• Ocean Science Journal
• /
• v.42 no.2
• /
• pp.69-79
• /
• 2007

A vertical transect with 4 km length was established for the macrofaunal survey on the Chokchon macrotidal flat in Kyeonggi Bay, Incheon, Korea, 1994. Tidal elevation (m) and sediment mean grain size $(\phi)$ were inversely predicted by the transfer functions from the faunal assemblages. Three methods: weighted average using optimum value (WA), tolerance weighted version of the weighted average (WAT) and maximum likelihood calibration (MLC) were employed. Estimates of tidal elevation and mean grain size obtained by using the three different methods showed positively corresponding trends with the observations. The estimates of MLC were found to have the minimum value of sum of squares due to errors (SSE). When applied to the previous data $(1990\sim1992)$, each of three inference models exhibited high predictive power. This result implied there are visible relationships between species composition and faunas' critical environmental factors. Although a potential significance of the two major abiotic factors was re-affirmed, a weak tendency of biological interaction was detected from faunal distribution patterns across the flat. In comparison to the spatial and temporal patterns of the estimates, it was suggested that sediment characteristics were the primary factors regulating the distribution of macrofaunal assemblages, rather than tidal elevation, and the species composition may be sensitively determined by minute changes in substratum properties on a tidal flat.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
• /
• v.26 no.5
• /
• pp.291-302
• /
• 2017

The research was carried out in order to find climate factors which determine the distribution of Eurya japonica, and the potential habitats (PHs) under the current climate and climate change scenario by using species distribution models (SDMs). Four climate factors; the warmth index (WI), the minimum temperature of the coldest month (TMC), summer precipitation (PRS), and winter precipitaion (PRW) : were used as independent variables for the model. Seventeen general circulation models under RCP (Representative concentration pathway) 8.5 scenarios were used as future climate scenarios for the 2050s (2040~2069) and 2080s (2070~2099). Highly accurate SDMs were obtained for E. japonica. The model of distribution for E. japonica constructed by SDMs showed that minimum temperature of the coldest month (TMC) is a major climate factor in determining the distribution of E. japonica. The area above the $-5.7^{\circ}C$ of TMC revealed high occurrence probability of the E. japonica. Future PHs for E. japonica were projected to increase respectively by 2.5 times, 3.4 times of current PHs under 2050s and 2080s. It is expected that the potential of E. japonica habitats is expanded gradually. E. japonica is applicable as indicator species for monitoring in the Korean Peninsula. E. japonica is necessary to be monitored of potential habitats.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.158-169
• /
• 2012

Sabah has experienced a rapid decline in the extent of forest cover. The precise impact of habitat loss on the conservation status of the plants of Sabah is uncertain. In this study we use the niche modelling algorithm MAXENT to construct preliminary, revised and final ecological niche models for Dipterocarpus lamellatus and Dipterocarpus ochraceus and combined these models with data on current land-use to derive conservation assessments for each species. Preliminary models were based on herbarium data alone. Ground surveys were conducted to evaluate the performance of these preliminary models, and a revised niche model was generated from the combined herbarium and ground survey data. The final model was obtained by constraining the predictions of the revised models by filters. The range overlap between the preliminary and revised models was 0.47 for D. lamellatus and 0.39 for D. ochraceus, suggesting poor agreement between them. There was substantial variation in estimates of habitat loss for D. ochraceus, among the preliminary, revised and constrained models, and this has the potential to lead to incorrect threat assessments. From these estimates of habitat loss, the historic distribution and estimates of population size we determine that both species should be classified as Critically Endangered under IUCN Red List guidelines. Our results suggest that ground-truthing of ecological niche models is essential, especially if the models are being used for conservation decision making.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.60-73
• /
• 2024

Background: The available information on terrestrial pest gastropods and their impact on the environment worldwide is scarce and outdated. The present study aimed to address this gap by conducting the first comprehensive survey of pest gastropods in the Nuwara Eliya District, an important vegetable growing area in the highlands of Sri Lanka. Eighty agricultural lands were surveyed over two years by establishing ten 1 m2 sampling plots per crop type in each agricultural land. Geo-coordinates, air temperature, elevation, relative humidity, daily rainfall, soil pH, species richness and abundance were recorded for rainy and non-rainy periods. The relationship between species composition and environmental variables was analyzed using multi-regression models and distribution maps. Results: Out of the 14 species recorded in agricultural lands, nine were identified as exotic pest species. Species abundance (t = 4.69, p < 0.05) and diversity was higher in the rainy period and the dominant species during this period were Bradybaena similaris (t = 2.69, p < 0.05) and Deroceras reticulatum (t = 2. 46, p < 0.05). Eggs and estivating adults were found in soil and under decaying organic matter during the non-rainy period. The exotic species showed broader preferences for the measured environmental factors and showed a wider range in distribution compared to the native species. Variation in pest gastropod composition was significantly accounted for by elevation, relative humidity, soil pH and daily rainfall. Additionally, the species richness and abundance varied across locations due to the combined effects of elevation, crop type and stage, and field type. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the biology and ecology of gastropod pests to develop effective management strategies. By considering the influence of environmental factors and implementing appropriate soil management techniques, such as targeting specific habitats and crop stages, it is possible to mitigate pest populations and minimize their impact on agricultural lands. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the dynamics and interactions of terrestrial gastropods in agricultural ecosystems, supporting sustainable pest management practices.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.87-97
• /
• 2017

Paulownia species has long been recognized in Korean traditional culture and the values of the species have been researched in various focuses. However, studies on distribution and ecological characteristics of the species are still needed. This study aimed to identify distribution trends and ecological characteristics of two Paulownia species in Busan metropolitan city using the MaxEnt model. The MaxEnt model was established based on the environmental factors such as positioning information of the Paulownia species, topography, climate and degree of anthropogenic disturbance potentiality (ADP), which was collected in the on-site research. The study verified that the accuracy of the model was appropriate as the AUC value of Paulownia coreana and P. tomentosa was 0.809, respectively. In terms of the distribution trends of the two Paulownia species in the research area depending on the distribution model, they were both mainly distributed in downtown where built-up area and bare ground were densely concentrated. The potential distribution area of the two species was identified as $137.4km^2$ for P. coreana and $135.0km^2$ for P. tomentosa. The distribution probability was high in Jung-gu, Dongrae-gu, Busanjin-gu and Yeonje-gu. As a result of the analysis on contribution of the environmental factors, it was turned out that the degree of anthropogenic disturbance potentiality (ADP) contributed to distribution of P. coreana and P. tomentosa by about 50%, and the contribution of the environmental factors had a positive correlation with the degree of ADP. The elevation had a negative correlation with both the two species, which was considered because the species must compete more with native species in natural habitats as the altitude above sea level rises. The research findings demonstrated numerically that the distribution of P.coreana and P. tomentosa depended on artificial activities, and indicated the relevance with the Korean traditional landscape. These findings are expected to provide meaningful information in using, preserving and restoring Paulownia species.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
• /
• v.62 no.3
• /
• pp.215-220
• /
• 2023

A recent discovery of drywood termites (Cryptotermes domesticus) in a residential facility in Seoul has raised significant concern. This exotic insect species, which can damage timber and wooden buildings, necessitates an immediate investigation of potential infestation. In this study, we assessed the climatic suitability for this termite species using a species distribution modeling approach. Global distribution data and bioclimatic variables were compiled from published sources, and predictive models for climatic suitability were developed using four modeling algorithms. An ensemble prediction was made based on the mean occurrence probability derived from the individual models. The final model suggested that this species could potentially establish itself in tropical coastal regions. While the climatic suitability in South Korea was generally found to be low, a careful investigation is still warranted due to the potential risk of colonization and establishment of this species.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
• /
• v.23 no.6
• /
• pp.453-465
• /
• 2014

Hotspots are top sites in terms of species diversity as the most threatened and most diverse sites which have been used to select priority areas for reserves. The purpose of this paper is to identify biodiversity hotspots through analyzing nationwide spatial patterns of species richness and rarity of Korean mammals. Four endangered mammals and eleven common mammals were selected as target species. Environmental variables as model input data were consisted of topography, distance, and vegetation structure etc. and Maxent was used to develop species distribution models for target species. Species richness and rarity were used as index of biodiversity. The results of this study were as follows. Firstly, hotspots of species richness for endangered mammals were in high elevation and steep mountain areas. However, species richness for whole mammals were high in low elevation of mountains. Secondly, distribution pattern of species rarity for endangered mammals were similar as richness. However, hotspots of species rarity for whole mammals were a little different from species richness. Species rarity was high in both low and high elevation of mountain areas. This study will provide the useful information for a biodiversity assessment, a habitat conservation, a national ecological network plan, and the management of protected areas.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.31-45
• /
• 2020

This study suggested the planting models of Carpinus turczaninowii community to make in Badahyanggi Arboretum and was carried out to the structure of C. turczaninowii commnity in Daebu-Yeongheung Islands. In order to identify the current ecological environment, this study set to 13 plots(i.e. 100㎡) for analysing detailed structure of plant communities. The research methodology was qualitative analysis. It used TWINSPAN, PCA and Indicator Species Analysis tools which are performed well in several comparisons of classification techniques and one of the ordination techniques showed that the plant communities. The results were classified into 3 communities that C. turczaninowii-Pinus densiflora community(I), C. turczaninowii-Quercus serrata community(II) and C. turczaninowii-Platycarya strobilacea community(III). In all of communities, C. turczaninowii was dominant species in canopy layer and understory layer, the degree of closure was high. Proposed the planting models that are I~II communities based on planting status in Badahyanggi Arboretum(Island Plant Botanical Garden), the structure of plant communities, indicator species and individual distribution by DBH classes. Also, The multi-layer planting plans are necessary, such as P. strobilacea, Lindera erythrocarpa, Viburnum carlesii, V. dilatatum, Ligustrum obtusifolium, Zanthoxylum schinifolium and so on.

• Spatial Information Research
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.91-102
• /
• 1998

The objectives of this research were to develop fish-habitat relationship models which can be used to estimate fish species riclmess of small and medium rivers in Korea, and test the accuracy of the models. The models are based on the Aquatic GAP Analysis model in the New York Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit (19%), and they employ three habitat factors; river size, physical habitat, and water quality of each river segment. Model 1 and model II are based on the water quality standard for life support of EP A and the water quality class of Korea, respectively. Test sites for this study include one urban stream and three less spoiled tributaries of the Han River. The results of this research can be summarized as follows. First, the number of habitat types identified by model I and model II are nine and 14, respectively. Second, the average accuracy of the three distribution maps of rare or endangered fish species are 80.6% (model 1) and 81.2% (model II). Third, the accuracy of fish species richness are 94% (model 1) and 95% (model II), and the water quality is the most important factor affecting fish species richness. Fourth, the accuracy of fish species list are 50.5% (model 1) and 68.7% (model II), but the accuracy of less spoiled stream segments and that of polluted stream segments are 67.1% and 86.5%, respectively. Finally, it can be concluded that the overall performance of model II is better than that of model I at our test sites.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.298-307
• /
• 2018

Background: Subalpine ecosystems at high altitudes and latitudes are particularly sensitive to climate change. In South Korea, the prediction of the species richness of subalpine plant species under future climate change is not well studied. Thus, this study aims to assess the potential impact of climate change on species richness of subalpine plant species (14 species) in the 17 mountain national parks (MNPs) of South Korea under climate change scenarios' representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5 using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and Migclim for the years 2050 and 2070. Results: Altogether, 723 species occurrence points of 14 species and six selected variables were used in modeling. The models developed for all species showed excellent performance (AUC > 0.89 and TSS > 0.70). The results predicted a significant loss of species richness in all MNPs. Under RCP 4.5, the range of reduction was predicted to be 15.38-94.02% by 2050 and 21.42-96.64% by 2070. Similarly, under RCP 8.5, it will decline 15.38-97.9% by 2050 and 23.07-100% by 2070. The reduction was relatively high in the MNPs located in the central regions (Songnisan and Gyeryongsan), eastern region (Juwangsan), and southern regions (Mudeungsan, Wolchulsan, Hallasan, and Jirisan) compared to the northern and northeastern regions (Odaesan, Seoraksan, Chiaksan, and Taebaeksan). Conclusions: This result indicates that the MNPs at low altitudes and latitudes have a large effect on the climate change in subalpine plant species. This study suggested that subalpine species are highly threatened due to climate change and that immediate actions are required to conserve subalpine species and to minimize the effect of climate change.