• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.215-226
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• 2000

We evaluated the aquatic ecosystem of Keum-Ho River through applications of the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) using fish assemblages and Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) during June-November 1999. Overall IBI values ranged from 13 to 37 with mean of 23 (n=25, Std. error= 1.16), indicating a "Poor" or "Very Poor" condition according to the criteria of Karr (1981) and U.S. EPA (1993). The values of mean IBI declined at the rate of $0.22km^{-1}$(($r^2$=0.91, p< 0.05) along the longitudinal distance from the headwaters to the down-river. Reduced IBI values at down-river (St. 4 and 5) were attributed to the decreases in riffle benthic species and the relative abundance of insectivore and increases in tolerant species, anormalies and exotic species. Spatial pattern in IBI agreed with QHEI values, which showed a linear relation ($r^2$=0.998, p< 0.001) with mean number of species. Field measurements of conductivity and pH, indicators for variation of conservative ions, showed that the river water was diluted up to 30% by summer precipitation and surface run-off from the watershed, resulting in physical and chemical instability during the monsoon. For these reasons, average IBI values during monsoon and postmonsoon decreased more than 20% compared to pre -monsoon. Before the perturbation of the system (i.e., pre-monsoon), values of QHEI were inversely correlated (r=-0.99, p< 0.0001) with realtive abundance of native omnivore and were positively correlated (r=0.87, p=0.05) with relative abundance of native carnivore. These results indicate that spatial degradation of habitat quality modified the species richness and trophic structure, producing decreased IBI values. (Biological integrity, IBI, Monsoon, Habitat, River, Korea)bitat, River, Korea)

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.48-53
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• 2012

The tiger population that once inhabited the Korean peninsula was initially considered a unique subspecies (Panthera tigris coreensis), distinct from the Amur tiger of the Russian Far East (P. t. altaica). However, in the following decades, the population of P. t. coreensis was classified as P. t. altaica and hence forth the two populations have been considered the same subspecies. From an ecological point of view, the classification of the Korean tiger population as P. t. altaica is a plausible conclusion. Historically, there were no major dispersal barriers between the Korean peninsula and the habitat of Amur tigers in Far Eastern Russia and northeastern China that might prevent gene flow, especially for a large carnivore with long-distance dispersal abilities. However, there has yet to be a genetic study to confirm the subspecific status of the Korean tiger. Bone samples from four tigers originally caught in the Korean peninsula were collected from two museums in Japan and the United States. Eight mitochondrial gene fragments were sequenced and compared to previously published tiger subspecies' mtDNA sequences to assess the phylogenetic relationship of the Korean tiger. Three individuals shared an identical haplotype with the Amur tigers. One specimen grouped with Malayan tigers, perhaps due to misidentification or mislabeling of the sample. Our results support the conclusion that the Korean tiger should be classified as P. t. altaica, which has important implications for the conservation and reintroduction of Korean tigers.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.51-58
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• 2006

The purpose of this research presents a method to position and makes the structure for eco-corridors reasonably with collectable analysing results of various effects shown in mammals' road-kill at 429 points. Target animals of this research are Leopard cat, Siberian weasel, Raccoon dog, Korean hare, Eurasian red squirrel, Siberian chipmunk and Water deer. The results derived from the empirical analysis on the contents above are followed. First, according to the results as for Leopard cat road kill analysis, which is designated as Endangered Species Class II, the eco-corridor might be located at near village having stead food in order to decrease the frequencies of road-kill, because its road kill points were mainly collected at 4 lane hilly road with mountain-road-farm area geological type of. Second, because Siberian weasel's road kill was detected at 2 lane hilly road with mountain-road-stream geological type, the eco-corridor might be located at near a mill to decrease road-kill frequencies. Third, the road-kill frequency of Eurasian red squirrel can be reduced when the eco-corridor is located at the area across coniferous tree near 4 lane west sea freeway with mountain-road-mountain. Fourth, the road-kill of Raccoon dog can be reduced when the eco-corridor is located at 4 lane mountain road or hilly road with the geological type having farm land-road-mountain(stream). Fifth, Korean hare's road-kill can be reduced when the eco-corridor is located at grass land across ridge line of mountain, because wild rabbit road kill was happened at 4 lane mountain road or 2 lane mountain road(mountain-road-mountain). Sixth, As for Siberian chipmunk, the eco-corridor might be located at the side slope of mountain road at 2 lane mountain road under the speed of 60km/h with mountain-road-mountain. Seventh, For Water deer, the eco-corridor might be located at 4 lane hilly road with mountain-road-farm land. As for Common otter, Amur hedgehog, Yellow-throated marten, Weasel, it is difficult to specify the proper site of eco-corridor due to the lack of data. Eco-corridors for carnivores might be well located at 4 lane hilly road or 2 lane hilly road with mountain-road-farm land, and the track for herbivores might be well located as a overhead bridge on mountain-road-mountain type across mountains. In order to position eco-corridors for wildlife properly, we have to research animal's behavior with ecological background, and to consider the local uniqueness and regularly collect the empirical road-kill data in long term 3 to 5 year, which can be the foundation for the more suitable place of wild life eco-corridors.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.144-154
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• 2018

This study investigated the characteristics of fish communities at the Hangang River in Seoul from Jun 2016 to March 2017. During the survey period, there were 56 species of 17 families collected from 5 survey stations. The species that appeared mainly in the brackish water was Coilia nasus, Leiocassis nitidus, Lateolabrax maculata, Repomucenus olidus, Trachidermus fasciatus, Mugil cephalus, Chelon haematocheilus, Synechogobius hastus, Tridentiger bifasciatus and Takifugu obscurus. The migration fish of Anguilla japonica, C. nasus, Plecoglossus altivelis, Hypomesus nipponensis and T. obscurus appeared in this surveyed area. Korean endemic species were 11 species (17.9%) and accounted for a low rate. There were 6 species (10.7%) exotic species including Cyprinus carpio, Carassius cuvieri, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Megalobrama amblycephala, Lepomis macrochirus and Micropterus salmoides. The dominant species by stations were Acheilognathus gracilis (St. 1) and Hemibarbus labeo (St. 2, 3, 4, 5). Regarding the tolerance guild according to water quality, there were 3 (7.1%) sensitive species, 24 (42.9%) intermediate species, and 28 (50.0%) tolerance species. Twenty (35.7%) were insectivore species, 18 (32.1%) were omnivore species, 14 (25.0%) were carnivore species, and 4 (7.1%) were herbivore species, indicating the dominating presence of insectivore and omnivore fish species.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.301-310
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• 2008

This study was to analyze characteristics of fish compositions and longitudinal distribution, based on trophic and tolerance guild at 22 sampling sites of Yeongsan River watershed during 2003$\sim$2006, and also to compare before and after the estuary dam construction. The collected fishes, based on catch per unit effort (CPUE), were 44 species in the watershed and dominant fishes were Zacco platypus, Acheilognathus macropeterus, Zacco temminckii and Carassius auratus. According to comparative analysis of fish in the non polluted sites (NPS) vs. polluted sites (PS), the number of species and individuals was lower by 70% in the PS than the NPS, indicating ecological degradations by chemical pollutions or/and habitat modifications. The relative abundance of sensitive and insectivore species decreased as the stream order increases, while tolerant and omnivore species increased with the stream order. In this survey, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), which is a top-carnivore and exotic species, may influence trophic guild system throughout active predations on endemic species, resulting in modifications of ecological functions. The construction of estuary dam on Yeongsan River in 1981 resulted in wider lacustrine zone and desalinated through limitation of seawater input. These physical changes have caused increases of lentic dwelling species and limited fish migrations (i.e., eel). Overall, fish fauna and composition analyses showed that the number of species and individuals in this water body may be reduced due to inputs of pollutants from the watershed, habitat modifications, and increases of exotic species (largemouth bass). For these reasons, effective lake management strategies are required for the ecosystem conservation.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.572-580
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• 2000

Community structure of macrobenthos was studied in Chinhae Bay, a southern coastal area of Korea. Sampling was conducted bimonthly using a Smith-McIntyre grab ($0.05 m^2$) at eight stations from January to November, 1998. A total of 237 species were sampled. It was comprised of annelids ($80 spp. 33.8{\%}$), arthropods (80 spp.), molluscs (47 spp.), echinoderms (16 spp,) and others, Mean density of individual was $1,939 ind./m^2$ and mean biomass was $171.6 gwwt/m^2$. Annelids were a density-dominant faunal group with a mean density of $1,533 ind./m^2$ which occupied $79.0{\%}$ of the total individual of benthic animals. Molluscs were represented as a biomass-dominant group with a mean biomass of $95.9 gwwt/m^2$ ($55.9{\%}$ of total biomass). The major density-dominant species were a bivalve Theora fratilis ($110 ind./m^2$) and five species of polychaetes, Lumbrineris longifolia ($417 ind./m^2$), Chaetozone setosa ($145 ind./m^2$), Sigambra tentaculata ($128 ind./m^2$), Cirratulus cirratus ($128 ind./m^2$), and Paraprionospio pinnata ($103 ind./m^2$). Cluster analysis showed that the study area could be divided into two station groups and two stations. According to the feeding guild of polychaetes, four feeding guilds were found, and the major ones were surface deposit-feeders, burrowing deposit-feeders, surface suspension-feeders, carnivore.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.261-273
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• 2018

This study investigated the characteristics of fish communities in the streams flowing into the Han river in Seoul in May 2016 through April 2017. The investigated streams were Ui stream, Danghyeon stream, Cheonggye stream, Yangjae stream, Mokgam stream, Dorim stream, and Hongje stream, which were restored to their natural form. We collected 41 species of 10 families using skimming nets and cast nets from 21 points during the investigation period. There were 7 Korean endemic species, or 17.1% in collected species, such as Acheilognathus yamatsutae, Acheilognathus gracilis, Scrcocheilichthys nigripinnis morii, Squalidus japonicus coreanus, Zacco koreanus, Coreoperca herzi, and Odontobutis interruta. There were 5 (12.2%) exotic species: Cyprinus carpio (fancy type), Carassius auratus (goldfish), Carassius cuvieri, Lepomis macrochirus, and Micropterus salmoides. The dominant species were Zacco platypus, Carassius auratus, Acheilognathus lanceolatus, Acheilognathus gracilis, and Oryzias sinensis. The Yangjae stream showed more stable fish community than other streams as it showed higher species diversity, and evenness and richness indices. Regarding the fish tolerance guild according to water quality, there were 3 (7.3%) sensitive species, 16 (39.0%) intermediate species, and 22 (56.7%) tolerant species. Twelve (29.3%) were insectivore species, 23 (56.1%) were omnivore species, and 6 (14.6%) were carnivore species, indicating the dominating presence of omnivore fish species.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.236-245
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• 2007

Feeding habits of Liobagrus andersoni were investigated in a tributary of the Namhan river from October 2005 to October 2006. L. andersoni was considered as an entirely bottom-feeding carnivore based on it's stomach contents. Because, the diet of L. andersoni was mainly aquatic insect such as Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Diptera. The most important prey was Ephemeroptera species. Small sized individuals (<50 mm SL) fed mainly on small prey organisms such as Baetis. However, larger Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera were heavily selected with increasing fish size. The relative proportion of food items was changed with season. The prey materials were more various at summer and autumn than winter. L. andersoni eaten Ephemeroptera intensively in spring and summer but eaten Trichoptera and Chironomidae in winter. Feeding activity of L. andersoni was started after sunset and was most active at midnight, but the activity was reduced after sunrise and during day period. So it was considered that L. andersoni was a nocturnal stalkers.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.440-447
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• 2013

The ecological health, based on the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) and Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) was evaluated in 10 stream sites of Southern Han River. Eleven parameters of 12 parameters (Karr 1981) were modified for the application of regional Korean circumstance. The ecological health, based on IBI grade, was in "good condition" and the IBI score ranged from 33 to 47. Nine parameters of the original 12-parameter metrics in QHEI model (Plafkin et al. 1989) were applied in the habitat assessment. The mean QHEI model values were judged as "partially supporting" and ranged from 75 (non-supporting) to 109 (supporting). Comparative analyses revealed that values of IBI and QHEI models were greater in Gj stream than Ig- and Dn streams. The analysis of fish compositions showed that the proportions of insectivore, omnivore, and carnivore were 61.9%, 19%, and 9.5%, respectively. According to tolerance guild analysis, sensitive species and tolerant species were 76.1% and 4.7%, respectively, indicating a healthy trophic state in terms of food chain. The analysis by habitat guild type indicated that riffle benthic species dominated (57.1%) when compared to water column species (28.5%). The introduced species and individuals with diseases or external abnormality were not observed. Overall, the model values of IBI and QHEI suggested that the ecological health was maintained well in this upstream region.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.232-237
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• 2018

The feeding habits of Beringraja pulchra were studied using 203 specimens collected from February 2017 to March 2018 in the coastal waters of Incheon, Korea. The size of B. pulchra ranged from 31.1 to 77.7 cm in disc width (DW) and the stomachs of 16 specimens were empty. B. pulchra was a carnivore that mainly consumed fishes and shrimps, but also ate various benthic crustaceans and other invertebrates with small amounts. The main prey items in the diets of shrimps and fishes were Crangon hakodatei and Ammodytes personatus, respectively. The proportion of fishes in prey items increased with size-related while that of shrimps decreased. With increasing disc width of B. pulchra, the mean number of preys per stomach (mN/ST) and the mean weight of preys per stomach (mW/ST) were increased.