectively and successfully in Korea.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.432-441
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• 2016

In this study, we predicted species distributions in Mt. Inwang and Mt. An as preceding research to build ecological corridor by considering connectivity of habitats which have been fragmented in the city. We analyzed species distributions by using Maxent (Maximum Entropy Approach) model with species presence. We used 23 points of mammals and 15 points of Titmouse (Parus major, P. palustris, P. varius) as target species from appearance points of species examined. We build 4 geography factors, 4 vegetation factors, and 2 distance factors as model variables In case of mammals, factors that affected species distribution model was Digital Elevation Model(DEM, 34%) followed by Distance from edge forest to interior (24.8%) and Species of tree (10%). On the other hand, in case of Parus species, factors that affected species distribution model were DEM (39.6%) followed by distance from road (35.4%) and Density-class (8.2%). Therefore, birds and mammals prefer interior of mountain, and this area needs to be protected.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.35 no.3 s.99
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• pp.237-246
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• 2002

Tamjin Dam is built in the upper reaches of the Tamjin River which flows through the Janghung-gun and Gangjin-gun of the Jeollanamdo, Korea. In order to map out a preservation strategy of the fish community from dam construction, We studied the distribution of fish distribution and changes of the habitat environment. we found 49 fish species inhabiting in the downstream and upstream of the Tamjin Dam. Among them, migratory fish were two species sweet smelt, Plecoglossus altivelis and freshwater eel, Anguilla japonica. The Coreoperca kawamebari which designated as a species to be protected by The Ministry of Environment of Korea was also observed. After the dam construction, reservoir would be filled with water and running water system will change to standing water system. Then the habitat and spawning space for mountain torrent fish will be reduced and the migration of migratory fish to upstream will be blocked. Through our study, we proposed several ways to protect fish community. In order to preserve the reduced habitat and spawning area of mountain torrent fish, a fishway has been diagnosed to be built in the shallow reservoir in the entrance of the upriver. The establishment of artificial spawning ground on the riverside has been recommended. In addition, We propose a creation of a shelter for fresh water eel, Anguilla japonica in areas where the depth of the water is about l0m by laying rocks. Since it is difficult for a spawning ground to be formed naturally in the reservoir due to the year-round changes in water level, We suggested a floating spawning facility using an artificial fixture. In the downstream of the dam, a waterway-style habitat and spawning ground in the river and increasing the diversity and abundance of fish fauna in the Tamjin River. A low-cost and highly efficient operational fishway has been recommended so that migratory fish such as Plecoglossus altivelis (sweetfish) can migrate from the lower reaches to the upper reaches of the river.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.131-141
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• 2007

Genetic variation of Ilex cornuta Lindley et Paxton was examined by sequence analyses of ITS for 65 individuals from Korea and China. The length of ITS 1 ranged from 253 to 259 bp. The 5.8S was 159 bp and ITS2 was observed to be 231 bp. A total of 8 different ITS types (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism haplotypes), which showed the difference of 1 - 6 bp, were detected from 65 individuals. The sequence polymorphisms of ITS appeared at 9 different sites. All of four individuals collected at Daejeong-eup in Jeju-do exhibited different types, but all individuals from Naju-si and Muan-gun in Jeollanam-do were identical. The variation of ITS was higher in Jeju-do population than in inland population. Since I. cornuta contains various types of ITS sequences, ITS analyses will provide important information on genetic diversity and conservation of this species.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.1067-1072
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• 2016

In this study, we determined the ecological characteristics of Strix aluco, which is designated as an endangered category II species. Towards this, we identified the actual home range of Strix aluco that breed in Korea, and collected the data necessary for protecting, preserving and managing owl populations. This study was conducted from April 14 to May 20 of 2016 during the breeding season of Strix aluco as part of the 4th National Ecosystem Survey and in accordance with the Natural Environment Conservation Act. We captured and subsequently released a female owl with a total length of 423.5mm and a weight of 550g in Kyungbuk area, succeeded in tracking it for the first time in Korea and secured 6 points of direct observation and satellite tracking observation. The distance from the nest to the farthest point was 93m. As a result of the analysis of habitat points within a100m-radius during breeding period, it was established that their habitat consists of 34.2% of non-irrigated land, 30.6% of mixed forest land, 10.5% of orchard, and 9.4% of natural grassland. These findings are consistent with the previous estimate of home range studies. Further research based on follow-up studies on males or other individuals is required to develop a stronger basis for protection and conservation of endangered wildlife class II owls.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.144-155
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• 2020

This research developed an approach to identify ecologically important areas at local scales and explained how the results of this approach could contribute to extend the protected areas in the Republic of Korea (ROK). While most developed countries have considered various biotic and abiotic factors, ecological processes, migration routes, habitat connectivity, ecosystem services, and etc. to determine the protected areas, ROK has considered a few factors focusing on biodiversity, landscape, and the habitats of endangered organisms. However, for sustainable management of our nature, we need comprehensive understanding of various ecosystem factors and interactions among them at local scales in designating protected areas. Forthis, we developed a conceptual model based on the ecological engineering approach and then explained how the results of this approach could contribute to extend the protected areas. In particular, we considered future land-use and climate change in determining the priority areas for novel protected areas. Our research suggested an effective methodology 1) to include various ecosystem factors and 2) to consider future environmental changes as well as current environmental conditions in finding the ecologically important areas and prioritizing these areas. However, our approach has limitations on the real-world applications due to the lack of fundamental information and data on our ecosystems. To improve the effectiveness of our approach in the real-world applications, we need various long-term ecological research results, environmental and ecological monitoring data, and both current and future spatial environmental data.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.532-548
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• 2015

The winter ecology of individual yellow-throated martens(Martes flavigula) intemperate region of Korea were studied through snow-tracking. The study was performed across 3 winter seasons, from January 2011 to February 2013. Total distance of 49.8km was snow tracked (comprising 13 snow-tracking routes) to determine winter foraging habits, general behavior and movement paths of solitary and small groups (1-6 individuals; $mean=2.9{\pm}1.6$) of yellow-throated martens. The martens in the current study were omnivorous, with their winter diet including 9 animal and 5 plant species. Yellow-throated martens searched for food near and under the fallen logs and branches, root plates of fallen trees, around the roots of growing trees, and in small holes in the ground. They also climbed trees to search inside the tree holes and vacant bird nests. Foraging activity was estimated to occur at a frequency of 1.20 times/km, while territory marking occurred 1.42 times/km on average. Of the 60 documented foraging activities we observed, 17 were successful (28.3%). Moving activity and territory marking mainly occurred along ridges, whereas foraging activity was recorded in valleys, slopes, and forest edges. To protect the habitat of this species, the entire forest should be preserved, including the valleys, slopes, and even forest edges as well as main ridges.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2009.05a
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• pp.1965-1970
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• 2009

본 연구에서는 하천 물리모니터링 결과를 바탕으로 청미천 유역의 본류에 대한 하천 수변환경을 평가하였다. 평가 지침은 수생태 건강성 평가에서 제시된 지침을 따랐다. 평가 결과, 죽산천과 청미천 합류부 지점은 2등급으로 생태서식 여건이 좋은 편으로 나타났다. 모래로 된 교호사주가 좌우안 넓은 지역에 걸쳐 형성되어 있고, 하중도 및 식생 사주도가 형성되어 식생활착이 왕성하며, 주로 달뿌리풀 위주의 군락이 형성되어 있었다. 특히 합류점 상류 본천은 자연하천의 모습을 간직하고 있었으며, 양안에는 식생과 수목이 왕성하게 자연적으로 형성되어 있었다. 화봉천과 청미천 합류부 지점에서의 수변환경 모니터링 조사 결과, 하도는 정비되어 있으나 저수로는 사행을 유지하고 있으며, 제외지의 토지이용 상태와 하천 복개율 및 횡방향 인공구조물 상태는 비교적 바람직한 것으로 나타났다. 하도 내 저수로는 호안공이 설치되지 않고 흐름의 다양성 자연스럽게 형성되어 있다. 이 지점은 하천환경이 비교적 잘 보전되어 있어, 지속적인 보전을 위한 유지관리가 요구된다. 특히 죽산천에 축산 농가 및 시가지의 확장으로 오염원이 증가되고 이들이 하천으로 유입될 우려가 있다. 생태환경을 보전하기 위한 비점오염원 유입 차단 및 수질개선 대책이 우선시되어야 할 것으로 판단되었다.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.90-97
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• 2012

Environmental characteristics and vegetation of the natural habitats of Eranthis byunsanensis B.Y. Sun were investigated in order to provide the basic data for conservation, restoration, and utilization of this Korean endemic plant. This study was conducted in Anyang, Byeonsan, Geoje, Gyeongju, Jeju, Ulsan and Yeosu. E. byunsanensis was distributed around the altitudes of 84~585 m with a slope degree of $10{\sim}20^{\circ}$, and mostly formed discontinuous populations in north-east part of valleys. Soil analysis showed the mean organic matter of 9.6% and a slightly acidic pH (mean pH of 4.9). The mean gravimetric water content was 16.5%. Correlation coefficients between environmental factors and community characteristics suggested that there was a positive correlation between slope degree and soil water content, between slope degree and soil pH, between soil organic matter and importance value, and between species richness or evenness and species diversity. The vascular plants from 59 quadrats of 7 habitats were identified into 144 taxa. A few species were dominants and similarly distributed in Byeonsan, Jeju, Ulsan and Yeosu. The highest species diversity was found in Geoje (1.43), while Anyang showed the lowest (0.87). Species evenness of Gyeongju and Jeju was bigger than 0.8, but that of Geoje was the lowest (0.59). Dominant species of woody plants in and around the 59 plots were represented by high frequency of Acer pictum subsp. mono, Carpinus cordata, Lindera obtusiloba, and Carpinus laxiflora. The results of this study can provide useful data for conservation and restoration of natural habitats of Korean endemic Eranthis byunsanensis and for the development and growth of this species for ornamental purposes.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2010.05a
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• pp.1770-1774
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• 2010

하구는 담수와 해수가 만나 넓은 갯벌과 기수역을 형성하여 각종 생물의 서식지이자 어류의 산란지로 이용되는 생태학적으로 중요한 지역이다. 특히 한강 하구는 국내 4 대강 가운데 유일하게 하구둑이 설치되어 있지 않아 조수의 출입이 자유롭고 민간인 접근이 통제되어 있어 자연적인 하천지형과 기수역 생태계가 비교적 잘 보전된 구역이다. 본 연구의 모의영역은 한강 하류부로 상류 경계단은 행주대교, 하류 경계단은 전류단 수위표가 위치한 경기도 연천군 전곡읍 전곡 사랑교 부근으로 설정하였다. 지형자료는 한국건설기술연구원에서 2009년 8월 홍수사상 전 후에 대해 측량한 자료를 사용하였다. 한강 하구역에 대한 지형 격자를 구성하기 위하여 RAMS 전후 처리기인 RAMS-GUI를 사용하였으며, 구성된 지형 격자의 절점 수는 2,354개, 요소 수는 2,145개로 삼각요소와 사각요소가 혼용되어 있다. 구성된 격자망을 이용하여 2차원 하상변동 해석 모형인 SED-2D 모의를 통해 홍수사상에 의한 한강 하구부의 하상변동을 살펴보았다. SED-2D 모형은 미국 육군 공변단의 WES와 미 연방 도로국이 연계하여 개발되어 현재 국내외 2차원 하천해석에서 가장 널리 사용되고 있는 모형 중 하나이다. 하상변동 해석모형인 SED-2D를 통해 모의된 하상 변동량을 실제 측량된 홍수 전 후의 지형자료와 비교함으로써 모형의 성능을 분석하였다. 분석결과 SED-2D 모형의 경우 침식에 의한 하상변동이 모의되지 않았지만, 전반적인 하상변동 경향을 살펴볼 수 있음을 알 수 있었다.