• Title/Summary/Keyword: CONSERVATION OF NATURAL HABITAT

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Development Needs and Direction of an Ecological Grading System of Korean Tidal Flats (한국 갯벌 생태 등급도의 개발 필요성과 방향)

  • Yoo, Jae-Won;Lee, Chang-Gun;Kho, Byung-Seol;Lee, Si-Wan;Han, Dong-Uk;Choi, Keun-Hyung;Kim, Chang-Soo;Hong, Jae-Sang
    • Ocean and Polar Research
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    • v.32 no.2
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    • pp.137-144
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    • 2010
  • There is a host of habitat assessment systems available to evaluate and grade tidal flat ecosystems in Korea. Nevertheless, we recognize the need to develop a better ecological scheme to improve reliability and accuracy given the importance of using an empirical approach in assigning grades to indicators and the limitation of current systems which evaluate tidal flats on a regional basis. A preferable system would be one that enables habitat mapping within a tidal flat, provides a diagnosis of ecological stress/health, has a high level of ecological relevance, communicability, and statistical robustness, and enables evaluation of diverse habitats within a tidal flat. The following points should be considered in framing such a system. Indicators should discriminate habitat quality into five to seven grades accomodating diverse characteristics and conservation value of a habitat, and the grading should be made from frequency distribution of indicators based on nationwide data.We suggest the following tasks in crafting such a system: i) The decision on selection of indicators should be made based on accuracy of assessment and practical application; ii) effects of physical habitat conditions on variability of indicators should be reflected; and, iii) further works on stress/health indicators should be addressed for adopting a multiple-indicator approach which reduces misdiagnosis.

Study on Ecological Instream Flow Estimation using River2D Model in the Seomjin River (River2D 모델을 이용한 섬진강의 생태유지유량 산정에 관한 연구)

  • Roh, Kyong-Bum;Park, Sung-Chun;Jin, Young-Hoon;Park, Myoung-Ok
    • Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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    • v.27 no.6
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    • pp.822-829
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    • 2011
  • The purpose of the present study is to estimate the ecological instream flow for conservation and restoration of fish habitat in running water ecosystem which has very important status for stream environment. Estimation of the ecological instream flow in the present study was carried out by application of a two-dimensional depth averaged model of river hydrodynamics, River2D model. It can model fish habitat in natural streams and rivers and assess the quality of physical habitat accoriding to the species preferences for habitat suitability. Zacco platypus and Zacco temmincki were selected as target fish species in the study area of the Seomjin river. The Habitat Suitability Criteria (HSC) developed by Sung et al. (2005) were used for target fish species, life stages and habitat conditions in the study. Weighted usable area (WUA) was computed by the River2D model considering preferences of target fish species for velocity, depth, and channel substrate. The result revealed that the ecological instream flow of $10.0m^3/s$ is needed to maintain the target fish habitat at each life stage in the river.

Assessing the Habitat Potential of Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) in Cheonggye Stream Utilizing the Habitat Suitability Index (서식지 적합성 지수를 이용한 청계천 수달의 서식지 평가)

  • In-Yoo Kim;Kwang-Hun Choi;Dong-Wook W. Ko
    • Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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    • v.37 no.2
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    • pp.140-150
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    • 2023
  • The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is an apex predator of the riparian ecosystem. It is a keystone and an indicator species; consequently, its presence suggests a sustainable water environment. Otter is a keystone species as a predator at the top of the food web in the aquatic environment and an indicator species representing the health of the aquatic environment. Although Eurasian otters disappeared from the Han River urban water system because of anthropogenic activities like habitat destruction, poaching, and environmental pollution in the 1980s, the species were sighted in the Cheonggye Stream, Jungrang Stream, and Seongnae Stream, which are urban sections of the Han River, in 2016 and 2021. Therefore, it is pertinent to assess the habitat potential in the area for conservation and management measures to ensure its permanent presence. However, existing studies on otter habitats focused on natural rivers and reservoirs, and there is a limit to applying them to habitats artificially confined habitats in narrow spaces such as tributaries in urban areas of the Han River. This study selected the Cheonggye Stream, an artificially restored urban stream, to evaluate its potential as a habitat for Eurasian otters in urban water environments using the habitat suitability index (HSI). The HSI was calculated with selected environment attributes, such as the cover, food, and threat, that best describe the L. lutra habitat. According to the results, the confluence area of Seongbuk Stream and Cheonggye Stream and the confluence area of Cheonggye Stream and Jungnang Stream were suitable otter habitats, requiring appropriate conservation efforts. The HSI model suggests a valuable method to assess the habitat quality of Eurasian otters in urban water environments. The study is crucial as it can help rehabilitate the species' populations by identifying and managing potential Eurasian otter habitats in highly urbanized areas of the Han River basin and its tributaries.

Population Structure and Fine-scale Habitat Affinity of Cymbidium kanran Protected Area as a Natural Monument (천연기념물 한란 보호구역의 개체군 구조 및 미세 서식처 선호성)

  • Shin, Jae-Kwon;Koo, Bon-Youl;Kim, Han-Gyeoul;Kwon, He-Jin;Son, Sung-Won;Lee, Jong-Seok;Cho, Hyun-Je;Bae, Kwan-Ho;Cho, Young-Chan
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.47 no.3
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    • pp.176-185
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    • 2014
  • There are no population ecological research on the natural monument (No. 191) Jeju Cymbidium kanran in South Korea. In this study, we analyzed the population structure and fine-scale habitat affinity of C. kanran in Sanghyo-dong, Jejudo Island from Oct. 2013 to Feb. 2014. We observed total of 1,237 individuals (4,341 pseudobulbs) of C. kanran (989.6 population $ha^{-1}$) within (1.25 ha) and only 17 (1.4%) individuals were inflorescent. In 60.9% of the entire populations, disease symptoms such as spots and blight leaves were observed. C. kanran populaton exhibited reverse-J shaped size distribution based on leaf area classes as individual size parameter. The three size related attributes of C. kanran (no. of pseudobulb $r_s$=-0.159, no. of leaves $r_s$=-0.148 and leaf arera $r_s$=-0.114) and soil temperature revealed a negative relationship (p<0.0001). Most of C. kanran (95.4%) were grown under Castamopsis cuspidata and spatially, C. kanran were strongly clumped at all distances. Population characteristics of C. kanran in the study area were likely originated from species habitat affinity and successional environment. Through this study, base line data for C. kanran's habitat monitoring was established and conservation measures based on population characteristics were discussed.

A Study on the Master Plan of Natural Environment Conservation compared with National Biological Survey in USA (환경부 전국자연환경조사사업의 문제점과 개선방안 - 미국의 사례를 중심으로 -)

  • Lee, Sang-Don
    • Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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    • v.12 no.1
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    • pp.1-8
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    • 2003
  • The Master Plan of Natural Environment Conservation in Korea by Ministry of Environment has been carried out since 1986. The 2nd 10-year survey started in 1997, and there are three major parts in the Master Plan : First, the basic natural environment survey, second, sites in special features of ecological characteristics such as uninhabitable islands, wetlands, etc, and third, biological species featuring status of habitat, and population dynamics. However the information in the Master Plan is very fragmented and collected data are not so abundant due to insufficient man-power and unsynchronized survey time/season. In this regard this paper examined the similar National Biological Survey in USA and compared the differences with the Master Plan in Korea. The Master Plan in Korea should separate the management zone based on hydrological characteristics, and in each zone we should set a management goal in the long term basis. Secondly the species list is not so meaningful that we must concentrate more on research activities. In each taxonomical group we set up hypotheses and research goals. Thirdly local residents and communities should be involved in research so that enhanced biological diversity should benefit people in areas. Lastly legislation and laws should be reexamined and rectified to provide information to the managers that deals with natural resources, expecially when conflicting with economic matters.

Effects of Native Korean Lespedeza(Lespedeza stipulacea Maxim.) on Soil Conservation (자생(自生) Korean Lespedeza(Lespedeza stipulacea Maxim.)가 토양보전(土壤保全)에 미치는 영향(影響))

  • Kim, Moo-Sung;Kim, Se-Young;Jeong, Woo-Jin
    • Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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    • v.30 no.1
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    • pp.72-83
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    • 1997
  • Forty six natural habitats of Korean lespedeza(Leapedeza stipulacea Maxim.) were investigated for the growth characteristics, mineral contents of plant and the physico-chemical properties of natural habitat's soil compared with the upland soil nearby the habitat. The results obtained were summarized as follows. Plant height and dry matter yield were higher in the samples taken in late than early August showing large variation within the sampling date and location. Korean lespedeza showed higher contents of Fe and Mn, but lower contents of K, Ca, Mg and Cu than Alfalfa. The contents of P and Zn were about the same. The natural habitat showed higher soil pH and Ca content but lower contents of $P_2O_5$, K, and organic matter than the vicinity of natural habitats and the average soil of Korea. The contents of Mg were about the same. The soil texture of natural habitats showed much higher portion of sand and extremely low portions of silt and clay than both area. Korean lespedeza is so well adapted to the soil with low fertilizer and organic matter that other crops and most weeds fail. It also appears to thrive on the sandy loams, loamy sands of the piedmont region such as waste land and on the similar soils with variously physico-chemical properties.

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Study on the Feeding Preferences of Luciola unmunsana Larvae (운문산반딧불이(Luciola unmunsana) 유충의 먹이선호도 연구)

  • Jeong, Moon-Sun;Kim, Jong-Man;Lim, Hyun-Jeong
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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    • v.27 no.3
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    • pp.19-28
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    • 2024
  • The purpose of this study is to investigate the habitat of Luciola unmunsana to understand the status of land snails, which are the larvae prey, and to evaluate the effects of larval feeding preferences and prey size for the restoration of the L. unmunsana habitat as a basis for future restoration projects. The research methods included field surveys of the habitat and laboratory experiments on feeding preferences using three types of land snails (Allopeas clavulinum kyotoense, Euphaedusa fusaniana, Pupinella rufa) observed in the habitat. Field surveys of 13 L. unmunsana habitat sites revealed a total of 24 land snail species. The experimental results regarding the larvae prey were analyzed for statistical significance of feeding preferences using Chi-square tests and independent sample t-tests. Consequently, larvae showed the highest preference for A. c. kyotoense, with statistically significant differences in feeding preferences (p<0.05). Also, statistically significant differences were observed in the size between the land snails that were eaten as prey and those that were not eaten. This research can deepen the understanding of the feeding preferences of L. unmunsana larvae and provide practical guidelines for the effective conservation and restoration strategies of the firefly habitat.

Habitat Characteristics and Distribution of Cymbidium kanran Native to Jejudo, Korea (제주한란의 자생환경 특성 및 분포에 관한 연구)

  • Lee, Jong Suk
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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    • v.7 no.1
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    • pp.40-49
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    • 2004
  • This work carried out to define the characteristic of Cymbidium kanran habitat at Mt. Halla in Jejudo, Korea from the ecological point of view including geological and topographical features, air and soil temperature, relative humidity, fluctuations of light intensity, habitat vegetation, distribution altitude, area limit, and etc. And another goal of this study consider the conservation counterplan of the cymbidium habitat. Natural distribution areas of the cymbidium were observed more abundantly on the well drained south and east-facing slopes. Soil acidity was ranged from pH 4.1 to 5.3, and electric conductivity was ranged from 176.4 to 299.9 us/cm (average 215.3 us/cm). Base-saturation percentage of the habitat soil was below 50%, bulk density 0.42g/$cm^2$, particle density 2.05g/$cm^2$, humus content 26%, total nitrogen 0.82%, available phosphate 4.2 mg/kg, exchangeable potassium 0.63 Cmol/kg, calcium 0.44 Cmol/kg and magnesium 0.67 Cmol/kg. Annual mean air temperature was $15.4^{\circ}C$, however, air temperature was ranged $11.7{\sim}18.2^{\circ}C$ in spring, $21.2{\sim}23.8^{\circ}C$ in summer, $12.8{\sim}22.0^{\circ}C$ in fall and $5.5{\sim}7.8^{\circ}C$ in winter season. Annual mean soil temperature at depth of 10cm was $13.2^{\circ}C$ And minimum value was recorded $4.7^{\circ}C$ on January, and maximum value $22.5^{\circ}C$ on August. Relative humidity was ranged 90.8~94.7% in summer, 80.8~91.5% in fall and 77.6~84.2% in winter season. Minimum value was 56.5% on December, and maximum value was 100% on July and August. Light intensities were ranged from 400 to 1,800 lux at the greater part of Cymbidium kanran sites in Jejudo. Summer regarded as an lower light intensities was recorded to be range of 500~600 lux; however, autumn and winter were shown higher light regimes ranged from 3,500 to 3,800 lux. Therefore, one must be suprised that the cymbidium grow at the light condition of 6 lux (minimum) or 10,000 lux (maximum). Tree species keeping higher frequency rate and density were Eurya japonica, Camellia japonica, Castanopsis cuspidata, Carpinus laxiflora and Pinus densiflora. Number of trees growing in a 5${\times}$5m quardrat was 35 as an average, and proportion of evergreen versus deciduous was 5:1. Distribution altitude of the orchid habitat was ranged from 120m (low) to 840m (high) from sea level on the south facing slope of Mt. Halla, and was ranged eastern borderline of Gujwaup, Bukjejugun to western boundaries of Jungmundong, Seogwipo city. For the stable conservation of Cymbidium kanran habitat, sunlight regimes must be increased more by means of cutting trees or twigs in the site.

Vegetation structure and distribution characteristics of Symplocos prunifolia, a rare evergreen broad-leaved tree in Korea

  • Kim, Yangji;Song, Kukman;Yim, Eunyoung;Seo, Yeonok;Choi, Hyungsoon;Choi, Byoungki
    • Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.44 no.4
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    • pp.275-285
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    • 2020
  • Background: In Korea, Symplocos prunifolia Siebold. & Zucc. is only found on Jeju Island. Conservation of the species is difficult because little is known about its distribution and natural habitat. The lack of research and survey data on the characteristics of native vegetation and distribution of this species means that there is insufficient information to guide the management and conservation of this species and related vegetation. Therefore, this study aims to identify the distribution and vegetation associated with S. prunifolia. Results: As a result of field investigations, it was confirmed that the native S. prunifolia communities were distributed in 4 areas located on the southern side of Mt. Halla and within the evergreen broad-leaved forest zones. Furthermore, these evergreen broad-leaved forest zones are themselves located in the warm temperate zone which are distributed along the valley sides at elevations between 318 and 461 m. S. prunifolia was only found on the south side of Mt. Halla, and mainly on south-facing slopes; however, small communities were found to be growing on northwest-facing slopes. It has been confirmed that S. prunifolia trees are rare but an important constituent species in the evergreen broad-leaved forest of Jeju. The mean importance percentage of S. prunifolia community was 48.84 for Castanopsis sieboldii, 17.79 for Quercus acuta, and 12.12 for Pinus thunbergii; S. prunifolia was the ninth most important species (2.6). Conclusions: S. prunifolia can be found growing along the natural streams of Jeju, where there is little anthropogenic influence and where the streams have caused soil disturbance through natural processes of erosion and deposition of sediments. Currently, the native area of S. prunifolia is about 3300 ㎡, which contains a confirmed population of 180 individual plants. As a result of these low population sizes, it places it in the category of an extremely endangered plant in Korea. In some native sites, the canopy of evergreen broad-leaved forest formed, but the frequency and coverage of species were not high. Negative factors that contributed to the low distribution of this species were factors such as lacking in shade tolerance, low fruiting rates, small native areas, and special habitats as well as requiring adequate stream disturbance. Presently, due to changes in climate, it is unclear whether this species will see an increase in its population and habitat area or whether it will remain as an endangered species within Korea. What is clear, however, is that the preservation of the present native habitats and population is extremely important if the population is to be maintained and expanded. It is also meaningful in terms of the stable conservation of biodiversity in Korea. Therefore, based on the results of this study, it is judged that a systematic evaluation for the preservation and conservation of the habitat and vegetation management method of S. prunifolia should be conducted.

Mapping the Potential Distribution of Raccoon Dog Habitats: Spatial Statistics and Optimized Deep Learning Approaches

  • Liadira Kusuma Widya;Fatemah Rezaie;Saro Lee
    • Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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    • v.4 no.4
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    • pp.159-176
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    • 2023
  • The conservation of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in South Korea requires the protection and preservation of natural habitats while additionally ensuring coexistence with human activities. Applying habitat map modeling techniques provides information regarding the distributional patterns of raccoon dogs and assists in the development of future conservation strategies. The purpose of this study is to generate potential habitat distribution maps for the raccoon dog in South Korea using geospatial technology-based models. These models include the frequency ratio (FR) as a bivariate statistical approach, the group method of data handling (GMDH) as a machine learning algorithm, and convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) as deep learning algorithms. Moreover, the imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) is used to fine-tune the hyperparameters of the machine learning and deep learning models. Moreover, there are 14 habitat characteristics used for developing the models: elevation, slope, valley depth, topographic wetness index, terrain roughness index, slope height, surface area, slope length and steepness factor (LS factor), normalized difference vegetation index, normalized difference water index, distance to drainage, distance to roads, drainage density, and morphometric features. The accuracy of prediction is evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The results indicate comparable performances of all models. However, the CNN demonstrates superior capacity for prediction, achieving accuracies of 76.3% and 75.7% for the training and validation processes, respectively. The maps of potential habitat distribution are generated for five different levels of potentiality: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high.