• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.621-631
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to survey and analyze acorn production and characteristics of the Quercus acuta Thunb. according to the need for information on seed supply and seedling cultivation during the restoration of warm broad-leaved forests. For the survey, a total of 30 seed traps with a surface area of 1 m² were set up, 3 in each of 10 quadrats (8 in Wando, 1 in Haenam, and 1 in Jindo). The acorns that fell in the seed trap at the end of each month were collected from August to December each year between 2013 to 2016. The collected acorns were then classified into sound, damaged, decayed, or empty grade, and the number of acorns produced was calculated. In the case of sound acorns, acorn traits, such as length, diameter and weight of acorns without cupule, were measured. Duncan's multiple tests of acorn production and characteristics were conducted for comparative analysis of the annual average values with the values by year, stand, month, and treatment plot. The annual number of acorn dropped into the seed traps in each quadrat from 2013 to 2016 was 5-350 acorns/3 m² in 2013, 17-551 acorns/3 m² in 2014, 5-454 acorns/3 m² in 2015, and 14-705 acorns/3 m² in 2016. There was a large difference in acorn production between the quadrats, presumably attributed to the difference in the amount of light received due to the density of trees in the square. Annual acorn production per area was 335,000 acorns/ha in 2013, 932,000 acorns/ha in 2014, 556,000 acorns/ha in 2015, and 1,037,000 acorns/ha in 2016. That was a sharp variation of acorn production in the two-year cycle. As the fluctuation in the production of Q. acuta showed simultaneity between stands, it is judged that Quercus acuta Thunb. had a clear cycle of fruitfulness and fruitiness between forest objects. September showed the biggest amount of fallen acorns and largest damage from insect pests, indicating that preventing early fall of acorns could increase the fruiting period and enable mass production of sound acorns. There was no significant difference between annual average acorn length in each region. In the case of the acorn diameter and weight, the average values of acorns from Haenam were significantly higher than those from Wando and Jindo. There was no significant difference in the average annual acorn characteristics by month, and the average annual acorn length, diameter, and weight in November were 19.72mm, 12.23mm, and 1.64g, respectively, the highest between August and November.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.253-263
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• 2011

This study was conducted to gain preliminary data for restoration and management of constructed small-scale ponds in paddy fields through analysis of their physicochemical and biological properties. A field survey was performed at 13 small-scale ponds located in paddy fields from August 2009 to October 2010. Structural properties, water quality, soil characteristics and fish fauna were measured. Results showed that small-scale ponds without frames might lose their function over time because of crumbling walls. Therefore, it is necessary for these ponds to have frames for soil protection and sustainable maintenance. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentration were higher than the water quality standard for agricultural water in small-scale ponds. In particular, TN concentration was 8.03 mg $L^{-1}$ and over 8 times the water quality standard because of the presence of livestock such as cows and pigs in the study areas. Sand, organic matter and available phosphorus contents of soil in small-scale ponds was 53.4${\pm}$16.6%, 21.8${\pm}$9.74 g $kg^{-1}$ and 12.8${\pm}$7.59 mg $kg^{-1}$, respectively indicating that sand and available phosphorus contents were suitable for plants in small-scale ponds, but organic matter contents was somewhat low in newly constructed small-scale ponds, and would take some time to stabilize for plant growing. Fish fauna was not diverse with only 4 species at all sites surveyed. Collected fishes share a common feature that they all inhabit paddy fields or canals with shallow water depth. In this study, all ponds were not linked to the streams and canals around them. It appears that connection to adjacent streams was the major factor controlling fish fauna in small-scale ponds. The results of statistical analysis were classified into three groups. Factor 1 was 26.3%, which shows a structural properties such as area and depth of small-scale pond. As for factor 2, it appears on 20.1%, showing water quality like a TP, suspended solids (SS) and COD. Small-scale ponds were classified into three groups by factor scores. Group I consisted of 6 small-scale ponds, which were larger than the others. Group III had higher water quality than the others. We conclude that the most important points to be considered for restoration and management of small-scale ponds is connection with adjacent streams or ditches and depth and size of the small-scale pond.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.29-41
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• 2015

Abandoned paddy field provides an excellent opportunity to improve the species diversity and habitat quality. Ecological characteristic on the changing of plant communities at different seral stages is a major basis data for ecological restoration. In this study, we investigated changes of the species composition and community indices on the plant community associated with abandonment of cultivated rice paddies. The ecological stability of the habitat was evaluated by using eco-floristic characters(Di; Disturbance index, AUI; Actual urbanization index). Survey sites were grouped into six stages(stageI (${\leq}3years$), stageII(3-5years), stageIII(5-7years), stageIV(7-10years), stageV(10-15years), stageVI(${\geq}20years$). Vegetation investigation was done from May 2009 to October 2012 and carried out phytosociological approach. The total flora were summarized as 176 taxa including 58 families, 127 genera, 157 species, 3 subspecies, 15 varieties and 1 forms. At each of successional stages, 64 taxa in stage I, 34 taxa in stage II, 84 taxa in stage III, 83 taxa in stage IV, 92 taxa in stage V, 23 taxa in stage VI were identified. Of the occurrence plants, the species with the highest r-NCD value were Alopecurus aequalis, Juncus effuusus var. decipiens, Persicaria thunbergii, Artemisia princeps, Salix koreensis and Alnus japonica at each stages. Herbaceous annual plants were dominated in the early stage, but its r-NCD value declined in the middle stage and the late stage. On the other hand, herbaceous perennial plants and Persicaria thunbergii, annual hydrophytes, increases in the middle stage. Woody plant and herbaceous plant which appeared in the forest edge increases in the late stage. Community indices correlate with successional stages. Richness and diversity index increase along the successional gradient. But dominance index decrease along the successional gradient. Evenness index was correlated with lower. In the ecological stability analysis of the habitat that evaluated by eco-floristic characters, stage I was the most unstable habitat. And the stability of the habitat has improved according to the successional stage.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.57-65
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• 2016

Maeul-soop(Village forest) is a key element of Korean traditional village landscape historically and culturally. However, a number of Maeul-soops have been lost or declined due to various influences since the modern age. For this Maeul-soop that has a variety of conservation values including historical, cultural and ecological ones, attention and efforts for a systematic conservation and restoration of Maeul-soop are needed. The purpose of the present study is to provide information on ecological restoration and sustainable use and management of Maeul-soops based on component plant species, habitat and location characteristics of 499 Maeul-soops spread throughout Korea. Major six categories of threat factors to Maeul-soop ecosystem were identified and the influence of each factor was evaluated. For the evaluation of weight by threat factors for the influence on the vulnerability of Maeul-soop ecosystem, more three-dimensional analysis was conducted using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis method. In the results of evaluation using AHP analysis method, reduction of area, among six categories, was spotted as the biggest threat to existence of Maeul-soops. Next, changes in topography and soil environment were considered as a threat factor of qualitative changes in Maeul-soop ecosystem. Influence of vegetation structure and its qualitative changes on the loss or decline of Masul-soop was evaluated to be lower than that of changes in habitat. Based on weight of each factor, the figures were converted with 100 points being the highest score and the evaluation of vulnerability of Maeul-soop was conducted with the converted figures. In the result of evaluation of vulnerability of Maeul-soops, grade III showed the highest frequency and a normal distribution was formed from low grade to high grade. 38 Maeul-soops were evaluated as grade I which showed high naturality and 10 Maeul-soops were evaluated as grade V as their maintenance was threatened. Also in the results of evaluation of vulnerability of each Maeul-soop, restoration of Maeul-soop's own area was found as top priority to guarantee the sustainability of Maeul-soops. It was confirmed that there was a need to prepare a national level ecological response strategy for each vulnerability factor of Maeul-soop, which was important national ecological resources.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.741-757
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• 2012

This study had targeted the Seunghwanglim of Wonju in order to understand the forest vegetation's present condition. And then we compared the change in vegetation of Seunghwanglim for 24years. It was intended to provide basic data for conservation and management. Actual vegetation as a result of investigation, a total area of $56,231m^2$ Quercus serrata forest(7.02%), Acer triflorum forest(5.71%), and Deciduous Broad-Leaved Forest and Pinus densiflora forest(6.4%) were distributed variously. Present condition of the plains forest has 34 kinds of canopy species, 65 kinds of understory species, 70 species of shrubs species, 88 species of total species. And the plains forest has 500 individuals of canopy layer, 1,102 individuals of understory layer. Mean importance percentage of the major species showed Ulmus davidiana var. japonica(15.6%), Acer triflorum(15.2%), Pinus densiflora(11.1%), Quercus serrata(9.8%). Acer triflorum diameter at Ulmus davidiana var. japonica were a relatively wide range. Results of change for 24 years, vegetation of Seunghwanglim was changed from Quercus serrata-Acer triflorum to Ulmus davidiana var. japonica-Acer triflorum. Big trees over than DBH 30cm were surveyed total 18 species, 166 individuals. Increased over than the past 63 individuals. Seunghwanglim was destroyed by reckless past. Since 1990, the outer perimeter fence was installed to control human access. After that, understory layer and shrub layer were developed. And big tree was increased. Which is considered to restore damaged ecosystems. In order to conservation and protection of Seunghwanglim, people have to management and monitor about exotic species such as Robinia pseudo-acacia, Populus tomentiglandulosa, Castanea crenata, Pueraria lobata, etc.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.550-558
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• 2014

This study was conducted to investigate the distribution and the population dynamics of Hipparchia autonoe by using a line transect and Mark-Release-Recapture (MRR) at the Mt. Halla in Jeju Island. The results showed that H. autonoe was found from 1,500 m above the sea level. Total 1,493 H. autonoe with 978 males and 515 females were captured and released in the MRR study site. Among them, 518 individuals including 284 males and 234 females were recaptured. The average survival time was 2.31 days with 2.14 days for males and 3.47 days for females, indicating longer survival time in case of females than males. The daily population size of males estimated in the MRR study site was maintained about 1,000 individuals in July and gradually decreased less than 200 in August. The number of females showed peak at 335 individuals on July 24, and gradually decreased less than 120 in August. Thus, female population was 1/3 of males. The average travel distance of male and female H. autonoe were $116.8{\pm}191.9m$ and $118.4{\pm}161.5m$, respectively, indicating almost same between sexes. H. autonoe in the Mt. Halla formed single population group in the wide meadow around the Baekrokdam Lake. The highest population density of H. autonoe was occurred in the restored area from damages, where host plants such as the sheep's fescue or the food plant are abundant by artificial restoration efforts.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.99-109
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• 2015

The Ecosystem and Nature Map (ENM) is basic map for current status of natural resources. The map has been offered information to ecological conservation and restoration, as well as to land use planning and policy making. The map composed of 794 sheets in 1:25,000 scale classifies total areas into three grade zones (1st, 2nd and 3rd grade zones) and separately managed zone. In 2005, the first draft Ecosystem and Nature Map was prepared by the second National Ecosystem Survey. It was opened for the people to search and appeal. So 1,419 cases of public appeals on the first draft Ecosystem and Nature Map were submitted in 2005. After partial revision, the first Ecosystem and Nature Map was announced in 2007. The second draft Ecosystem and Nature Map was prepared by the third National Ecosystem Survey and opened to public in 2012. As a result, 1,263 cases of public appeals were submitted in 2012. Since the first announcement of the Ecosystem and Nature Map in April 2007, 182 cases of public appeals on the Map were submitted until December 2013. Among them, 159 cases were announced with revision. According to the first Ecosystem and Nature Map announced in 2007, graded areas covered 7.5% in the 1st grade zone, 39.2% in the 2nd grade zone and 44.7% in the 3rd grade zone of the national land area, respectively. In the second draft Ecosystem and Nature Map in 2012, areas of the 1st grade zone and the 2nd grade zone were 9.2% increased 1.7 percentage points and 45.5% increased 6.3 percentage points, and areas of the 3rd grade zone were 36.6% decreased 8.1 percentage points. Among areas of the 1st grade zone, Gangwondo occupies 54.3% in 2007 and 47.6% in 2012. Gangwondo consists of the highest percentage of the 1st grade zone and the smallest of the 3rd grade zone. Seoul has the highest percentage of the 3rd grade zone. There were the highest increase of the 1st grade zone in Gyeongsangbukdo and the highest decrease in Jeollabukdo and Seoul. Vegetation is the most important evaluation factor to determine the grade of the Ecosystem and Nature Map.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.230-240
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• 2008

The primary aim of this study is to estimate the home range of a pair of raccoon dogs(Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis) and to compare with the previous study of raccoon dogs in a rural area of Gurye, the southern part of South Korea. Radiotracking was regularly carried out on 2 raccoon dogs for 2 days every 2 months(in June, August, October and December, 2006). During the 2 days, radiotracking was usually conducted every $1{\sim}3$ hours through day and night. The analysis of tracking data with a total of $46{\sim}64$ bearings showed that the total home range size of the pair was $0.41km^2$, and mean home range size was $0.32km^2$ by 95% minimum convex polygons(MCP) estimate. The home ranges of the male and female were largely overlapping(about $70{\sim}95%$), and the sizes were not very much different from each other. However, there was a big difference between day $(0.01km^2)$ and night-time $(0.35km^2)$ home ranges, and it was largest in summer$(0.56km^2)$ and smallest in winter $(<0.01km^2)$. In addition, the home range of the pair included 1 core area and 4 different feeding areas. In conclusion, our raccoon dog home range data using the same individuals but with more frequent bearings per day and more extended tracking intervals still showed very similar results to the previous study with less frequent bearings per day and more extensive tracking days.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.99 no.1
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• pp.85-95
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively measure both growth performances and nutrient responses of Fraxinus rhynchophylla, Fraxinus mandshurica, Pinus koraiensis, and Abies holophylla seedlings, which are commercially planted in Korea, to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization. We used Dickson's quality index (QI) to compare growth performances and vector diagnosis to interpret nutrient status. Nitrogen fertilization increased more height and root collar diameter growth in F. rhynchophylla and F. mandshurica relative to no fertilization treatment. The QI of F. rhynchophylla and F. mandshurica was the highest on N treatment, but there were no significant differences between treatments for P. koraiensis and A. holophylla. Nitrogen fertilization increased total dry weight by 43, 41, 26, -9% for F. rhynchophylla, F. mandshurica, P. koraiensis and A. holophylla, respectively. In F. rhynchophylla, N fertilization increased N contents with similar N concentrations ("sufficiency"), decreased both P concentrations and P contents ("antagonism"), and decreased K contents with similar K concentrations ("toxic accumulation"). In P. koraiensis, N fertilization decreased N, P, and K concentrations because of more dry weight increases compared to uptaken contents ("dilution"), but N fertilization decreased N, P, and K contents with similar N, P, and K concentrations ("toxic accumulation"). In the light of quality index and vector diagnosis, F. rhynchophylla and F. mandshurica seedlings treated with N fertilization would have high field performance.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.197-207
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• 2016

This study aims at providing basic data to objectively evaluate the areas suitable for reintroduction of the species of Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in order to effectively preserve the Asiatic black bears in the Korean protection areas including national parks, and for the species restoration success. To this end, this study predicted the potential habitats in East Asia, Southeast Asia and India, where there are the records of Asiatic black bears' appearances using the Maxent model and environmental variables related with climate, topography, road and land use. In addition, this study evaluated the effects of the relevant climate and environmental variables. This study also analyzed inhabitation range area suitable for Asiatic black and geographic change according to future climate change. As for the judgment accuracy of the Maxent model widely utilized for habitat distribution research of wildlife for preservation, AUC value was calculated as 0.893 (sd=0.121). This was useful in predicting Asiatic black bears' potential habitat and evaluate the habitat change characteristics according to future climate change. Compare to the distribution map of Asiatic black bears evaluated by IUCN, Habitat suitability by the Maxent model were regionally diverse in extant areas and low in the extinct areas from IUCN map. This can be the result reflecting the regional difference in the environmental conditions where Asiatic black bears inhabit. As for the environment affecting the potential habitat distribution of Asiatic black bears, inhabitation rate was the highest, according to land coverage type, compared to climate, topography and artificial factors like distance from road. Especially, the area of deciduous broadleaf forest was predicted to be preferred, in comparison with other land coverage types. Annual mean precipitation and the precipitation during the driest period were projected to affect more than temperature's annual range, and the inhabitation possibility was higher, as distance was farther from road. The reason is that Asiatic black bears are conjectured to prefer more stable area without human's intervention, as well as prey resource. The inhabitation range was predicted to be expanded gradually to the southern part of India, China's southeast coast and adjacent inland area, and Vietnam, Laos and Malaysia in the eastern coastal areas of Southeast Asia. The following areas are forecast to be the core areas, where Asiatic black bears can inhabit in the Asian region: Jeonnam, Jeonbuk and Gangwon areas in South Korea, Kyushu, Chugoku, Shikoku, Chubu, Kanto and Tohoku's border area in Japan, and Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Fujian border area in China. This study is expected to be used as basic data for the preservation and efficient management of Asiatic black bear's habitat, artificially introduced individual bear's release area selection, and the management of collision zones with humans.