• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.31 no.6
• /
• pp.549-556
• /
• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of spatial distribution of Korean fir (Abies koreana E. H. Wilson) in Mt. Hallasan for the past 10 years. We examined the distribution and crown density between 2006 and 2015 and analyzed the elevation, direction, and regional characteristics. The total area of Korean fir was 626.0ha in 2015, which declined by 112.3ha accounting for 15.2% for the past 10 years compared to 738.3ha in 2006. For the past 10 years, the area of moderately dense Korean fir with the crown density of 41% to 70% decreased by 72.6ha while the area of dense Korean fir with the crown density of 71% or more deceased by 21.3ha. The area with an elevation between 1,510m and 1,600m showed the largest change, accounting for 32.6% of the total declining area. Regarding the distribution by the direction, the area in the southeastern direction decreased by 23.4ha while the area in the southeast and northeast centered on the eastern direction decreased by 62.3ha, which accounted for 55.5% of the total area. Regarding the change of the distribution of Korean fir forest area by the region, the decrease of the area from the Jindallaebat to the top of the mountain was the largest at 84.6ha, or 71.8% of the total decreased area. The Yeongshil Trail area decreased by 25.3ha or 21.5% of the total while the Keundurewat area decreased by 8.0ha or 6.8%. On the contrary, the Bangaeoreum area increased by 5.6ha. The results indicate the large decrease of area of Korean fir forest centered on a particular location of Mt. Hallasan. Considering the changes according to the elevation, direction, and regional characteristics, it can be attributed to increasing frequency of abnormal climates such as typhoons and droughts.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.249-258
• /
• 2020

This study aims to provide reference material for effective forest management techniques at the catchment scale, based on the field investigation of large woody debris (LWD) in 11 streams within a third-order forest catchment in Gangwon Province, Korea. To achieve this aim, we analyzed the morphological features of LWD pieces, and the storage and distribution status of LWD by stream order throughout the entire investigation. As a result, a total of 1,207 individual pieces of LWD were categorized into three types as follows: (ⅰ) 1,142 pieces (95%) as only trunk and 65 pieces (5%) as a trunk with root wad, (ⅱ) 1,015 pieces (84%) as non-thinned and 192 pieces (16%) as the thinned, and (ⅲ) 1,050 pieces (87%) as conifer and 157 pieces (13%) as broadleaf. Additionally, in-stream LWD loads (㎥/ha) decreased with increasing stream order, yielding 105.4, 71.3, and 35.6 for first-, second-, and third-order streams, respectively. On the other hand, the ratio of LWD jams to the total LWD volume increased with increasing stream order, yielding 11%, 43%, and 49% for first-, second-, and third-order streams, respectively. Finally, a comparison of the in-stream LWD load with previous studies in several countries around the world indicated that in-stream LWD load was positively correlated with forest stand age even though the climate, topography, forest soil type, forest composition, stand growth rate, disturbance regime, and forest management practices were different. These results could contribute to understanding the significance of LWD as a by-product of forest ecosystems and an indicator of riparian forest disturbance. Based on this, we conclude that advanced forest management techniques, including treatment of thinning slash and stand density control of riparian forest by site location (hillslope and riparian zone, or stream order), should be established in the future, taking the forest ecosystem and the aquatic environment from headwater streams to low land rivers into consideration.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.18-26
• /
• 2020

Echinosophora koreensis (Nakai) Nakai an endemic plant with limited distribution in some parts of the Korean Peninsula, is designated as "Endangered" species on the IUCN Red List. The species is under the threat of deterioration in nature due to various environmental changes causing loss of natural habitats. We investigated the distribution pattern and population structure of E. koreensis to serve as a basic reference for identifying the dynamics and persistence of natural populations of this species in the future. To determine the characteristics of the E. koreensis population, we laid two to three large plots sized 20m×30m on the ridgeline as the reference in Yanggu, Chuncheon, and Hongcheon and laid four to seven small quadrats sized 1m×1m on the transect. A total of 530 plots were laid, 10 each at 2m interval, to measure the number of the stems, the number of fruiting, height, and other factors. The collected distribution information was compared with the existing IUCN assessed categories by applying IUCN Red List ver 3.1 Criteria B. The average population density of the three surveyed areas was 3.47 stem/㎡; the density of each area was 3.95 stems/㎡ in Yanggu, 3.37 stems/㎡ in Chuncheon, and 2.87 stems/㎡ in Hongcheon. The number of fruiting per stem was 0.0038, indicating only 7 fruits out of 1,837 stems and that vegetative reproduction is likely to be more dominant than sexual reproduction. The distribution tendency of population density in the small plots in three surveyed areas showed that the density of E. koreensis tended to decrease toward the center of the forest with low crown openness and around the mountain ridge with high crown openness. It indicated that the quantity of light could be a very important factor for the growth of individuals of this species. The analysis of the heights of individuals present in the surveyed plots showed a range of 2.3 ~ 68.5cm and an average of 20.1cm. An analysis on the stage-structure of the E. koreensis population based on the sieve height found that the appearance frequency decreased with increasing height above 15 ~ 20cm and that the percentage of individuals lower than 10cm, which were presumed to be seedlings, was severely low, indicating a necessity of study on the population sustainability based on the monitored data. The occupied area calculated with the collected species distribution information was 200㎢, indicating the EN category according to the IUCN Red List Reference B.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
• /
• v.103 no.3
• /
• pp.339-352
• /
• 2014

The study was carried out to analyze vegetation structure of Pinus densiflora and Quercus mongolica forests located in Jochimryeong to Shinbaeryeong of the Baekdudaegan mountain range. The survey for 50 plots was conducted from April 2012 to August 2013 in the permanent plots ($100m{\times}100m$) using phytosociological analysis. As a result, the vegetations were classified into five vegetation units. In species composition, they were classified into Q. mongolica community group divided into 2 community such as Fraxinus rhynchophylla community and Carpinus cordata community, F. rhynchophylla community was subdivided Pinus densiflor group (into Euonymus sachalinensis subgroup, Vitis coignetiae subgroup) and Juglans mandshurica group. C. cordata community was subdivided Acer komarovii group and Betula ermanii group. In terms of importance value, P. densiflora and Q. mongolica were more than 20% respectively. P. densiflora was found to have the highest relative coverage. Analysis of interspecific association showed four types which were coincident with differential species and character species on the constancy table. Based on the diameter class distribution, P. densiflora forest presented a normal distribution pattern except for other species which showed a reverse Jshaped distribution pattern, therefore P. densiflora forest would likely be replaced by Q. mongolica forests. While in Q. mongolica forest, diameter class distribution of all species population presented a reverse J-shaped distribution pattern, therefore Q. mongolica forest could likely remain in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.83-97
• /
• 2011

In this study, space allocation with an assessment system for improving the function of the ecological use and function of each space was undertaken to suggest appropriate goals and directions. Ogeum Park, used as the study site, is a stronghold green zone located in the fan-shaped area of the Songpa-gu green zone on a 22ha area site. The assessment system for this study consisted of a total of 3 steps: Step 1 includes the division of the spatial block, Step 2 assesses the proper functioning of each spatial block, while Step 3 includes space allocation and presents improvements for function by space. This study performed a basin analysis with the consideration that Ogeum Park is a forest area and divided the site into a total of 8 areas according to how the sections of land are used. The function of wildlife habitat included an analysis of plant ecology(vegetation type, vegetation layer, potential vegetation), animal ecology(wild birds), and waterways. The function of leisure and use included an analysis of gradients, noise, paths, status of use, and status of facilities. The evaluation of the function of habitat sorted items into native vegetation, vegetation diversification, vegetation potential, animal diversification and potential of animal habitats. The results of grading the evaluation scores by space in the function of habitat showed that the Areas IV and VII, which were 90% of the maximum point, were Grade A, Areas II and V were Grade B at 70% and Area I and VI were Grade C at 50%. Areas III and VIII, which were not found to be beyond the standard of 50%, were excluded. The evaluation of the functions of leisure and use classified items into use potential, use preference, use concentration, use diversification and use convenience. The results of the graded evaluation scores by space in use function, showed areas V and VI as Grade A, or 90% of the maximum score. Grade B, 70% of the maximum score, was given to Areas I and VII. Grade C, 50% of the maximum score, included Areas II, IV and VIII. Area III, graded lower the standard of 50%, was excluded. The study evaluated areas according to a common standard, classified spaces by proper functions into ecological spaces, environmentally-friendly use spaces and use spaces according to the standard of spatial distribution on the basis of the above results through a synthesis of grades of habitat function, leisure function and use. This offers ideas for the improvement of wildlife habitat and environment-friendly use functions by space.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.309-319
• /
• 2008

Roads are an indicator of anthropogenic activity causing ecosystem disturbances and often lead to habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, and habitat isolation. The Hallasan National Park(153.4$km^2$) on Jeju Island being distinguished for its unique geology, topography, and biota has also been designated as a core area of UNESCO Man and the Biosphere(MAB) Reserve. Although the high conservation value of this park has contributed to a rapid growth of tourists and road construction, landscape changes due to roads have not been examined yet. We used GIS systems to examine the fragmentation pattern caused by roads, in relation to its zonation, elevation, and vegetation. When a buffer was applied to roads(112m width for paved roads and 60m width for both legal and illegal trails), the park consisted of 100 fragments. The ten fragments generated after applying buffer to only paved roads and legal trails ranged from $0.002km^2$ to $38.2km^2$ with a mean of $14.2km^2$, and about 7% of both nature conservation zone and nature environment zone of the park were edge. Fragments in both east and west ends of the park and around the summit exhibited relatively high shape indices with means of 5.19(for 100 fragments) and 7.22(for 10 fragments). All five legal trails are connected to the pit crater of the mountain and vegetation changed from broadleaf forests and conifer forests to grasslands with elevation, consequently resulting in dramatic fragment size reduction in grasslands at high elevation, in particular above 1,400m, where endemic and alpine plants are abundant. These results show that in Hallasan National Park the risks of habitat deterioration and habitat loss due to fragmentation may be more severe in the nature conservation zone dominated by Baengnokdam than in the nature environment zone. Therefore, current road networks of the park appear to fall short of the goal of the national park for ecosystem conservation and protection. Considering that the entire Hallasan National Park also serves as a MAB core area, conservation efforts should focus, first of all, on park rezoning and road management to mitigate habitat fragmentation.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.69-82
• /
• 2013

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Dulegil in Bukhansan National Park in dispersing peak climbing hikers, characterize each section of Dulegil and suggest ideas of improvement. This study was conducted based on the survey completed by visitors in all 21 sections of Dulegil. After the construction of Dulegil, the number of visit to Dulegil grew and it was analyzed that Dulegil attracted new visitors given that the rate of young people(aged 19~30) who visited for the first time was quite high. Regarding the frequency of peak climbing, 7.6% of the respondents said "decreased" and 46.2% said "increased", showing that Dulegil's effect to disperse peak climbing hikers is nominal. Seven qualities were evaluated regarding Dulegil's level of satisfaction. Out of those seven, the quality of recreational place and taking a walk achieved high scores of 3.74 and 3.61 respectively. The quality of culture and history scored the lowest with 3.09. The analysis on the characteristic of each section of Dulegil, reason of visit, and the visitors' level of satisfaction showed that Dulegil is now regarded as a place where they can improve their health through light exercise and walking. In addition, a positive effect can be expected for a long time since there are different ways of utilizing the resources of the National Park, such as getting in touch with nature, preserving ecology, learning history and enjoying beautiful landscapes. If infrastructure and programs specific to each section of Dulegil were improved in a long-term perspective, it would be effective to encourage peak climbers and enjoy the lower parts of the mountain.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.49 no.1
• /
• pp.11-21
• /
• 2016

Cymbidium kanran Makino is being threatened in its own habitats due illegal collecting and habitat changes by vegetation growth along historical landuse change. In this study, we established habitat restoration model for conservation of C. kanran based on ecological diagnosis. Through exploration to Jeju Island in 2014 and 2015, we identified 27 unknown habitats of C. kanran and in there, abiotic variables and vegetation structure and composition were quantified. Altitudinal distribution of C. kanran was between 200 m~700 m a.s.l. and compared to distribution in 2004, Area of Occupation (AOO) decreased at 82%. Specific habitat affinity was not observed by evenly found in mountain slope and valley and summergreen and evergreen broadleaved forests, but likely more abundant in valley habitats with higher soil and ambient moisture. Total of 96 individual of C. kanran was observed with an average density of $942.6individuals\;ha^{-1}$. The plants showed relatively short leaf length (average=$10.7cm{\pm}1.1cm$) and small number of pseudo bulbs ($1.2{\pm}0.2$). Flowering and fruiting individuals were not observed in field. C. kanran was classified into endangered plant species as CR (Critically Endangered) category by IUCN criteria. Phenotypic plasticity of C. kanran was likely support to sustain in more shaded habitat environment and recent habatat changes to closed canopy and low light availability may exhibit negatively effects to C. kanran's life history. Restoring C. kanran habitat should create open environment as grassland and low woody species density.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.327-357
• /
• 2011

This study compared the species composition and distribution of the forest communities between Korea and Japan using vegetation releve database. The study included the eastern and southern Korean Peninsula, Is. Jeju, Is. Ulreung, northern Kyushu, central part of Japan and Is. Tsushima and divided in fourteen region with major mountain as the center. Seventy-nine forest communities were classified by tabular comparison with the total of 1844 releves. In the composition table, fifty-four groups of plant species were listed. Some grew in one area exclusively, while others were present in multiple locations. This study showed the similarity and heterogeneity of species composition among study areas. We grouped fourteen types showing similar physiognomy for forest communities. The physiognomical features of the vertical vegetation zones in the study area were similar, however, dominant species and species composition were different between the regions. In the lowland zone, Castanopsis-Type dominated by Castanopsis cuspidata var. sieboldii or Castanopsis cuspidata were distributed in the study area except for northern part of the Korean Peninsula and Is. Ulreung. Additionally, Persea thunbergii-Type was distributed widely in the lowest part of the study area, however, it showed the simplification of the species composition in the Korean Peninsula and Is. Ulreung. In the hilly zone, evergreen forest composed by Abies firma-Type distributed in northern Kyushuand Is. Tsushima, but it was absent in the other study region. The difference in forest community was conspicuous, especially in the montane zone. Deciduous broadleaved forests composed Quercus(D)-Type and Fagus-Type widely distributed in the montane of study area. However, forest community dominated by Quercus mongolica and Fagus multinervis flourished in Korea. On the otherhand, forest community dominated by Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata, Fagus crenata and F. japonica distributed in Japan. In the sub-alpine zone, evergreen coniferous forest composed Abies-Quercus(D)-Type, Abies koreana-Type, and Pinus pumila-Type were distributed in the Korean Peninsula and Is. Jeju. Forests composed Taxus cuspidata var. nana-Type, Abies mariesii-Type, and Pinus pumila-Type distributed in the central part of Japan. As a result of DCA ordination, evergreen broadleaved forests of the whole study area showed the lower scores along the first axis, while deciduous and coniferous forests showed the higher scores. The forest types of western part of Japan were located the higer scores, forest types of the Korean Peninsula were located the lower scores, and forest types of Is. Jeju located in the middle. Warmth index (WI) and Annual range of temperature in climate factor were highly correlated on the first axis. The first axis reflected the gradient from oceanic climatic to continental one. The higher the altitude and further geographically, the lower the similarity among communities and the peculiarity of community appeared stronger. The historical background reflecting local flora has strongly influenced on development of community.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.121-129
• /
• 2020

This study investigated the change of benthic macroinvertebrates community due to erosion control dams installed in Wonju, Gangwon by comparing the data before and after a rainy season. It selected a closed-type erosion control dam (boulder stone), an open-type erosion control dam (buttress), and a control area and surveyed two upstream points and two downstream points four times between March and September 2019. The flow velocity mostly increased in the closed-type, open-type, and control areas but decreased in St. 3 after the rainy season. The number of benthic macroinvertebrates species and their populations mostly decreased after the rainy season, and the rate of decrease in the populations in the open-type and control areas were more similar than the closed-type area. Species and populations of the EPT groups mostly decreased after the rainy season. A result of the similarity analysis showed that the closed-type and open-type areas were separated by 38.4% with the control area before the rainy season, but the open-type and control areas were separated by 51.3% with the closed-type area after the rainy season. A result of the principal components analysis (PCA) based on axis 1 showed that the closed-type area had a positive value before and after the rainy season, and the open-type and control areas had a negative value before and after the rainy season. The open-type area was more correlated with the control area than the close type. The analysis of the EPT groups showed the distribution of Ephemeroptera in the closed-type area and Trichoptera in the open-type and control areas. The result of this study shows that the installation of erosion control dam can cause changes in benthic macroinvertebrates community and that the open-type area had a smaller difference community difference from the control area after the rainy season than the closed-type area.