• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.267-273
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• 2010

The distribution of three typical warm-temperate evergreen trees, Quercus acuta Thunb., Neolitsea sericea (Blume) Koidz., and Machilus thunbergii Siebold & Zucc., were surveyed on the Korean Peninsula based on field and specimen investigations and the distribution maps of the three species were prepared. The distribution patterns of the species correspond to the south coast floristic region in Korea, which includes the distributional areas of Jeju-do, Isl. Ulleung, the southern coastal areas, and the areas up to the islands around Incheon in the Yellow Sea. The northernmost limit of the distribution of Quercus acuta is Isl. Nap of Incheon in the west, and a new distribution was found at Isl. Ulleung in the East Sea; additionally, the limit of Neolitsea sericea is the Deojoek archipelago of Incheon. The northernmost limit of Machilus thunbergii is Isl. Daecheong of Incheon, which is the highest latitude among those of the three species. This distribution survey of evergreen broad-leaved trees in Korea can be used as basic data for the delimitation of floristic regions and as a bio-indicator of climatic change.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.195-207
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• 2020

In Korea, specific thermal elements such as annual mean temperature (AMT) 13℃, 14℃, and Kira's coldness index (CI) -10℃, have been suggested about the northernmost distribution of the warm-temperate evergreen broad-leaved forest zone. We reviewed the relationship between three thermal elements and the actual distribution of evergreen broad-leaved woody plants or its communities. Thiessen and Kriging method using point-data calibrated by seasonal lapse rate according to altitude were utilized for the spatial distribution pattern analysis. Several phytoclimatic maps were also produced in order to compare different thermal values. We identified that the AMT 13℃ was the best thermal element to demarcate the northern limit of the warm-temperate forest zone. Its area was estimated ca. 20,334 ㎢ and larger than those of other thermal elements. We concluded that an indirectly fabricated index i.e. CI -10℃ is useless and it was enough for a direct value of AMT 13℃ to represent the northern-limit distribution of warm-temperate forest zone, at least in Korea. Further researches on the reciprocity between floristic regions and phytoclimate zones are raised.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.292-303
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• 2022

Background: Climate change significantly influences the geographical distribution of plant species worldwide. Selecting indicator species allows for better-informed and more effective ecosystem management in response to climate change. The Korean Peninsula is the northernmost distribution zone of warm temperate evergreen broad-leaved (WTEB) species in Northeast Asia. Considering the ecological value of these species, we evaluated the current distribution range and future suitable habitat for 13 WTEB tree species designated as climate-sensitive biological indicator species. Results: Up-to-date and accurate WTEB species distribution maps were constructed using herbarium specimens and citizen science data from the Korea Biodiversity Observation Network. Current northern limits for several species have shifted to higher latitudes compared to previous records. For example, the northern latitude limit for Stauntonia hexaphylla is higher (37° 02' N, Deokjeokdo archipelago) than that reported previously (36° 13' N). The minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) is the major factor influencing species distribution. Under future climate change scenarios, suitable habitats are predicted to expand toward higher latitudes inland and along the western coastal areas. Conclusions: Our results support the suitability of WTEB trees as significant biological indicators of species' responses to warming. The findings also suggest the need for consistent monitoring of species distribution shifts. This study provides an important baseline dataset for future monitoring and management of indicator species' responses to changing climate conditions in South Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.45-57
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• 2016

This study was focused on the northernmost limit of the distribution changing of Daphniphyllum macropodum and studied characteristic of plant communities of natural monument No. 91 in Najangsan national park, Korea. The results of this study were as follows : 1. The highest importance percentage(I.P.) value at tree layer in Quercus. mongolica community was Q. mongolica, 37.8%. But the highest value of mean importance percentage(M.I.P.) was D. macropodum, 32.8%. 2. The highest I.P. value at tree layer in Carpinus laxiflora community was C. laxiflora, 47.4%. The highest M.I.P. value was C. laxiflora, 28.8% and M.I.P. value of D. macropodum was 24.0%. 3. The highest I.P. value at tree layer in D. macropodum community was D. macropodum, 55.6%. C. laxiflora and Q. mogolica I.P. value was 14.8% and 6.8%, respectively. The highest M.I.P. value was D. macropodum, 47.9%. Sapium japonicum and C. laxiflora M.I.P. value was 11.4% and 10.7%, respectively. 4. The highest I.P. value at tree layer in Quercus variabilis community was C. laxiflora, 20.8%. Q. variabilis and Acer pseudosieboldianum I.P. value was 15.3% and 12.5%, respectively. The highest M.I.P. value was D. macropodum, 21.5%. It needs to the continuous monitoring of vegetation and importance percentage change in tree layer and subtree layer of D. macropodum. The researching results of D. macropodum distribution, the distribution range of D. macropodum showed expanded more than range of Lim and Oh' result(1999). In other words, it was distributed low density level between Najangsa temple and Byeokryeonam, and distributed in upper Keumsun waterfall and Wonjeok upper valley. D. macropodum was appeared on hiking trails around from Wonjeokam to Bulchulbong. Especially, it was found in this study that D. macropodum was distributed on Seoraebong's north which placed outside area of Naejangsa region. In this study, it was considered that distribution range of D. macropodum was expanded. Also, it is expected to be used as a result of the field study of changing distribution study of broad leaved evergreen forest due to global warming.