• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.459-481
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• 2010

This study was carried out to investigate the vascular flora of Mt. Munsu. The vascular plants collected in 13 times(from Mar. to Oct. 2009) were identified as 511 taxa in total, including 113 families, 332 genera, 445 species, 5 subspecies, 46 varieties, 5 forms. Among them, 6 taxa of the Korea Forest Service-designated rare & endangered plants and the Korean endemic plants were identified as 2 taxa. Based on the list of approved for delivering overseas of plants, 6 taxa were recorded in the investigated area. The Ministry of Environment-designated plants, which should be protected by the wildlife protection law, were identified as 2 taxa and 39 taxa of specially designated plants by the Ministry of Environment. The naturalized plants were identified as 53 taxa, and their naturalization ratio and urban index were found to be 10,3%, and 18.5% respectively. There existed many kinds of plants resources having conservational value like Ranunculus trichophyllus var. kadzusensis, Jeffersonia dubia etc, in this area, but there remains a fear of nature destruction's acceleration due to indiscriminate human development and access of a lot of visitors, so it is judged that there should be a management plan, such as a limit on the number of visitors or rest-year-system for restoration of nature.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.277-290
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• 2013

This study was carried out to propose the new procedure to apply Habitat Evaluation Procedure(HEP) of target species using delphi technique, which is suitable to develop endangered species with few researches and ecological knowledges. To identify habitat quality of specific species in development project site, we can develop habitat model and create habitat suitability maps. In this study, we select the Common Kestrel(Falco tinnunculus) as target species in four areas(Paju, Siheung, Ansan, Hwaseong) which is located near the Seoul metropolitan area. The Delphi technique was selected to get the reliable information on the species and habitats requirements. Through the delphi approach, seven habitat components were determined as suitable variables for the Common Kestrel: density($n/km^2$) of small mammals, area($km^2$) of bare-grounds, pasturelands and riparian, and open area(%), spatial distribution and area of croplands, landscape diversity, breeding sites(tall trees, cliffs, high-rise buildings), and the length of shelf. Habitat variables used in this model were classified into two categories: % of suitable land-cover type(open areas, croplands, pasturelands, wetlands, and baregrounds) and the quality of feeding sites(within 250m from edges of woodlands). Habitat quality of the Common Kestrel was assessed against occurred sites derived from the nationwide survey. Predicted habitat suitability map were closely related to the observed sites of the endangered avian species in the study areas. With the habitat suitability map of the Common Kestrel, we assess the environmental impacts with habitat loss after development project in environmental impact assessment.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.390-401
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• 2022

This study investigated the characteristics of fish communities and inhabiting status of endangered species in the Bukcheon (Stream) of Seoraksan National Park, Korea from April to September 2020. A total of 4,356 fish of 7 families and 22 species were collected from 17 survey stations during the survey period. The dominant species was Zacco koreanus (relative abundance, 41.8%), and subdominant species was Rhynchocypris kumgangensis (relative abundance, 15.1%), followed by Pungtungia herzi (10.1%), Pseudopungtungia tenuicorpa (5.0%), Coreoleuciscus splendidus (4.1%), Zacco platypus (3.8%), Microphysogobio longidorsalis (3.5%), and Hemibarbus mylodon (2.2%). Among the fish species collected, 14 species (63.6%) were identified as Korean endemic species. There was one natural monument species (Hemibarbus mylodon), and four species of class II endangered wildlife that were designated by the Ministry of Environment (Acheilognathus signifer, Pseudopungtungi tenuicorpa, Gobiobotia brevibarba, and Brachymystax lenok tsinlingensis). Among the four species of class II endangered wildlife, B. lenok tsinlingensis inhabited in the upper stream, and A. signifer, P. tenuicorpa and G. brevibarba inhabited mainly in the middle-lower stream. Also, P. tenuicorpa, H. mylodon, and B. lenok tsinlingensis were inhabited in large numbers. Additionally, two cold-water fish species (R. kumgangensis and B. lenok tsinlingensis) and one landlocked species (B. lenok tsinlingensis) were collected. According to the results of cluster analysis, the dominance index decreased from upstream to downstream, but the diversity, evenness, and richness index increased; the cluster structure was divided into the uppermost, upstream, midstream, and downstream. The water quality of Bukcheon was evaluated as good overall since the river health (index of biological integrity) evaluated using fish was evaluated as very good (11 stations), good (2 stations), and normal (4 stations). However, river repair work was being carried out in some areas and some wastewater was flowing in from the midstream, therefore, supplementary measures to preserve fish habitats are required.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.196-203
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• 2019

Habitat loss by industrialization, urbanization, and poaching reduced the population of Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetabus ussuricus) population in South Korea in the late 20^th Century. In the early 2000s, the Korean Government had begun a restoration project of Asiatic black bear. In 2017, a bear was found in Mt. Sudosan, Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, approximately 80 km from Mt. Jirisan where the bear was first released. Genetic analysis confirmed that this bear was one of the Jirisan bear population, estimating that this bear escaped from its habitat. After trapping this bear in Mt. Sudosan, it was rereleased again in Mt. Jirisan, but this bear moved again to Mt. Sudosan. After 2^nd trapping and releasing, this bear came back to Mt. Sudosan. In Mt. Sudosan, this bear covered a greater distance and moved more as compared to other Asiatic black bear in Mt. Jirisan. Today, this bear has its home range within Mt. Sudosan area after the third release, estimating that this bear is stable and active in this area. Our findings are the first case showing the interesting pattern of repetitive disperse activities and habitat expansion of Asiatic black bear. The results of this case are valuable information that can be used for wildlife conservation and restoration of endangered wildlife.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.150-161
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• 2005

Soraksan National Park and Odaesan National Park, that are 20.7 km apart, should play an important role as habitats and corridors for wildlife because they are located in the center of Baekdudaegan. However, landscape features such as small area, fragmentation, and geographic isolation seem to impede the proper ecological functions of these two national parks. Using GIS technique, we examined the pattern of fragmentation in these two national parks and adjacent regions (Sokcho-si, Goseong-gun, Inje-gun, Yangyang-gun, and Hongcheon-gun) encompassing a total of $4573.5km^2$ in area. We then selected the patches suitable for an endangered carnivorous species, leopard cat, based on habitat conditions, and identified the network and stepping stone among patches to enable leopard cats to migrate. Diverse roads and artificial facilities in the study area generated a total of 24,701 patches: 39 patches among these were selected as potential habitats upon considering the habitat condition such as vegetation types and minimum area for leopard cat. Three patches nearby Gyebangsan and Bangtaesan were identified as a potential network center to relieve the effects of fragmentation and isolation of the two national parks. Our results also showed that patches containing Jombongsan and Bangtaesan would act as a source patch from there leopard cats can disperse to both national parks. It is an urgent task to identify the pattern of fragmentation and the connectivity between patches in national parks and adjacent areas for wildlife conservation because almost all national parks confront land- scape problems similar to the two national parks examined in this study.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.437-450
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• 2012

This study was carried out to investigate the flora of Is. Gageo (Jeollanam-do). The vascular plants were collected 13 times (from June 2008 to September 2011), and 465 taxa in total were identified, including 112 families, 301 genera, 402 species, 3 subspecies, 49 varieties, 9 forms and 2 hybrids. 171 taxa were first records for the region. Among them were seven taxa of Korean endemic plants and the Ministry of Environment-designated plants, which should be protected by the wildlife protection law, were identified as three taxa. There were 54 taxa of the flora with the levels III, IV, V in the floristic indicator plants which was designated by Ministry of Environment. The naturalized plants were identified as 29 taxa, and their naturalization ratio and urban index were found to be 6.2% and 9.0% respectively. There existed many kinds of plants resources having conservational value like $Loxogramme$ $salicifolia$, $Sarcandra$ $glabra$, $Osmanthus$ $insularis$, $Saussurea$ $polylepis$, $Carex$ $ligulata$ var. $austrokoreensis$, $Hosta$ $jonesii$, $Cyrtosia$ $septentrionalis$, etc., in this area. As therefore clear that appropriate plans to conserve the natural habitat of Is. Gageo must be made immediately.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.569-579
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• 2013

To identify the characteristics of the dropping habits and to provide improved methods for sign survey of Siberian flying squirrels Pteromys volans, an investigation was carried out in Jirisan National Park from April 2012 to May 2013. The latrines of study area were checked once a month and the characteristics of dropping behavior were camera trapped. The feces of Siberian flying squirrel were found on the point which tree forked, mostly from November to May. The squirrel actively presents in forked tree mainly on the September to April. The Siberian flying squirrel is found to be a typical nocturnal animal as it actively move between 6p.m. to 7a.m.. The study found that squirrel does feeding and dropping in the winter time on forked tree. On the point which tree forked could be a good place for the squirrel to hide from their predator when there is no leaf on the tree. Conducting the sign survey is advisable from November to May, as well as with the careful approach to the animals. As Siberian flying squirrel is an endangered species, adjusting the survey period is mandatory, especially when doing environmental impact assessment and a research on its dwelling areas.

• Spatial Information Research
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.501-513
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• 2002

Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is one of endangered wildlife species whose population size is declining in Korea. To manage and conserve habitat for Eurasian otter, it is crucial to understand which habitat components affect otter habitat qualities. The objectives of this study were to develop a habitat suitability model of Eurasian otter in Soraksan National Park, to validate the model in Odaesan National Park. The research methods of this study were as follows. First, trace data and characters of Eurasian otter habitat were collected with Geographic Information System (GIS) data and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers between 2000 and 2002. Second, the habitat use factors were identified as habitat characteristics of Eurasian otter and classified with habitat use and availability analyses. Third, significant factors of habitat model were extracted by Chi-square test. The last, Eurasian Otter Habitat Suitability Model (EOHSM) was employed by logistic regression method. Otter habitat use was positively associated with the reeds and shrubs areas adjacent to streams, the size of boulders, and low human disturbance in Soraksan National Park by EOHSM. This model had a classification accuracy of 74.4% at cutoff value of 0.5. Model validation showed a classification accuracy of 86.6 % at cut off value of 0.5 for otter habitat in Odaesan National Park.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.55-59
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• 2024

The remarkable economic growth achieved in the modern era has revitalized various industries, including pet trade. More than 2,000 species of non-native species have been introduced to South Korea and approximately 7.7 tonnes of alien turtles are imported annually. Turtles belonging to the family Kinosternidae. They are mostly small and popular pets, although they are designated as Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) species. In the present study, we present the first two species of musk turtles found in the wild in South Korea. On April 5, 2023 and July 8, 2023, an eastern musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) and a razorbacked musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) were captured in Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do and Jung-gu, Daejeon, respectively. The carapace length was 88.6 mm for S. odoratus and 105.68 mm for S. carinatus. They were identified based on their morphological characteristics and mtDNA cytochrome b gene. These turtles were found in waterfront areas with over 1.4 million annual visitors. Both sites were found to have threatened amphibians and reptiles. There is an urgent need to continue monitoring and conducting risk assessments for the protection of endemic species in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.246-262
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• 2024

The survey conducted from 2018 to 2020 aimed to investigate the changes in fish fauna and community characteristics in the upper reaches of the Seomgang River, Korea. During the survey period, 35 sites were selected, resulting in the collection of 7,817 fish belonging to 12 families and 40 species. The dominant species was Zacco koreanus, with a relative abundance of 34.5%, followed by Z. platypus at 28.7%. Other significant species included Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (10.2%), Pungtungia herzi (5.3%), and Squalidus gracilis majimae (4.3%). Notably, four protected species - Acheilognathus signifer, Gobiobotia brevibarba, and Cottus koreanus, designated as class II endangered wildlife by the Ministry of Environment- were identified. These species predominantly inhabit the middle and lower reaches, except for Gobiobotia brevibarba, which is found in the upper reaches. Nineteen species, accounting for a 47.5% endemism rate, were endemic to Korea. The study also noted the presence of one climate-sensitive species, Cottus koreanus, and two exotic species, Carassius cuvieri and Micropterus salmoides. Community analysis indicated a trend of decreasing dominance and increasing diversity and richness from upstream to downstream, with a distinct division into uppermost reaches, upper reaches, middle and lower reaches, and lakes. The construction of the Hwaseong Dam has had a significant direct and indirect impact on the fish community. The habitat and abundance of endangered species such as R. pseudosericeus, A. signifer, and G. brevibarba decreased dramatically immediately after the dam's construction, transforming the submerged area from lotic to lentic environments. Approximately 20 years later, the habitats have stabilized, leading to an increase in the fish population and a recovery of the previously diminished endangered species. The river health (FAI) was also evaluated, with 27 sites rated as very good (A), seven as good (B), and one as fair (C). However, endangered species such as A. signifer continue to face threats from dam and river construction, while C. Koreanus has experienced a severe population decline due to river works. Additionally, the presence of the ecosystem-disrupting species M. salmoides in Hwaseong Lake raises concerns. To ensure a stable habitat for fish in the upper reaches of the Seomgang River, it is crucial to avoid indiscriminate river construction, urgently implement restoration policies for endangered species such as A. signifer, and develop management strategies to control the spread of invasive species such as bass.