• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.98-106
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• 2011

Establishing conservation programs to protect and maintain populations of endangered species are not only a global trend, but also a pursuit endorsed by the Korean Environmental Conservation Act. This study evaluates the feasibility of alternative habitat patches for the endangered butterfly Parnassius bremeri. A portion of habitat of P. bremeri is expected to be fragmented and damaged due to the scheduled construction of the Sangju-Yongduk Highway. A trans fer of the habitat patches of P. bremeri is also scheduled. In order to select an alternative habitat patch, the Mark-Release-Recapture (MRR) method was used to simulate a patch transfer model. The connectedness between habitat are as and the survival of local populations were evaluated for each candidate habitat. It was found that metapopulations with patch distances of <250m showed a 50% connectedness and survival rate in local populations. P. bremeri were expected to migrate at an average distance of 300m. In addition, P. bremeri formed a metapopulation that exhibited intimate patch dynamics that promoted persistence among these patches. Possible candidate habitats including those recommended by local governing bodies were evaluated along with habitats that may counter problems arising from the damage done to the original habitat and habitats that may have a compensatory value equal to that of the original habitat. Based on these criteria, Ansa-myeon township office was selected due to its high scores. This scoring was based on a consideration of a wide range of variables that mark a successful transfer of habitat. These include the amount of funding available, the governing bodies of the possible alternative habitat, and the Expected collaborative effort of local citizens. This decision was collaborated on by incorporating the expertise of various fields of study including biology, ecology, biogeography, ecological engineering, landscape architecture, and social sciences. Therefore, it is suggested that in order to evaluate an alternative habitat for organisms, many social issues as well as ecological issues must be considered.