• Mycobiology
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.423-426
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• 2020

Cypripedium japonicum is known to be the indigenous plant to Korea, Japan, and China. However, C. japonicum represents the most critically endangered plant species in South Korea. The plant is esthetically pleasing due to its flower, which is larger than any other orchidaceous species. Disease symptoms relating to gray mold were observed on C. japonicum in May 2019. The suspected pathogen was successfully isolated from the symptomatic leaf tissue and conducted a pure culture of the fungi. The conidia formed consisted of a colorless or light brown single cell, which was either egg or oval-shaped with a size of 7.1 to 13.4 × 5.2 to 8.6 ㎛. Molecular phylogenetic relationship analysis was also confirmed that the pathogen concerned belonging to the family of Botrytis cinerea. Therefore, the findings confirmed that the pathogen isolated from C. japonicum was consistent with the unique properties of B. cinerea.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2018

Background: In the study, the effects of elevated $CO_2$ and temperature on the nitrogen content, carbon content, and C:N ratio of seven rare and endangered species (Quercus gilva, Hibiscus hambo, Paliurus ramosissimus, Cicuta virosa, Bupleurum latissimum, Viola raddeana, and Iris dichotoma) were examined under control (ambient $CO_2$ + ambient temperature) and treatment (elevated $CO_2$ + elevated temperature) for 3 years (May 2008 and June 2011). Results: Elevated $CO_2$ concentration and temperature result in a decline in leaf nitrogen content for three woody species in May 2009 and June 2011, while four herb species showed different responses to each other. The nitrogen content of B. latissimum and I. dichotoma decreased under treatment in either 2009 and 2011. The leaf nitrogen content of C. virosa and V. raddeana was not significantly affected by elevated $CO_2$ and temperature in 2009, but that of C. virosa increased and that V. raddeana decreased under the treatment in 2011. In 2009, it was found that there was no difference in carbon content in the leaves of the six species except for that of P. ramosissimus. On the other hand, while there was no difference in carbon content in the leaves of Q. gilva in the control and treatment in 2011, carbon content in the leaves of the remaining six species increased due to the rise of $CO_2$ concentration and temperature. The C:N ratio in the leaf of C. virosa grown in the treatment was lower in both 2009 and 2011 than that in the control. The C:N ratio in the leaf of V. raddeana decreased by 16.4% from the previous year, but increased by 28.9% in 2011. For the other five species, C:N ratios increased both in 2009 and 2011. In 2009 and 2011, chlorophyll contents in the leaves of Q. gilva and H. hamabo were higher in the treatment than those in the control. In the case of P. ramosissimus, the ratio was higher in the treatment than that in the control in 2009, but in 2011, the result was the opposite. Among four herb species, the chlorophyll contents in the leaves of C. virosa, V. raddeana, and I. dichotoma did not show any difference between gradients in 2009, but decreased due to the rise of $CO_2$ concentration and temperature in 2011. Leaf nitrogen and carbon contents, C:N ratio, and chlorophyll contents in the leaves of seven rare and endangered species of plant were found to be influenced by the rise and duration of $CO_2$ concentration and temperature, species, and interaction among those factors. Conclusions: The findings above seem to show that long-term rise of $CO_2$ concentration, and temperature causes changes in physiological responses of rare and endangered species of plant and the responses may be species-specific. In particular, woody species seem to be more sensitive to the rise of $CO_2$ concentration and temperature than herb species.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.145-155
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• 2022

Koreoleptoxis nodifila (Martens, 1886) is an endangered species only living in the central and north streams of South Korea. However, there is a lack of information on physical habitat characteristics of K. nodifila. We aimed to determine preference ranges for water depth, current velocity, streambed substrate of K. nodifila. The weibull model was used to estimate the habitat suitability based on distribution of individual abundance by physical factors. Optimal depth preferences ranged from 0.53~17.17 cm, current preferences ranged from 48.40~81.03 cm s^-1 and substrate (𝜱_m) preferences ranged from -4.36~ -2.26. Median values of central tendency were determined as follows: water depth 16.73 cm, current velocity 65.23 cm s^-1, substrate -3.51. Mean values of central tendency were determined as follows: water depth 21.32 cm, current velocity 65.65 cm s^-1, substrate -3.63. Mode values of central tendency were determined as follows: water depth 5.17 cm, current velocity 64.77 cm s^-1, substrate -3.24. Based on the habitat suitability analysis, the microhabitat types of K. nodifila were determined as riffle and coarse-grained streambed.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.83-91
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• 2024

This study utilizes association rule learning and clustering analysis to explore the co-occurrence and relationships within ecosystems, focusing on the endangered brackish-water snail Clithon retropictum, classified as Class II endangered wildlife in Korea. The goal is to analyze co-occurrence patterns between brackish-water snails and other species to better understand their roles within the ecosystem. By examining co-occurrence patterns and relationships among species in large datasets, association rule learning aids in identifying significant relationships. Meanwhile, K-means and hierarchical clustering analyses are employed to assess ecological similarities and differences among species, facilitating their classification based on ecological characteristics. The findings reveal a significant level of relationship and co-occurrence between brackish-water snails and other species. This research underscores the importance of understanding these relationships for the conservation of endangered species like C. retropictum and for developing effective ecosystem management strategies. By emphasizing the role of a data-driven approach, this study contributes to advancing our knowledge on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health, proposing new directions for future research in ecosystem management and conservation strategies.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.192-204
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• 2013

Fish community structure and inhabit status of endangered fish species were investigated during April to November 2011 in Baebong Stream, Gangwon do, Korea. The number of fish species inhabiting the upper section (Stations 1~3, 5) was 14 and the stream bottoms were mostly composed of cobbles and boulders (Aa-type). Meanwhile, the number of fish species inhabiting the lower section (Stations 4, 6, 7) was 26 and the stream bottoms were mostly composed of pebbles, cobles and sand (Bb-type). A total of 26 species belonging to ten families were found in the stream during the survey period. The dominant and subdominant species were Rhynchocypris steindachneri (31.1%) and Squalidus multimaculatus (13.3%), respectively, and others such as Pungitius kaibarae (11.0%), Zacco koreanus (7.8%), Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (7.0%), Iksookimia pacifica (5.5%) and Z. platypus (5.3%) were followed in the order. Four species of Squalidus multimaculatus, Z. koreanus, I. pacifica and Liobagrus andersoni were endemic to Korea. And, Lethenteron japonica, L. reissneri, Pungitius sinensis and Cottus hangiongensis were endangered fish species in this stream. Oncorhynchus keta, L. japonica and Tribolodon hakonensis were anadromous species, and Plecoglossus altivelis was an amphidromous species. The similarity index based on species composition and abundance clearly divided the fish community structure of the Baebong Stream into two sections fragmented by a weir installed into the stream. It is necessary to install a fish ways on the weirs for a fish migration and movements.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.205-210
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• 1997

The twenty eight taxa of rare and endangered plant species of Oesorak were investigated in the field, and the results were compiled according to the literature by Lee et al.(1996). Most of the populations of the investigated plants are located in the vicinity from the mountain trails which is the destruction pressures high. Also these plants are envisaged from the possible collections for both edible and medicinal purposes by local peoples, so the conservation strategies at the levels of habitat and species must be prepared. Taxuscaespitosa of Taxaceae has very few individuals and the status of the habitats envisaged serious problems from tramplings.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.153-165
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• 2021

The objective of this study was to provide basic data for the conservation of wetland ecosystems in the Civilian Control Zone and the management of Yongyangbo wetlands in South Korea. Yongyangbo wetlands have been designated as protected areas. A field survey was conducted across five sessions between April 2019 and August of 2019. A total of 248 taxa were identified during the survey, including 72 families, 163 genera, 230 species, 4 subspecies, and 14 varieties. Their life-forms were Th (therophytes) - R₅ (non-clonal form) - D₄ (clitochores) - e (erect form), with a disturbance index of 33.8%. Three taxa of rare plants were detected: Silene capitata Kom. and Polygonatum stenophyllum Maxim. known to be endangered species, and Aristolochia contorta Bunge, a least-concern species. S. capitata is a legally protected species designated as a Class II endangered species in South Korea. A total of 26 taxa of naturalized plants were observed, with a naturalization index of 10.5%. There was one endemic plant taxon (Salix koriyanagi Kimura ex Goerz). In terms of floristic target species, there was one taxon in class V, one taxon in Class IV, three taxa in Class III, five taxa in Class II, and seven taxa in Class I. Three invasive alien species (Ambrosia trifida L., Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., and Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc) were observed. For continuous conservation of Yongyangbo Wetlands, it is necessary to remove invasive alien plants and block the inflow of non-point pollutants.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.193-201
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• 2010

The Ryukyus Archipelago consists of about 200 nearly subtropical islands located between Japan proper and Taiwan. Previous studies have found the Ryukyus to be a region of high biodiversity with many endangered vascular plant taxa, but they are not comprehensive. Here, we discuss the phytogeographic features and circumstances of the endangered plant taxa, make suggestions for effective in situ conservation, and highlight endangered plants in the Ryukyus that require further study.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.154-158
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• 2020

The Asian crested ibis Nipponia nippon is one of the world's most endangered species. Except for the Sanxii population from China, it is known that all of the crested ibis populations from East Asia have been extinguished. In these days, most of them are being inbred as captive populations in China, South Korea, and Japan, which caused their low expected genetic diversity. Microsatellite markers are well known as a suitable DNA marker for exploring genetic diversity among captive populations of a variety of endangered species. In the present study, ten microsatellite markers were developed for the captive populations of the South Korean crested ibis, which were employed to examine the level of genetic diversity with the two founders from Sanxii, China and the 70 descendants of them. As a result, the mean number of gene diversity, observed heterozygosity, and expected heterozygosity of the captive population were 0.70, 0.84, and 0.70 respectively. It revealed that the captive population of South Korea is as genetically more stable than we expected. In addition, the principal coordinates analysis and genetic structure analyses showed that the captive population of N. nippon can be divided into the two different genetic groups. The developed microsatellite markers here could be helpful for crested ibis conservation in East Asian countries such as China and Japan as well as South Korea.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.186-191
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• 2016

Distribution status and threatened assessment of endangered species, Pungitius sinensis (Pisces: Gasterosteidae), were investigated from March to October 2015 in Gangwon-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do etc., Korea. During the study period, a total of 854 individual P. sinensis were collected from 21 of 71 sampling stations using skimming nets. P. sinensis appeared in 23 streams during the past 30 years. However, it was only collected in 12 streams. Therefore, its habitats and populations were drastically reduced. The preferred habitat of P. sinensis was pool of the lower stream with lots of aquatic plants. Given these evidences of small occupying areas ($84km^2$) and drastic reduction in its habitats and populations, P. sinensis is considered as an endangered (EN) [B2ab(ii,iii,iv,v)] species based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria.