• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.237-244
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• 2007

We investigated the foraging habitat preferences of herons and egrets in an agricultural area in Asan city, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea. In the study area, rice fields were the most abundant habitat type (86.8%) and total suitable feeding habitat was greater in the northern area (59.0%) than the southern area (22.5%) of the colony. Most feeding herons and egrets were located in the northern area of the colony. The number of feeding individuals in a given area was related to the available feeding area (Pearson correlation, r=0.773, p<0.001 for field habitats; r=0.901, p<0.001 for freshwater habitats). Feeding habitat preferences differed among species. Grey herons (Ardea cinerea), great egrets (Egretta alba), and black-crowned night herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) used reservoirs and ditches. However, intermediate egrets (E. intermedia) and cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) were dependent on rice fields. The little egret (E. garzetta) was a habitat generalist using all types of habitats. The two largest species, grey herons and great egrets, fed at deeper site than little egrets and foraged in deeper sites in reservoirs than in ditches (${\chi}^2-test,\;{\chi}^2{_3}=26.6$ and p<0.001 for grey herons, ${\chi}^2{_3}=17.5$ and p<0.001 for great egrets). All species displayed seasonal changes in feeding habitat use and these changes were related with changes in availability of feeding habitats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.19-28
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the habitat of Luciola unmunsana to understand the status of land snails, which are the larvae prey, and to evaluate the effects of larval feeding preferences and prey size for the restoration of the L. unmunsana habitat as a basis for future restoration projects. The research methods included field surveys of the habitat and laboratory experiments on feeding preferences using three types of land snails (Allopeas clavulinum kyotoense, Euphaedusa fusaniana, Pupinella rufa) observed in the habitat. Field surveys of 13 L. unmunsana habitat sites revealed a total of 24 land snail species. The experimental results regarding the larvae prey were analyzed for statistical significance of feeding preferences using Chi-square tests and independent sample t-tests. Consequently, larvae showed the highest preference for A. c. kyotoense, with statistically significant differences in feeding preferences (p<0.05). Also, statistically significant differences were observed in the size between the land snails that were eaten as prey and those that were not eaten. This research can deepen the understanding of the feeding preferences of L. unmunsana larvae and provide practical guidelines for the effective conservation and restoration strategies of the firefly habitat.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.147-151
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• 2008

Feeding methods of five species of herons and egrets were studied in an agricultural landscape in Asan city, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea in 2006. Grey herons primarily hunted while standing, whereas great egrets fed while walking slowly. Two smaller species, little and cattle egrets, were active foragers, feeding both while walking quickly and walking slowly. Little egrets were the only species using the foot stirring method. The medium-sized heron, intermediate egrets, foraged mainly while walking slowly or leaning. For grey herons, great egrets and little egrets, the frequency of use of different feeding methods was different between habitats: these species used the leaning method more frequently in rice fields than in reservoirs and ditches. Also, most herons (all species other than great egrets) showed seasonal changes in their feeding methods that are related to changes in habitat condition.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.383-399
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• 2018

In the present study, the community distribution, functional feeding groups, and habitat groups of the benthic macroinvertebrates from Gayasan National Park were investigated at eight different sites from 2015 to 2016. The correlation between habitat altitude and each group type was analyzed statistically. Biodiversity indices, including dominance, diversity, richness, and evenness indices, were calculated. The results showed a total of 4,216 individual benthic macroinvertebrates were collected, including 4 phyla, 6 classes, 16 orders, 40 families, and 100 species. Gammarus sobaegensis was dominant with 0.141% dominance, and the subdominant species was Epeorus nipponicus with 0.088% dominance. The EPT group(Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Tricoptera) accounted for 71.00% of the total species and 67.69% of the total individuals. The number of scraper species was highest, and the number of gathering collector individuals was highest among functional feeding groups. The individual number of scrapers(r=-0.358, p < 0.05) and gathering collectors(r=-0.343, p < 0.05) decreased with increasing altitude. The numbers of species and individuals of clingers and sprawlers were highest among the habitat groups. The individual number of clingers(r=-0.547, p < 0.01) and burrowers(r=-0.331, p < 0.05) significantly decreased with increasing altitude. The diversity and richness indices were higher in St. 3 than in the other sites. The dominance index was highest in St. 2, and the evenness index was highest in St. 7. We evaluated the biological water quality with several known methods, and concluded that ESB(Ecological score of benthic macrovertebrates community) and GPI(Group polution index) were more suitable than KSI(Korean saprobic index) and BMI (Benthic macrovertebrate index) to assess the biological water quality of Gayasan mountain stream water.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.632-639
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• 2008

This paper deals with feeding site distribution aspect and seasonal distribution change of the wintering geese in Cheonsu bay and reclaimed area from October 2006 to March 2007. Geese were distributed mostly in agricultural land(rice field) during day time. According to the distribution map by maximum counts, observed geese of agricultural land were frequently distributed in large agricultural land. Especially, Geese were more used agricultural land near the reservoir where used as roosting site than the other sites. Diurnal feeding site of the geese were agricultural land near the reservoir with huge flock during early wintering season(October), but geese were used the agricultural land far from reservoir after mid wintering season(after January). The feeding flock size of Geese were decreased and feeding site was more far from the reservoir than in mid wintering season during late wintering season(March). Habitat use rate of the quadrat area where below 1km from the reservoir was most high in early wintering season. Contrary, habitat use rate where 2km far from the reservoir was shown lowest habitat use rate in early wintering season, but it was increased during mid wintering season(January) and decreased after mid wintering season. Habitat use rate of the agricultural land where 2km below and 1 km far from reservoir was shown middle rate, but it was increased until November and decreased after November. This result shown that feeding site preference of the wintering geese was affected by distance from roosting site(reservoir), and feeding site was changed as a food sources decreasing by stay time of geese flock.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.297-304
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• 2019

Background: The growing wild boar population has become a social issue and its feeding characteristics could affect the physical condition and the plant species composition in the South Korean forests. We aimed to reveal the preference of the wild boar on forest type and site condition as feeding grounds in two cool-temperate forested national parks, Odaesan and Seoraksan, in order to provide information to manage the growing population. Results: The 75 plots (53.6%) out of 140 plots were used as feeding grounds by the wild boar, implying a considerably large population. Especially, the observation frequency as feeding ground was the highest in Quercus forests (73.3%), and it was significantly more preferred than deciduous forest type (44.2%) and coniferous forest type (32.4%) (${\chi}^2=17.591$, p < 0.001). Significantly more and deeper pits were found in Quercus forests. Moreover, high elevation and gentle slope ridge were relatively preferred regardless of forest distribution. Conclusions: South Korean forests are growing qualitatively and quantitatively. Particularly, Quercus forest area has increased markedly, while coniferous forest area has decreased. Since the Quercus forest provides rich food sources for the wild boar, the enlargement of this forest type is expected to increase the wild boar population. The forests located at high elevations have high species diversity, and it is expected that these forests will be greatly affected by the increase in the wild boar population as preferred feeding grounds.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.1 no.4
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• pp.571-576
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• 1997

The playas of the Southern High Plains (SHP) of Texas, USA are an important habitat for over one million wintering waterfowl. However, the recent trend toward the modification of playas for agricultural use is threatening winter habitat of waterfowl in this region. Diurnal activity budgets of wintering mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) were conducted from 1 October to 31 March, 1983-1984, and 1984-1985) at three habitat types; steep-sided pits, terraced pits, and open lakes. All seven activity patterns (feeding, locomotion, resting, comfort, courtship, alert, and agonistic) were different (P<0.05) among the three habitat types for wintering mallards on the SHP of Texas. Terraced pits supported more feeding activity (27.8%) (P<0.001) than steep-sided pits (11.2%) or open lakes (2.6%) due to their abundance of natural seeds and aquatic invertebrates. Hens (17.5%) fed more than drakes (11.7%) (P<0.05). Locomotion (32.2%) and alert (2.8%) behavior across the three habitat types showed the highest level during the early morning (6:00-9:00 AM). Paired mallards rested more (37.9%) than unpaired mallards (25.8%) (P<0.05). Agonistic activity was highest (2.4%) in terraced pits throughout the season.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.165-169
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• 2006

As a Biodiversity Management Plan in S. Korea, barley fields are being prepared for the wintering migratory birds. However, the effectiveness of barley fields as a feeding habitat has not been evaluated. In 2003/04 wintering period, we installed exclosures in the barley fields to evaluate the waterfowl grazing effectiveness. Approximately 8,000 waterfowls used the Dongup Reservoir System and utilized the barley fields during the daytime. The white-fronted goose Anser albifrons occupied more than 90% of the all barley-feeding waterfowls. Waterfowls significantly impacted to the shoot density and biomass of barley. In the closed plot, barley shoot density gradually increased to $267{\pm}27/m^2$ in January, 2004. Shoot density in open plots (site 1) declined sharply from.15 December ($189{\pm}18/m^2$) to 5 January 2004 ($25{\pm}11/m^2$). However, barley shoot density in open plots (site 2) was stable in January 2004 because of human disturbances. The changes in barley biomass and shoot density showed similar trend in both open and closed plot. From the exclosure experiment, it was clear that barley fields were important feeding habitat for wintering waterfowls in this area. Further, human disturbances such as noise from traffic and other human activities (farming and hiking) had significant impact on waterfowls' grazing activity. Collectively, winter barley fields were effective for waterfowl feeding, but the location of barley fields should be carefully selected for the maximum utilization of the barley feeding.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.253-261
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• 2009

Habitat environment and feeding habitat of Iksookimia koreensis and Cobitis lutheri were investigated in the Mangyeong River, Jeollabuk-do, Korea from 2005 to 2006. They together inhabit the upper and middle stream, but they showed differences in their microhabitat. I. koreensis inhabited the stony zones of relatively rapid waters with a water depth of 30~60 cm, whereas C. lutheri lived in the sandy zones of relatively slow waters with a depth of 30~100 cm. The two species were active during daylight hours from March to October but hibernated in the winter season. During hibernation I. koreensis still lived in the gravel and stone and C. lutheri burrowed in the sand. I. koreensis ingested mainly chironomid and other aquatic insects, whereas C. lutheri fed mainly on Chironomidae, Copepoda and Branchiopoda. The feeding rate of both species was highest in April and September, but they did not feed in the winter.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.62-69
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• 2016

Narrow-mouth frog (Kaloula borealis) is the only amphibian species of genus Kaloula living in South Korea. They are designated and managed as endangered class II wildlife by the Ministry of Environment, Korea. Therefore, there is a desperate need of a habitat restoration study to prevent the extinction of narrow-mouth frog. This study is primarily for the purpose of presenting the direction and practical applications to restore damaged narrow-mouth frog habitats or to suggest alternative habitat options. The habitat suitability index (HSI) of narrow-mouth frog was applied to the research area in Mokpo City of Jeollanam-do Province, in order to present a new narrow-mouth frog habitat. We analyzed the research area based on historical contexts, ecological environment, ecology, and habitat requirements. The research area was divided into the core, buffer, and transition zones according to UNESCO MAB (Man and Biosphere) to establish local land-use plans. As for the foundation of the plan, we divided the habitat composition of the core, where narrow-mouth frog live in, into wetland (spawning area), grassland (shelter and feeding grounds), and forestland (feeding ground). We had a comparative analysis of habitat suitability in pre and post planning of narrow-mouth frog habitat restoration. For the validation study of habitat restoration plans, the future research should be on the composition of test-bed, continuous monitoring, and scientific habitat maintenance.