• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.265-270
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• 2022

With the implementation of the fox restoration project, the number of foxes released into nature are increasing; therefore, in the future, foxes will be dispersed to other areas and will appear in human habitats. In this study, the habitat suitability index (HSI) of foxes was developed to predict and prepare for the effects. After extracting major environmental variables through literature research and GIS analysis, 5 suitability indices (SIs) were constructed. The forest physiognomy, slope, aspect, distance from water source, and distance from road are the main variables, and the arithmetic average value by giving twice the weight to the forest physiognomy is the HSI result. As a result of comparing with the data from the Natural Environment Survey, it is found that the fox coordinates have an average HSI value of 0.64, and the probability of appearance is high when it is 0.53 or higher. Using the results of this study, it is expected to be able to predict the distribution of foxes in advance, to use them as basic data for future restoration plans, or to identify the distribution of the species and the reduction plan in future environmental impact assessments.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.207-219
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• 2018

In this study, the ecological flow rate of the Zacco playtypus habitat was simulated based on the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM) in reachs of urban and natural stream using the habitat suitability index (HSI) of the probability density function (PDF). To apply this method, PHABSIM model was used in this study. However, in this study, the HSI of the probability density function was developed by adjusting the parameters of the PDF based on Kang (2010) HSI. As a result, the normal distribution is closest to the ecological flow rate of the Kang (2010) in the urban stream. However, the two-parameter log-pearson distribution tended to be the closest in the natural stream. The ecological flow rate was simulated by the HSI and the reach of stream with the PDF. Based on the comparison of simulation results, we propose an ecological flow rate estimation method using probabilistic method.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.213-223
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• 2022

This study was conducted to establish a Habitat Suitability index (HSI) based on literature research and field surveys on ecology and habitat of 'Hynobius leechii'. And this study will be used as basic data for qualitative evaluation of habitat environment. The survey sites were divided into natural habitats close to the prototype habitat and artificial restoration areas where Hynobius leechii was monitored. So the types of habitats were diversified. Hynobius leechii is a vulnerable species to climate change because it is affected by the microhabitat and has low mobility. HSI variables of Hynobius leechii were extracted through domestic and overseas literature, and standards were extracted from literature research and field survey. The standards were presented as a value of the physical allowable category in consideration of realization. To verify the study, an in-depth consultation was conducted by amphibians experts. HSI variables of Hynobius leechii were included 9 variables such as Overstory canopy cover(%), Understory cover(%), Water-pH, Soil-pH, Soil relative humidity(%), Leaf litter depth(cm), Rock substrates (%), Type of Coarse woody, Distance from Street or Pollutant(m).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.63-76
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• 2020

This study was conducted to quantitatively evaluate and analyze the alternative habitats using the HSI(Habitat Suitability Index) model of Lutra lutra in Banbyeoncheon Stream. Six variables were selected as habitat variables for Lutra lutra, including distance from waterfront, land cover within 1km from waterfront, presence of alluvial island, area of inland water and wetland, distance from roads and urbanized arid areas, and distance from aquaculture farm. The SI(Suitability Index) model and HSI model were developed based on the existing literature of Lutra lutra, the results of field surveys and expert opinions, and applied to the alternative habitats to examine the applicability of the HSI model. The results of this study can provide information on habitat evaluation to prevent the extinction of endangered Lutra lutra. In particular, it is highly applicable to the selection and evaluation of alternative habitats for Lutra lutra.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.427-434
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• 2023

Oysters are an important organism, accounting for an average of 76% of shellfish aquaculture production. In this study, optimal habitat was searched for by calculating the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) using water temperature, salinity, hydrodynamics, DO, SS and Chl.a in Jaran Bay. As a result, the inside of Jaran Bay was found to be a more suitable habitat than the outside with a wide entrance and rapid hydrodynamics. Oyster production and HSI showed a significant correlation (0.710, p<0.05). Hydrodynamics helps the growth of aquaculture organisms, such as food supply through seawater exchange in the bay, which showed a high correlation (0.709, p<0.05) with oyster production. It was found to have a greater effect on habitat suitability than Chl.a. The results of this study are expected to be helpful for the efficient conservation, use and management of coastal fisheries.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.324-333
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• 2022

Background: The Korean scarlet dwarf, Nannophya koreana Bae (Odonata: Libellulidae), is anendangered dragonfly with an increasing risk of extinction owing to rapid climate changes and human activities. To prevent extinction, the N. koreana population and their habitat should be protected. Therefore, suitable habitat evaluation is important to build the N. koreana restoration project. The habitat suitability index model (HSI) has been widely used for habitat evaluation in diverse organisms. Results: To build a suitable HSI model for N. koreana, 16 factors were examined by seven experienced researchers. A field survey for N. koreana observed sites and spatial analysis were conducted to improve the model. Five factors were finally selected by this procedure (crown density, open water surface, water depth, pioneer plant cover, and type of water source). Finally, the N. koreana HSI model was generated with the five adjusted factors based on interview, field survey, and spatial analysis. This model was validated by a current N. koreana habitat in 2021. With this model, 46 sites in Uljin-gun, Korea, were surveyed for N. koreana habitats; five sites were identified as core habitats and seven as potential core habitats. Conclusions: This model will serve as a strong foundation for the N. koreana restoration project and as a reference for future studies on N. koreana and other endangered insect populations. Further analysis and long-term data will improve the efficacy of this model and restore endangered wildlife.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.62-69
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• 2016

Narrow-mouth frog (Kaloula borealis) is the only amphibian species of genus Kaloula living in South Korea. They are designated and managed as endangered class II wildlife by the Ministry of Environment, Korea. Therefore, there is a desperate need of a habitat restoration study to prevent the extinction of narrow-mouth frog. This study is primarily for the purpose of presenting the direction and practical applications to restore damaged narrow-mouth frog habitats or to suggest alternative habitat options. The habitat suitability index (HSI) of narrow-mouth frog was applied to the research area in Mokpo City of Jeollanam-do Province, in order to present a new narrow-mouth frog habitat. We analyzed the research area based on historical contexts, ecological environment, ecology, and habitat requirements. The research area was divided into the core, buffer, and transition zones according to UNESCO MAB (Man and Biosphere) to establish local land-use plans. As for the foundation of the plan, we divided the habitat composition of the core, where narrow-mouth frog live in, into wetland (spawning area), grassland (shelter and feeding grounds), and forestland (feeding ground). We had a comparative analysis of habitat suitability in pre and post planning of narrow-mouth frog habitat restoration. For the validation study of habitat restoration plans, the future research should be on the composition of test-bed, continuous monitoring, and scientific habitat maintenance.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.68-76
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• 2022

In this study, the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) was calculated in the Miho stream of the Geum river system, and the environmental ecological flow by point was evaluated. Two points (St.3 and St.8) representing the up and downstream of Miho Stream were selected, in order to calculate the Habitat Suitability Index, the depth and velocity at point where each species is appeared were investigated. The Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) was calculated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) method using the number collected by water depth and velocity section and the results of the flow rate survey. Two target species were selected in this study; dominant species and swimming species sensitive to flow. In the case of a single species of Zacco platypus, the water depth was 0.1 - 0.5 m and the velocity was 0.2 - 0.5 m/s. For species of swimming fish, the water depth was 0.2 - 0.5 m and the velocity was 0.2 - 0.5 m/s. The discharge-Weighted Useable Area (WUA) relationship curve and habitat suitability distribution were simulated at the Miho Stream points St.3 and St.8. At the upstream St.3 of Miho Stream, the optimal discharge was simulated as 4.0 m³/s for swimming fishes and 2.7 m³/s for Zacco platypus. At the downstream point of St.8, species of swimming fish were simulated as 8.8 m³/s and Zacco platypus was simulated as 7.6 m³/s. In both points, the optimal discharge of swimming fish was over estimated. This is a result that the Habitat Suitability Index for swimming fish requires a faster flow rate than the habitat conditions of the Zacco platypus. In the calculation of the minimum discharge, the discharge of Zacco platypus is smaller and is evaluated to provide more Weighted Useable Area. In the case of swimming fishes, narrow range of depth and velocity increases the required discharge and relatively decreases the Weighted Useable Area. Therefore, when calculating the Habitat Suitability Index for swimming fishes, it is more advantageous to calculate the index including the habitat of all fish species than to narrow the range.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.33-44
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• 2015

This study was performed to propose the site selection plan for the restoration of the target Narrow-mouth Frog(Kaloula borealis) habitat, and has developed the AHP model to select the optimal site for narrow-mouth frog habitat restoration on the basis of the narrow-mouth frog Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) items (factors and variables). The assessment areas were established by the narrow-mouth frog HSI factors such as space, feed, cover, water(breeding), threatening factors and others, and the sub-assessment items by each assessment area were established based on the narrow-mouth frog HSI variables. The weighting values of the assessment areas and items were calculated by the developed AHP method. The weighting values of the 5 assessment areas were arranged in order as cover(0.283), water(breeding)(0.276), feed(0.230), space(0.147), and threatening factor(0.064). The final weighting values of the 14 assessment items were arranged in order of height as low-rise grassland(0.190), soil quality(0.178), and stones and between the stones(0.105). The scoring criteria according to the assessment items and factors were marked and applied by equal intervals considering the criteria by HSI items of the narrow-mouth frog and finally the scoring criteria diagram has been proposed for the optimal site selection of the narrow-mouth frog habitat restoration.

• 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.