• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.107 no.4
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• pp.361-377
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• 2018

The aim of this study was to examine whether the guideline by the Ministry of Environment (ME) successfully and appropriately applied the IUCN Red List criteria at regional level and the rare and endangered national list considered eligible. A certain number of vascular plants, which are widely distributed in the world or in east Asia, deemed to be ineligible for assessment at a regional level as Not Applicable category (NA), because it occurs at very low numbers in South Korea. Among 377 vascular plant taxa evaluated by the ME, NA included 238 species, which represented 63.1%. The number of synonymized species or illegitimate name species were 13 species, which accounted for 3.4%. 21 species (9.3%) were threatened at global level and 103 species were possibly candidates species list for Red List assessments at regional level in the near future. The proportion of NA or waiting list was 66.6% among the list assessed by the ME. The most common errors involved incorrectly application of species extinction in case of population extinction in South Korea to the assessment and provided incorrect interpretation of the Red List criteria at regional level. The most assessments proposed by ME were not backed up without quantitative data quality, justifications, and sources. It is suggested that the risk of extinction should be reassessed at least in the Korean peninsula within the light of their overall distribution including far eastern Russia and North eastern China in north and for Japan and Taiwan in south for regional assessment. The results obtained here using the IUCN criteria at regional level showed that the list proposed by the ME produced an overestimation of the number of threatened vascular plants. Also, the misapplication of the term 'species extinction' for regional assessment was open to some degree of subjectivity and misinterpretation.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.284-294
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the flora of habitats distributed with Allium victorialis var. platyphyllum populations in the South Korea. The vascular plants were surveyed 4 times from March 2009 to June 2010. The flora of studied area was listed as 214 taxa; 64 families, 142 genus, 181 species, 2 subspecies, 30 varieties, 1 forma. According to the specific plant species by classes, class I has 17 taxa; 15 families, 16 genus, 15 species, 2 varieties. Class II has 16 taxa; 13 families, 16 genus, 15 species, 2 varieties. Class III has 20 taxa; 16 families, 19 genus, 18 species, 2 varieties. Class III has 20 taxa; 16 families, 19 genus, 18 species, 2 varieties. Class IV has 23 taxa; 20 families, 23 genus, 19 species, 4 varieties. Class V has 2 taxa; 2 families, 2 genus, 2 species. Rare plant was 12 taxa; 9 families, 11 genus, 10 species, 2 varieties. Endemic plant was 21 taxa; 17 families, 19 genus, 18 species, 3 varieties. Endangered plant was not present in study area. It was considered that the ecosystem was probably stabilized for nothing of naturalized species and ecosystem disturbance species there. The characteristics of growth environments in the habitats with Allium victorialis var. platyphyllum were considered to be related to valley species and subalpine species such as Actinidia polygama, Cornus controversa, Rhododendron brachycarpum and Sorbus commixta.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.133-141
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• 2022

Bulbophyllum auricomum Lindl. is a rare orchid and has flowers with an attractive fragrance. The present study investigated the tissue culture method for micropropagation. Capsules derived from artificial self-pollination were obtained for the best seed germination in MS basal medium. Plant growth regulators (1.0 mg·L^-1 of BAP and 2.0 mg·L^-1 of NAA) were affected by callus induction from subcultured pseudobulb explants. For the callus subculture, different natural plant extracts were tested in 11 treatment media. Among them, MS medium with 150 mL·L^-1 of coconut water was generally effective in fresh weight (1.75 ± 0.08) and (3.01 ± 0.20) of callus proliferation and PLBs induction at 1 and 2 months, respectively, followed by an MS combination of 30 g·L^-1 of banana and 20 g·L^-1 of potato extract. The results of a comparative study of different MS mediums containing plant growth regulators with a natural extract combination and MS medium supplemented with natural extract only showed that MS medium supplemented with a combination of natural extracts (150 mL·L^-1 of coconut water) and plant growth regulators (2.0 mg·L^-1 of BAP and 1.0 mg·L^-1 of NAA) obtained the highest shoot regeneration (3.37 ± 0.17) and (6.41 ± 0.68) after 1 month and 2 months of culturing, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.154-163
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• 2021

This study was carried out to present the habitat distribution status and the habitat distribution prediction of Sophora koreensis, which is the Korean Endemic Plant included in the EN (Endangered) class of the IUCN Red List. The habit distribution survey of Sophora koreensis confirmed 19 habitats in Gangwon Province, including 13 habitats in Yanggu-gun, 3 habitats in Inje-gun, 2 habitats in Chuncheon-si, and 1 habitat in Hongcheon-gun. The northernmost habitat of Sophora koreensis in Korea was in Imdang-ri, Yanggu-gun; the easternmost habitat in Hangye-ri, Inje-gun; the westernmost habitat in Jinae-ri, Chuncheon-si; and the southernmost habitat in Sungdong-ri, Hongcheon-gun. The altitude of the Sophora koreensis habitats ranged from 169 to 711 m, with an average altitude of 375m. The area of the habitats was 8,000-734,000 m², with an average area of 202,789 m². Most habitats were the managed forests, such as thinning and pruning forests. The MaxEnt program analysis for the potential habitat of Sophora koreensis showed the AUC value of 0.9762. The predictive habitat distribution was Yanggu-gun, Inje-gun, Hwacheon-gun, and Chuncheon-si in Gangwon Province. The variables that influence the prediction of the habitat distribution were the annual precipitation, soil carbon content, and maximum monthly temperature. This study confirmed that habitats of Sophora koreensis were mostly found in the ridge area with rich light intensity. They can be used as basic data for the designation of protected areas of Sophora koreensis habitat.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.89 no.5
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• pp.552-563
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• 2000

The aim of this study was to characterize the forest vegetation and site of Odaesan National Park for ecological forest management. The vegetation could be divided into two forest community groups, seven forest communities, and several subcommunities. South exposed, dry slopes were covered with forests of the Quercus mongolica-Acer pseudosieboldianum community group. Quercus mongolica-Acer pseudosieboldianum community group could be subdivided into ${\bullet}$ Rhododendron mucronulatum var. ciliatum community on dry sites, especially on south or south-westly exposed ridges or convex slopes; ${\bullet}$ Lespedeza${\times}$tomentella community on south exposed slopes, at low altitudes in the eastern part of the study area; ${\bullet}$ Carex humilis-Maackia amurensis community on south exposed slopes up to the montane region; ${\bullet}$ Quercus mongolica-Acer pseudo-sieboldianum typical community on south exposed middle and low slopes, and on upper and middle north exposed slopes; ${\bullet}$ Pimpinella brachycarpa community, preferably on moderately moist and cool sites. On north exposed, more humid and moist sites, forests of the Dryopteris crassirhizoma-Cornus controversa community group were found. This group was subdivided into ${\bullet}$ Acer tschonoskii var. rubripes-Acer tegmentosum community on moderately moist to moist, loamy soils on shady slopes; ${\bullet}$ Deutzia glabrata-Ulmus laciniata community on north exposed slopes with rocky soil and boulders, having high humidity. There are several rare and endangered species in Rhododendron mucronulatum var. ciliatum community, Carex humilis-Maackia amurensis community, Vicia venosa var. cuspidata subcommunity and Saxifraga punctata subcommunity, and the communities were located in azonal areas in topography. To protect the species, the areas should be categorized as an absolute conservation area, and any forest working should be prohibited in this area.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.101 no.2
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• pp.236-243
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• 2012

The leaf growth and physiological characteristics of Forsythia saxatilis were investigated at six natural habitats under different light intensities in Bukhansan in order to figure out an appropriate growth environment for conservation and restoration of F. saxatilis that is Korean endemic plant designated as rare and endangered species. Relative light intensities (RLI) at six habitats showed from 10% to 78% of the full sun. Leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and dry leaf weight of population under highest relative light intensity (78%) were the highest. The ratio of dry leaf weight to leaf area increased with the increase of RLI. The content of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid were the highest at 78% of RLI, whereas the ratio of total chlorophyll to carotenoid content reduced according to the increase of RLI. Photosynthetic parameters, such as photosynthetic rate, also increased with the increase of RLI. The total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) was 1.5 times higher at 78% of RLI than that at 10% of RLI and the total soluble sugar (TSS) was the highest at 78% of RLI. In conclusion, leaf characteristics and physiological characteristics have high positive correlation with light intensity. Therefore, light condition should be primarily considered to improve growth and physiology characteristics of F. saxatilis under low light intensity.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.107-120
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• 2012

This study was carried out to illiminate the diversity of vascular plants by making list of rheophyte and hydorphyte plants at Yugu stream. This study was conducted from Aug., 2009 to Sept. 2010 at 7 points. Based on the voucher specimens, vascular plants from investigated areas were 88 families 229 genera 290 species 3 subspecies 30 varieties 5 forms, totally 328 taxa. Korean endemic plants were 3 species such as Forsythia koreana (Rehder) Nakai (planted) and Paulownia coreana Uyeki (planted), and Weigela subsessilis (Nakai) L.H. Bailey. The rare and endangered plants were designated by Korea Forest Service were 4 taxa, such as Penthorum chinense Pursh, Acorus calamus L., Lilium callosum Siebold & Zucc. and Iris ensata var. spontanea (Makino) Nakai. Floristic special plants were totally 26 taxa, which were grade V of 2 taxa, grade IV of 2 taxa and grade III of 9 taxa. Naturalized plants were 27 taxa, that was 8.3% of whole discovered vascular plants in this area. Even naturalized plants has not influence on the vegetation of Yugu stream. Since village was composed along the stream and the roads and banks were linked, naturalized plants were flowed continuously into this region. So, strategy of the conservation for this region should be designed. Based on flora, 3 types of group were discriminated such as main stream type (4 points), branch stream type (2 points) and reservior type (1 point). Each group has difference in composition of plants.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.216-229
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• 2009

The flora of vascular plants in the Geumgang area (Mt. Guryongsan, Mt. Jeonwolsan, Mt. Samasan, Mt. Yongmeorisan and Mt. Hamrasan) was investigated to suggest strategies for conservation. This study was performed from May 2007 to April 2008, with total 17 times. The Korean endemic species, legally protected species and species to threaten domestic ecosystem species to threaten were grasped on this study. The flora consists of 334 taxa, 86 families 246 genera 297 species 34 varieies and 3 forms in total results from 5 sites in this study. Korean endemic species were confirmed 8 taxa. No rare and endangered species were found in this study. The 2 taxa of the fourth grade of specially designated plants announced the Ministry of Environment were investigated and 8 taxa of the third grade were confirmed. In totally, 24 taxa that are specially designated plants announced the Ministry of Environment including the first and the second grade taxa. 25 taxa of alien naturalized plants were confirmed. The degree of destroy of forest vegetation and reduction of plant diversity in the midstream of Geumgang were in proceeding by construction of multifunctional administrative city and cultivation. It is needed to set up strategies for conservation forest vegetation in this study area.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.47-71
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• 2009

The resource plants of northern region in Gapyeong-gun were investigated 7 times from Apr. 2007 to Oct. 2007. In the result of survey, the flora of this area, depend on voucher specimens, consist of 480 taxa totally; 94 families, 286 genera, 412 species, 4 subspecies, 52 varieties and 12 forms. The Resource plants in this area were categorized by their use into edible 177, pasturing 136, medicinal 124, stainable 69, ornamental 133, afforest 24, timber 10, fiber 6, industrial 2 taxa and unknown use plants 72, respectively. There were remarkable plants such as 14 taxa of Korean endemic plants, 85 taxa of specific plants which were designated by the Ministry of Environment, and 12 taxa of rare and endangered plants of Korea Forest Service. Furthermore, 22 taxa of naturalized plants 4.6% were also observed in this area and Urban Index (UI) was 8.2%. The vegetation status of investigated area was comparatively well conserved, but the degree of UI could be increased rapidly by the climbers, development of forest road. Therefore, the systems for conservation need to prepared for the effective management of forest, and the special plans need to control the number of climbers and visitors.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.100-139
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• 2023

This study was intended to identify the distribution and characteristics of plants such as native plants, rare plants, and endemic plants through a flora survey in Sangwangsan Mt. (644m), Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, a group habitat of warm temperate forests in Korea, and use the data for the conservation of plant species diversity and the study of climate and distribution changes in warm-temperate forests. A total of 32 field surveys were conducted from 2018 to 2022. The survey identified 785 taxa, including 8 forms, 53 varieties, 16 subspecies, 708 species, 473 genera, and 132 families. The endangered wild plants designated by the Ministry of Environment included 6 taxa: Woodwardia japonica, Metanarthecium luteoviride, Bulbophyllum inconspicuum, Dendrobium moniliforme, Pelatantheria scolopendrifolia, and Cymbidium macrorhizon. Rare plants designated by the Korea Forest Service were identified as 26 taxa. The red list designated by the Korea National Arboretum was identified as 7 taxa, the red list designated by the Ministry of Environment was identified as 29 taxa, and endemic plants in Korea were identified as 17 taxa. Floristic target species in Korea were identified as 200 taxa, specifically 6 taxa of grade V, 13 taxa of grade IV, 73 taxa of grade III, 29 taxa of grade II, and 79 taxa of grade I. Naturalized plants were identified as 73 taxa, and invasive alien plants were identified as 6 taxa. Target plants adaptable to climate change in Korea were identified as 55 taxa, specifically 8 taxa of endemic plants, 46 taxa of southern plants, and 1 taxon of northern plants.