• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.229-242
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• 2012

This study presents a physical habitat modeling of adult Zacco platypus in a reach of the Dalcheon Stream located downstream of the Goesaan Dam. CASiMiR model is used to estimate habitat suitability index based on the fuzzy logic. Results are compared with those from River2D model, which uses habitat preference curve for habitat suitability index. Hydraulic data simulated by River2D are used as input data for CASiMiR model after verification against field measurements. The result shows that the habitat suitability of the adult Zacco platypus is maximum around the riffle area located upstream of the bend. CASiMiR and River2D estimate the maximum weighted usable areas at the discharge rates of 7.23 $m^3/s$ and 9.0 $m^3/s$, respectively. Overall comparison of the two models employed in this study indicates that CASiMiR model overestimates the weighted usable area by 0.3~25.3% compared with River2D model in condition of drought flow (Q355), low flow (Q275), normal flow (Q185), and average-wet flow (Q95).

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.277-290
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• 2013

This study was carried out to propose the new procedure to apply Habitat Evaluation Procedure(HEP) of target species using delphi technique, which is suitable to develop endangered species with few researches and ecological knowledges. To identify habitat quality of specific species in development project site, we can develop habitat model and create habitat suitability maps. In this study, we select the Common Kestrel(Falco tinnunculus) as target species in four areas(Paju, Siheung, Ansan, Hwaseong) which is located near the Seoul metropolitan area. The Delphi technique was selected to get the reliable information on the species and habitats requirements. Through the delphi approach, seven habitat components were determined as suitable variables for the Common Kestrel: density($n/km^2$) of small mammals, area($km^2$) of bare-grounds, pasturelands and riparian, and open area(%), spatial distribution and area of croplands, landscape diversity, breeding sites(tall trees, cliffs, high-rise buildings), and the length of shelf. Habitat variables used in this model were classified into two categories: % of suitable land-cover type(open areas, croplands, pasturelands, wetlands, and baregrounds) and the quality of feeding sites(within 250m from edges of woodlands). Habitat quality of the Common Kestrel was assessed against occurred sites derived from the nationwide survey. Predicted habitat suitability map were closely related to the observed sites of the endangered avian species in the study areas. With the habitat suitability map of the Common Kestrel, we assess the environmental impacts with habitat loss after development project in environmental impact assessment.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.311-325
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• 2017

Habitat suitability index (HSI) of 17 benthic macroinvertebrate taxa, which were lotic insects of generic category except Potamanthidae in mayfly, was developed for three physical habitat factors (current velocity, water depth and substrate) based on an ecological monitoring in a Korean stream (Gapyeong). Weibull model was used as a probability density function to analyze the distribution of individual abundance related with physical factors, which showed it was so available. Number of species and total individual abundance increased along with the increase of current velocity and the mean diameter of substrate, and decreased along with the increase of water depth. Most taxa showed a clear preference for a fast current velocity, shallow water depth and coarse substrate except Ephemera, Potamanthidae (mayfly), and Plectrocnemia (caddisfly) which were rheophobic, potamophilic and lithophobious. Based on the canonical correspondence analysis, the relative importance of each factor was determined as follows: current velocity > substrate > water depth.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.626-639
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• 2017

Based on an ecological monitoring in a Korean stream (Gapyeong), Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) of nine fish species was developed for three physical habitat factors : current velocity, water depth and substrate. The species were chosen based on their abundance and frequency in the fish community of the Gapyeong stream. The Weibull model was used as the probability density function to analyze the distribution and number of each fish species according to the three identified physical factors, which showed good results. This HSI equation has advantages because it statistically expresses habitat preferences of fish species simply and clearly. From that, we can quantitatively deduce the central tendency and variation of environmental factors for fish distribution. The selected fish species showed different preferences for each habitat factor respectively. Although there are some exceptions, the distribution and abundance of individual species of nektonic fish (Zacco koreanus, Zacco platypus, Microphysogobio longidorsalis and Pungtungia herzi) were positively skewed to deep water and fine substrate while riffle-benthic fish (Koreocobitis rotundicaudata and Coreoleuciscus splendidus) were normally distributed at the shallow and coarse substrate zone. It seems that the species showing the positively skewed distribution to the current, Z. koreanus, Z. platypus, M. longidorsalis and P. herzi have adapted themselves to the fast current and have expanded their niche.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.37-51
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• 2021

The purpose of this research is to develop the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) for habitat environments of Aix galericulata (A. galericulata) and Dendrocopos major (D. major), which tend to inhabit urban environments. A. galericulata and D. major are the keystone species representing the ecosystem of wetlands and forests. Based on the analysis of their urban habitat environments, this study selects artificially adjustable levels of the environmental index in order to produce the HSI model, which can be used when either restoring or creating the urban habitats for these species. To develop the HSI, we conducted field surveys at Jungnangcheon Stream, Changgyeonggung, Jangneung, Bangbae Neighborhood Park, Gildong Ecological Park, and Seodalsan Mountain. These surveys were conducted between April and August 2020, and this period includes the breeding season of both A. galericulata and D. major. Based on our findings from the surveys, we conclude that there are six SI factors for A. galericulata. These include (1) the presence of alluvial islands, (2) waterfront vegetation cover rate, (3) type of aquatic plants for food, (4) size of forest patch, (5) type of trees in nearby forests, and (6) connectivity of waterfront and forest. We also conclude that there are five SI factors for D. major, which include (1) size of forest patch, (2) rate of broadleaf trees in forest patches, (3) type of nesting trees, (4) diameter at breast height (DBH) of nesting trees, and (5) density of dead trees. The result of this research can provide future studies with useful guidance when both (1) comparing the habitat suitability of the target species in different environments and (2) restoring or creating habitats for these species.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.235-246
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• 2021

This study investigated the impact of baseflow on fish community in the Ungcheon stream (16.5 km long) located downstream of the Boryeong Dam, Korea. Based on field monitoring, there were five dominant fish species in the Ungcheon Stream accounting for 75% of the total fish community: Zacco platypus, Zacco koreanus, Tridentiger brevispinis, Rhinogobius brunneus, and Pungtungia herzi. These five fish species were selected as target species. HydroGeoSphere (HGS) and River2D models were used for hydrologic and hydraulic simulations, respectively. A habitat suitability index model was used to simulate fish habitat. To assess the impact of baseflow, each representative discharge was examined with or without baseflow. The HGS model was used to calculate baseflow within the study reach. This baseflow was observed to increase gradually with longitudinal distance. Validation of the hydraulic model dem onstrated that computed water surface elevated when baseflow was included, which was in good agreement with measured data, as opposed to the result when baseflow was excluded. Composite suitability index distributions and weighted usable area in the study reach were presented for target species. Simulations indicated that the baseflow significantly increased habitat suitability for the entire fish community. These results demonstrate that there should be a substantial focus on the baseflow for physical habitat simulation.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.9-21
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• 2021

In this study, fish and flow surveys were conducted at 12 survey points to calculate the fish habitat suitability index of Miho Stream in the Geum River Water System. The field surveys were conducted four times from September 2019 to May 2020. The results show the presence of 8 families, 37 species, and 5,754 individuals. The number of water purification species that preferred waters with a low flow rate was the highest. The habitat suitability index was calculated according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife method based on the populations collected at various water depths and flow rate sections and the flow rate survey results. For the dominant species, Zacco platypus and swimming species, the results were compared by calculating at Gasan Bridge and Palgye Bridge at the upper stream. The single species showed no significant difference between the upstream and downstream at water depths of 0.1 - 0.5 m and flow rates of 0.2 - 0.5 m/s. The species swimming ability was similarly calculated at water depths of 0.2 - 0.5 m and flow rates of 0.2 - 0.5 m/s. The dominant species, Pyramid, had a wide range of physical habitats. The habitat suitability index between the swimming species was similarly calculated. These results can be effectively used as basic data for calculating the environmental ecological flow rate and establishing a river restoration plan of the Miho Stream.

• 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 Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.367-379
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• 2011

This study was conducted to develop an ecological park planning model to enhance the functions of habitats and ecological corridors in Green Belt Areas, because changing policies have resulted in the degredation of the Green Belts due to progressive fragmentation of ecosystems. The principal outcome of the study is to plan an ecological park model through the restoration of habitats. In order to evaluate the capacity of the model to enhance the ecological functions of habitats and ecological corridors in Green Belt Areas, a simulation of habitats was carried out in the Sungnam-Yusoo region. The model was developed via following steps: 1. Selection of candidate sites and selection of the study site by analyzing development factors; 2. Selection of target species that can represent the habitat at the site; 3. Analysis of the site's suitability index for the target species; 4. Establishment of a conceptual plan to enhance and expand the currently produced suitability index; 5. Creation of a master plan based on the conceptual plan; and 6. Evaluation of the enhanced and expanded suitability index of the site. The study showed that the Habitat Unit (HU) of Rana coreana, which was selected as the target species of the study, increased from $28,044m^2$(3.6%) to $224,352m^2$(28.8%), and the HU of the site as the ecological corridor for wild animals increased from $4,674m^2$(0.6%) to $152,684m^2$(19.6%). The study results show that the ecological deficits of the Green Belt Area can be overcome by enhancing the ecological functions of the region, which should be beneficial. The model could be utilized for effective enhancement and management of other Green Belt Areas.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.316-323
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• 2022

Background: We developed a habitat suitability index (HSI) model for Pedicularis hallaisanensis, a Grade II Endangered Species in South Korea. To determine the habitat variables, we conducted a literature review on P. hallaisanensis with a specific focus on the associated spatial factors, climate, topography, threats, and soil factors to derive five environmental factors that influence P. hallaisanensis habitats. The specific variables were defined based on the collected data and consultations with experts in the field, with the validity of each variable tested through field studies. Results: Mt. Seorak had a suitable habitat area of 2.48 km² for sites with a score of 1 (0.62% of total area) and 0.01 km² for sites with a score of 0.9. Mt. Bangtae had a suitable habitat area of 0.03 km² for sites with a score of 1 (0.02% of total area) and 0 km² for sites with a score of 0.9. Mt. Gaya showed 0.13 km² of suitable habitat for sites with a score of 1 (0.17% of total area) and 0 km² for sites with a score of 0.9. Lastly, Mt. Halla showed 3.12 km² of suitable habitat related to sites with a score of 1 (2.04% of total area) and 4.08 km² of sites with a score of 0.9 (2.66% of total area). Mt. Halla accounts for 73.1% of the total core habitat area. Considering the climatic, soil, and forest conditions together with standardized collection sites, our results indicate that Mt. Halla should be viewed as a core habitat of P. hallaisanensis. Conclusions: The findings in this study provide useful data for the identification of core habitat areas and potential alternative habitats to prevent the extinction of the endangered species, P. hallaisanensis. Furthermore, the developed HSI model allows for the prediction of suitable habitats based on the ecological niche of a given species to identify its unique distribution and causal factors.