• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.1011-1018
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• 2007

This study was conducted to analysis the ecological characteristics of "Wando HolIy"$(llex{\times}wandoensis)$ which is expecting as a possible ornamental tree with its beautiful leaves, flowers and fruits, and to find special breeding material which have particular characteristics and also provide correct environmental information which are required for commercial cultivation. The hill of Galmoon-Ri, Gunoei-Myon, Jeonnam Province, Korea, were reported as a original habitat of native $llex{\times}wandoensis$. The investigation shows that soil pH of native habitat was 6.18, hardness was 2.39, humidity was 38.6%, direction of slope is SSW, and average inclination was $15^{\circ}. The vegetation around $I.{\times}wandoensis$ is occupied by trees like an Quercus variabilis, Q. serrata, Q. acuta and so on. These are mixed forest of deciduous trees. Tree height reached up to about 12m and its coverage is about 30%. Q. salicina, Camellia japonica, I. integra, Cryptomeria japonica account for sub-tree layer. Tree height is around 8m and coverage is about 20%. Shrub layer was taken by Viburnum furcatum, Callicarpa japonica, Styrax japonica, Eurya japonica, Lindera obtusiloba, Ligustrum japonicum, Smilax china, Cornus walteri etc. Tree height reaches around l.2m and coverage is around 20%. Herb layer includes Trachelospermum asiaticum var. intermedium, Cymbidium goeringii, Dryopteris bissetiana, Disporum viridescens, Disporum smilacinum, Sasa borealis var. gracilis etc. Trachelospermum asiaticum var. intermedium, which are observed in southern evergreen zone, are dominant and its coverage is around 20%. The native habitat was in spoiled condition because of artificial thin out.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.261-266
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• 2015

We investigated habitat characteristics of the yellow-throated marten Martes flavigula (Carnivora : Mustelidae) using geographic information system (GIS). GPS coordinates of the target mammal traces and seven habitat factors were used for the GIS analysis. The Odaesan National Park (ONP) is selected as a study area for GIS analysis of the habitat characteristics. According to the GIS analysis of whole area of ONP, main forest type was broadleaf trees which occupy 72% of forests. Trees of 4th to 6th age-calss account for 93% of the ONP forests. The mean elevation and slope of ONP was 901 m and $22.1^{\circ}$, respectively. According to the GIS analysis of M. flavigula habitats in ONP, most M. flavigula traces were found in borad-leaf forests and coniferous forests which are main forest types of ONP. In addition, the yellow-throated marten recorded a relatively high appearance rate of 7% in unstocked forests, which account for much less than 1% of the area of ONP. Most of the marten traces were found in forests with trees of 4th to 6th age-classes. The traces were found in the forest types in higher elevation (1,080.3 m) and lower slope ($15.0^{\circ}$) on average, compared with those of ONP. Appearance rate of the marten traces was 96% in range less than 600 m from the water. The traces were frequently found in areas far distantly beyond 1,400 m range from human residental areas and cultivated areas.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.133-143
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• 2015

Freshwater macrophytes improve the structural heterogeneity of microhabitats in water, often providing an important habitat for zooplankton. Some studies have focused on the overall influence of macrophytes on zooplankton, but the effects of macrophyte in relation to different habitat characteristics of zooplankton (e.g., epiphytic and pelagic) have not been intensively studied. We hypothesized that different habitat structures (i.e., macrophyte habitat) would strongly affect zooplankton distribution. We investigated zooplankton density and diversity, macrophyte characteristics (dry weight and species number), and environmental parameters in 40 shallow wetlands in South Korea. Patterns in the data were analyzed using a self-organizing map (SOM), which extracts information through competitive and adaptive properties. A total of 20 variables (11 environmental parameters and 9 zooplankton groups) were patterned onto the SOM. Based on a U-matrix, 3 clusters were identified from the model. Zooplankton assemblages were positively related to macrophyte characteristics (i.e., dry weight and species number). In particular, epiphytic species (i.e., epiphytic rotifers and cladocerans) exhibited a clear relationship with macrophyte characteristics, while large biomass and greater numbers of macrophyte species supported high zooplankton assemblages. Consequently, habitat heterogeneity in the macrophyte bed was recognized as an important factor to determine zooplankton distribution, particularly in epiphytic species. The results indicate that macrophytes are critical for heterogeneity in lentic freshwater ecosystems, and the inclusion of diverse plant species in wetland construction or restoration schemes is expected to generate ecologically healthy food webs.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.227-239
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• 2018

Background: Predicting the potential habitat of plants in arid regions, especially for medicinal ones, is very important. Although Pergularia tomentosa is a key species for medicinal purposes, it appears in very low density in the arid rangelands of Iran, needing an urgent ecological attention. In this study, we modeled and predicted the potential habitat of P. tomentosa using maximum entropy, and the effects of environmental factors (geology, geomorphology, altitude, and soil properties) on some characteristics of the species were determined. Results: The results showed that P. tomentosa was absent in igneous formation while it appeared in conglomerate formation. In addition, among geomorphological units, the best quantitative characteristics of P. tomentosa was belonged to the conglomerate formation-small hill area (plant aerial parts = 57.63 and root length = 30.68 cm) with the highest electrical conductivity, silt, and $CaCO_3$ content. Conversely, the species was not found in the mountainous area with igneous formation. Moreover, plant density, length of roots, and aerial parts of the species were negatively correlated with soil sand, while positive correlation was observed with $CaCO_3$, EC, potassium, and silt content. The maximum entropy was found to be a reliable method (ROC = 0.91) for predicting suitable habitats for P. tomentosa. Conclusion: These results suggest that in evaluating the plant's habitat suitability in arid regions, contrary to the importance of the topography, some environmental variables such as geomorphology and geology can play the main role in rangeland plants' habitat suitability.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.314-319
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• 2019

Background: The dramatic worldwide decline in the butterfly species Leptalina unicolor (Bremer & Grey) is largely the result of continuous habitat decline and disturbance by humans. The discovery of a narrow habitat in riverside wetlands utilized by L. unicolor raises the hope that such restricted key areas could be rather easily protected. Results: Here, we explain the environmental variables and habitat characteristics that primarily influence the distribution of L. unicolor discovered at the riverside areas along the Geum River. L. unicolor larvae were found at 9 of 13 study sites, and their abundance was strongly positively correlated with plant biomass. Our investigation showed that among four plant species (Miscanthus sinensis, Spodiopogon cotulifer, Setaria viridis, and Imperata cylindrica), L. unicolor larvae were the most abundant on the leaves of M. sinensis. They were not abundant on the leaves of S. cotulifer, S. viridis, or I. cylindrica. Interestingly, the number of L. unicolor larvae was positively correlated with the coverage area ($m^2$) of M. sinensis (F = 41.7, $r^2=0.74$, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: It appears that water (e.g., wetlands, ponds, and watersides) located along the riverside areas along the Geum River is important for the constant maintenance and conservation of L. unicolor. This is based on the habitat characteristics (water preference) of M. sinensis, which is used as a habitat by L. unicolor larvae. However, the waterside is dry and terrestrialization is in progress owing to the decreased water levels and water supply caused by an opened weir. Hereafter, this area will likely require management to secure a stable habitat for L. unicolor.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.343-352
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• 2015

The landscape setting of a habitat strongly influences the distribution, abundance, and species composition of waterfowl. Thus, habitat assessment is very important to understand the habitat characteristics that sustain waterfowl assemblages. In this study, we hypothesized that the excessive use of artificial materials when new wetlands are constructed negatively influences wintering waterfowl. To test this hypothesis, we measured environmental factors, assessed habitat, and investigated waterfowl at 13 artificial wetlands in the Nakdong River Basin. There were greater numbers of waterfowl species and individuals in artificial wetlands with high habitat assessment scores. In contrast, environmental factors did not affect waterfowl distribution. In particular, features of natural habitats, such as macrophytes and sandbars, and the surrounding land-use patterns were important factors for sustaining waterfowl assemblages in each created wetland. Our results show that promoting naturalness in wetlands and surrounding areas would increase the species diversity and abundance of waterfowl. Further, complex habitats, such as wetlands and some terrestrial habitats, support both aquatic and terrestrial species because mixed habitats feature a larger array of food sources than more limited habitats do.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.307-315
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• 2022

In terms of habitat conservation, it is essential to develop a habitat assessment system that can evaluate not only the suitability of the current habitat, but also the health and stability of the habitat. This study aimed to develop a methodology of habitat quality assessment for endangered species by analyzing various existing habitat assessment methods. The habitat quality assessment consisted of selecting targeted species, planning of assessment, selecting targeted sites, assessing performance, calculating grade, and expert verification. Target sites were selected separately from core and potential habitats using a species distribution model or habitat suitability index. Habitat assessment factors were classified into ecological characteristic, landscape characteristic, and species-habitat characteristic. Ecological characteristic consisted of thirteen factors related to health of tree, vegetation, and soil. Landscape characteristic consisted of five factors related to fragment and connectivity of habitat. Species-habitat characteristic consisted of factors for evaluating habitat suitability depending on target species. Since meanings are different depending on characteristics, habitat quality assessment of this study could be used by classifying results for each characteristic according to various assessment purposes, such as designation of alternative habitats, assessment of restoration project, and protected area valuation for endangered species. Forest habitat quality assessment is expected to play an important role in conservation acts of endangered species in the future through continuous supplementation of this system in regard to quantitative assessment criteria and weighting for each factor with an influence.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.401-403
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• 1998

Body size of the Russet Sparrow (Passer rutilans) was investigated during the breeding seasons of 1994 to 1996, in south-eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Both male and female arrived slightly earlier in isolated forests than in shelter belts during the study. Wing lengths of males and females were significantly longer in isolated forests than those in shelter belts, but the other body size characteristics were not differ significantly. The results indicate habitat selection of the birds depended on their body constructions, in which wing length as an indicator, body size may be an important factor. Large-sized birds select the better quality habitat than birds of small size.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.187-194
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• 2016

In this paper, as a basic research for the restoration and construction of easuary saltmarsh, To observe the habitat environment for reed, we observed sediment environment (Particle size, water content, pH, nutrient analysis ($NH_4-N$, $PO_4-P$)), ground water level, ground level, individual numbers of reed, maximum reed height. As a result of this study, sediment particle size and moisture content of soil on the study area not effected reed habitat, pH showed no difference in each site. $NH_4-N$ and $PO_4-P$ concentration also no difference in each site. Ground level of reed habitat area is more higher than none reed habitat. However Ground water level of reed habitat area is more lower than none reed habitat. As a results of analyzing the influence factors for reed habitat in Nakdong estuary saltmarsh, ground water level and ground level is most influenced factor for reed habitat.

• The Journal of Fisheries Business Administration
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.19-45
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• 2020

This study is to evaluate economic effect of the creation project of snow crab, Chionoecetes opilio, spawning and habitat ground in Uljin and Youngdeok county. The main results of this study are summarized as follows: first, 14,400 million won was invested in the creation project cost of Chionoecetes opilio spawning and habitat ground of Uljin and Youngdeok County from 2015 to 2020. Second, the creation project of Chionoecetes opilio spawning and habitat ground directly provides fishing benefits, festival benefits, research and development benefits and employment benefits. Third, on the basis of above benefits, the creation project of Chionoecetes opilio spawning and habitat ground has net present value of 29,900.53 million won, internal rate of return 16.9%, and benefit-cost of 2.91 under a 4.5% social discount rate. Also, the creation project creates 195 jobs. This indicates that the creation project of Chionoecetes opilio spawning and habitat ground not only contributes to the increase in the income of coastal fishery and fishing villages but also to the job making. The result of this study provides useful information to policy makers or project managers as it shows that the project to create spawning and habitat ground should be carried out in consideration of the resource and biological characteristics of individual fish and that economic assessment logic should also be developed based on this. Also, it proves that the project to create a snow crab spawning and habitat ground is a national and local infrastructure project that increases the actual fishing income in the region. At the same time, it maintains the reproducibility function of most fish species, along with enhancing the people's benefits such as fishing village tourism and marine product consumption. Moreover, it provides useful information on budgeting for the continuous development of snow crab spawning and habitat ground in the mid to long-term.