• Spatial Information Research
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.343-357
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• 2008

Hongdo and Huksando belong to the Dadohae national park parks in Korea and are famous sightseeing spots in Shinahn-gun. One of the keystone species in this area is otter (Lutra lutra). We accomplished field works for finding its present habitat and condition analyses for the potential habitat in the area via spatial analyses with digital elevation model and satellite imagery. Isolated condition with coastal cliffs was one of the superior conditions over habitat in the main land, but the road kills of small animals were also observed. Three underground eco-corridors were suggested for the protection of otter habitat in the Shinahn-gun area. Regional development strategies of Shinahn-gun should be focused on the protection of safe and pristine habitat for otter population.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.511-518
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• 2019

Evaluating the habitat suitability of potential aquaculture sites for cultured species is critical to the sustainable use of tidal flats. This study evaluated the habitat suitability index (HSI) of 12 sites in a tidal flat aquaculture farm at Geunso Bay, Taean, in June 2016. The parameters used to model the suitability index were Growth (water temperature, chlorophyll ${\alpha}$, hydrodynamics), Survival (sediment-sand, mean size, air exposure), and Environment (DO, salinity). The HSI was calculated using weighted and No weighted geometric means. The results showed high habitat suitability at the bay's entrance (HIS; No weighted, 0.60-0.70; weighted, 0.60). Hydrodynamics, air exposure, sediment-sand and mean size are thought to have a significant impact on habitat selection by Manila clams Ruditapes philippinarum. This study explored the optimum habitat for Manila clams by calculating the HSI, providing basic data for tidal flat management.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.545-555
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• 2023

This study aimed to predict the distribution density and potential habitat of domestic cats (Felis catus) in order to identify core distribution areas. It also aimed to overlay protected areas to identify priority areas for cat management. Kernel density estimation was used to determine the distribution density, and areas with high density were classified in Greater Seoul, Chungnam, Daejeon, and Daegu. Elevation, distance from the used area and roughness were identified as important variables in predicting potential habitat using the MaxEnt model. In addition, the classification of suitable and unsuitable areas based on thresholds showed that the predicted presence of habitat was more extensive in Seoul, Sejong, Daejeon, Chungnam, and Daegu. Core distribution areas were selected by overlapping high-density areas with suitable areas. Priority management areas were identified by overlaying core distribution areas with designated wildlife sanctuaries. As a result, Gyeonggi, and Chungnam have the largest areas. In addition, buffer zones will be implemented to effectively manage the core distribution area and minimize the potential for additional introductions in areas of high management priority, such as protected areas. These results can be used as a basis for investigating the status of the cat's habitat and developing more effective management strategies.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.307-315
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• 2022

In terms of habitat conservation, it is essential to develop a habitat assessment system that can evaluate not only the suitability of the current habitat, but also the health and stability of the habitat. This study aimed to develop a methodology of habitat quality assessment for endangered species by analyzing various existing habitat assessment methods. The habitat quality assessment consisted of selecting targeted species, planning of assessment, selecting targeted sites, assessing performance, calculating grade, and expert verification. Target sites were selected separately from core and potential habitats using a species distribution model or habitat suitability index. Habitat assessment factors were classified into ecological characteristic, landscape characteristic, and species-habitat characteristic. Ecological characteristic consisted of thirteen factors related to health of tree, vegetation, and soil. Landscape characteristic consisted of five factors related to fragment and connectivity of habitat. Species-habitat characteristic consisted of factors for evaluating habitat suitability depending on target species. Since meanings are different depending on characteristics, habitat quality assessment of this study could be used by classifying results for each characteristic according to various assessment purposes, such as designation of alternative habitats, assessment of restoration project, and protected area valuation for endangered species. Forest habitat quality assessment is expected to play an important role in conservation acts of endangered species in the future through continuous supplementation of this system in regard to quantitative assessment criteria and weighting for each factor with an influence.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.78 no.2
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• pp.177-188
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• 1989

The habitat typing method of classification based on community has been developed on many forested areas in the ROCKY MOUNTAINS of WESTERN NORTH AMERICA, and is being used in providing an objective principle of guide for classification of forest sites, land classification, vertical distribution and multipurpose management of forest. I actually made a trial of forest habitat type classification - The methodology can be segmented into a number of tasks including reconnaissance, selection of stands to be sampled, location of plots, data gathering, preliminary and computer analysis, preparation of key- and map of habitat type and description for each habitat type in a view of forest management - on UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA FORESTS in order to examine whether its application is fit or not in korean forest circumstances : these are composed mainly of artificial forest and forest in the early stage of succession. The main results obtained from this study were summarized as follows 1. A hierarchical classification-Climax, Habitat type and Phases-of forest sites was developed using the habitat typing method of classification. 2. A diagnostic key is provided for field identification of the types based upon presence and number of indicator species, and forest managers could prepare a map of habitat type and classify forest habirat types by reference to it. 3. The classified habitat types were considered to be effective on providing an objective principle of guide for multipurpose management of forest including potential productivity for timber, feed productivity of forage and wildlife, selection of the right species in the right sites, application of method of treatment and so forth. 4. Forest habitat type classifications based upon extrapolation which used relict species and associated stands is considered to be suitable for korean forest circumstances and objective in studying potential vegetation, vertical and horizontal distribution of forest.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.453-463
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• 1996

Diurnal changes of microclimatic conditions and tissue water relations were measured at two sites where Carpinus laxiflora and C. cordata were allopatrically distributed. The microclimatic conditions at a site where C. laxiflora was distributed produced severe water stress condition during summer months. Daily maximum temperature reached $30.4^\circC$ and the highest vapor pressure deficit was 1.31 KPa when 13 rainless days were continued. During this period soil water content decreased to below the field capacity even at a depth of 20 cm and xylem pressure potential also decreased to ­2.04 MPa. However, turgor potential was maintained more than 0.4 MPa. Patterns of stomatal conductance were changed with evaporative demand and soil water availability. On the other hand, microclimatic conditions at a site where C. cordata was distributed were moderate water strees condition compared with those at a site C. laxiflora was distributed. Though soil water content was maintained above field capacity C. cordata showed a remarkable decrease in turgor potential and stomatal conductance throughout the experiment. These results indicate that there is a difference in habitat characteristics between the two species and C. laxiflora is more resistant than C. cordata to water stress.

• Journal of Species Research
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.246-254
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• 2021

Subalpine and alpine ecosystems are especially vulnerable to temperature increases. Betula ermanii Cham. (Betulaceae) is a dominant broad-leaved tree species in the subalpine zone and is designated as a 'Climate-sensitive Biological Indicator Species' in South Korea. This study aimed to predict the potential distribution of B. ermanii under current and future climate conditions in South Korea using the MaxEnt model. The species distribution models showed an excellent fit (AUC=0.99). Among the climatic variables, the most critical factors shaping B. ermanii distribution were identified as the maximum temperature of warmest month (Bio5; 64.8%) and annual mean temperature (Bio1; 20.3%). Current potential habitats were predicted in the Baekdudaegan mountain range and Mt. Hallasan, and the area of suitable habitat was 1531.52 km², covering 1.57% of the Korean Peninsula. With global warming, future climate scenarios have predicted a decrease in the suitable habitats for B. ermanii. Under RCP8.5-2070s, in particular, habitat with high potential was predicted only in several small areas in Gangwon-do, and the total area suitable for the species decreased by up to 97.3% compared to the current range. We conclude that the dominant factor affecting the distribution of B. ermanii is temperature and that future temperature rises will increase the vulnerability of this species.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.193-204
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• 2014

The distribution of animals is affected by habitat selection, and habitat type and prey resource are important factors affecting their survival. This study was conducted to investigate the distribution pattern of the Red-tongue viper snake (Gloydius ussuriensis) with respect to altitude, habitat type and distribution of potential prey resource in Cheon-ma mountain, Korea. The study area of Cheon-ma mountain was separated into three altitude categories (low, middle, and high altitude) and the habitat types were categorized according to presence or absence of aquatic ecosystem and the preferred habitat in relation to altitude was determined. The distribution pattern of Red-tongue viper snakes was significantly different according to altitude and habitat type: they were mainly distributed at low altitude and in the water valleys. The distribution pattern of the Red-tongue viper snake correlated with that of amphibians. The analyses of microhabitat use of the Red-tongue viper snake and amphibians showed that their microhabitat types were not different significantly in water valleys. In conclusion, Red-tongue viper snakes were mainly distributed in the water valleys at low altitude and this is because amphibians are important as potential prey of the Red-tongue viper snake in Cheon-ma mountain.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.122-132
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• 2021

We reviewed the methods employed in Korean tidal flat surveys to measure the local abundance of the endangered wildlife and marine protected species, the fiddler crab, Austruca lactea. A complete census for infinite population is impossible even in a limited habitat within a tidal flat, and density estimates from samples strongly vary due to diverse biological and ecological factors. The habitat boundaries and areas shift with periodicities or rhythmic activities of organisms as well as measurement errors. Hence the local abundance calculated from density and habitat areas should be regarded as transient. This conjecture was valid based on the spatio-temporal variations of the density averages, standard error ranges, and spatial distribution of the crab, A. lactea observed for 3 years (2015-2017) in Songdo tidal flat in Incheon. We proposed the potential habitat areas using the occurrence probability of 50% from logistic regression model, reflecting the importance of habitat conservation value as an alternative to local abundance. The spatial shape of potential habitat predicted from a generalized model would remain constant over time unless the species' critical environmental conditions change rapidly. The species-specific model is expected to be used for the introduction of desired species in future habitat restoration/creation projects.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2023

Alien species are known to threaten regional biodiversity globally, which has increased global interest regarding introduction of alien species. The Ministry of Environment of Korea designated species that have not yet been introduced into the country with potential threat as alert alien species to prevent damage to the ecosystem. In this study, potential habitats of Esox lucius and Maccullochella peelii, which are predatory and designated as alert alien fish, were predicted on a national basis. Habitat suitability was evaluated using EHSM (Ecological Habitat Suitability Model), and water temperature data were input to calculate Physiological Habitat Suitability (PHS). The prediction results have shown that PHS of the two fishes were mainly controlled by heat or cold stress, which resulted in biased habitat distribution. E. lucius was predicted to prefer the basins at high latitudes (Han and Geum River), while M. peelii preferred metropolitan areas. Through these differences, it was expected that the invasion pattern of each alien fish can be different due to thermal preference. Further studies are required to enhance the model's predictive power, and future predictions under climate change scenarios are required to aid establishing sustainable management plans.