• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.285-293
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• 2016

This study conducted the evaluations of stable channel and physical disturbance improvement for optimal construction of river structures by focusing on Wonju River. A stable slope was analyzed sectionally for stable channel design, and in order to satisfy the stable slope, river structure improvement scenarios were deduced. Accordingly, through physical disturbance improvement evaluation for each scenario, the study extracted the optimal scenario for stable channel design and physical disturbance improvements. The changes in physical habitat were analyzed when river structure improvements were made for stable channel design and physical disturbance improvement. Zacco koreanus, an indicator fish of the soundness of the aquatic ecosystem, was selected as a restoration target species by investigating the community characteristics of fish fauna and river environments in the Wonju River. The habitat suitability was investigated by the PHABSIM model with the habitat suitability index of Zacco koreanus. The results of the prediction evaluation showed a slight decrease in habitat suitability and weighted usable area. However, it was not influenced by the improvements in the river structure. The study suggested river structure arrangement methods that can improve physical soundness and safety of Wonju River, and confirmed that there were no effects to the changes in the physical habitat.

• 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.

• 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.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.169-179
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• 2017

This study analyzed the aspect of bed change according to the stable channel design on the Wonju River to quantitatively evaluate habitat suitability (HS). According to the result of evaluating stable channel of object section in the Wonju River, 17 sections among total 20 sections were stable and 3 sections were unstable. Physical disturbance improvement evaluation (PDIE) was the range average showed good disturbance condition with a range average of 112.17 points. Habitat suitability index of Zacco Koreanus, the most dominant species of the Wonju River, was used for analysis of physical habitat for fish. According to the physical habitat analysis result, HS was 0.16 and weighted usable area (WUA) was $347.68m^2$. The methods of improving/introducing/removing structures and dredging stream channel were used for stable channel design of unstable channel, and analyzed PDIE according to the aspect of bed change and changes in habitat suitability. Stable channel design was possible in 19 sections in times of structures improvement/introduction/removal, and PDIE was 117.53 points, HS was 0.14 points, and WUA was $313.37m^2$. Stable channel design was possible in all 20 sections when dredging the stream channel. PDIE was 116.50 points, HS was 0.16, and WUA was $332.14m^2$. Therefore, this study obtained channel design measures that can improve physical soundness and stability of the Wonju River, and it was analyzed that it will have no impact on changes of physical disturbance and physical habitat. Furthermore, this study analyzed velocity and depth of each section and appearance frequency of riffle and pool to analyze correlation between physical disturbance and physical habitat. According to the analysis result, it was identified that the analysis of riffle and pool showed similar result as the evaluation result of physical habitat.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.764-772
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• 2018

It is necessary to explore the possibility of alternative habitats and research the characteristics of basic habitats due to seeding, culturing and harvesting of blood clams (Tegillarca granosa) in tidal flats. Currently, dependence on naturally occurring spat is much higher than in other species, which may lead to a reduction in biological resources. In this study, we selected a total of 5 sites (Changgi, Hopo in Cheonsu Bay and Dangsan, Sachang, Wangsan in Garolim Bay) and examined habitat suitability factors for suitable site selection. Also, we considered the relationship of habitat suitability factors (Environment: water content, organic content; survival: mud content, mean size; growth: chlorophyll a). As a result, Wangsan had the highest score of the main habitat of blood clams (Habitat suitability score, Wangsan: 87; Dangsan: 86; Sachang: 81; Hopo: 78; and Changgi: 73). The sediment in Garolim Bay was fine-grained and the seasonal variation was lower than Cheonsu Bay. Therefore, it is considered that Garolim Bay is more suitable as a potential area and easy to utilize the space. In the future, search and selection of potential suitable sites could be considered to solve problems caused by the reduction of biological resources and the production for blood clams.

• 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.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.54-61
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• 2022

Background: In South Korea, African swine fever virus (ASFV) has spread among wild boars through Gangwon-do to Dangyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do on the southern border of Gangwon-do. To prevent the spread of ASFV to African swine fever (ASF)-free areas, it is necessary to identify areas with a high probability of finding ASFV-infected carcasses and to reduce the density of wild boars in those areas. In this study, we described the propagation trend of ASFV among wild boars, constructed the habitat suitability maps for ASFV-infected carcasses, and suggested areas with a high probability of finding ASFV-infected carcasses and an important route of ASFV transmission. Results: Despite the active quarantine policies in Korea to prevent the spread of ASFV through wild boars, there was no significant difference in the monthly average of number of ASFV-infected carcasses observed between 2020 and 2021. The ASFV-infected carcasses were found more in winter and spring (January to April). Since the first ASF outbreak in wild boars on October 2, 2019, the maximum width of ASFV-infected carcass distribution area was 222.7 km for about 26 months till November 20, 2021. The habitat suitability map, based on GPS coordinates of ASFV-infected wild boar carcasses, shows that highly detectable areas of ASFV-infected carcasses were sporadically dispersed in western and southwestern parts of Gangwon-do, and ranged from north to south of the province along the Baekdudaegan Mountains, whereas poorly detectable areas ranged along the north to the south in the middle parts of the province. Conclusions: Our suitability model, based on the GPS coordinates of ASFV-infected carcasses, identifies potential habitats where ASFV-infected carcasses are likely to be found and ponential routes where ASFV is likely to spread. Among ASF-free areas, the areas with high suitability predicted in this study should be given priority as survey areas to find ASFV-infected carcasses and hunting areas to reduce wild boar populations.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.19-32
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• 2015

In Korea, significant riparian areas have been developed due to river maintenance projects. Introduction of new riparian facilities can negatively affect wildlife in the riparian areas. This study focuses on selecting core conservation areas for Eurasian Otter(Lutra lutra) to support decision making process for development of riparian areas. For the study, first of all, field data of study site were collected by field surveys. Secondly, stream naturalness was assessed to understand physical environments of the study sites. Thirdly, habitat suitability was assessed using occurrence data of Eurasian Otter and environmental data. Lastly, core areas for conservation was selected by comparing and synthesizing stream naturalness map and habitat suitability map. The selected core areas showed several characteristics. The number of artificial facilities is low in the core areas. Rocks which are preferred by Eurasian Otter to eat and excrete are plentiful in the core areas. Also, the ratio of adjacent farmland is high. Based on the analyses, it is expected that this study can contribute to decision making process for environmental spatial plans to better conserve habitats of Eurasian Otter.

• 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.