Analysis of the Main Habitat for Siberia Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus) Restoration in Mt. Odae National Park, Korea

오대산국립공원 지역에 멸종위기종인 사향노루 복원을 위한 주요 서식지 분석에 관한 연구

This study was conducted to obtain the basic information about Siberia Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus), and to establish a conservation area for the replacement of Siberia Musk Deer into Mt. Odea National Park, South Korea. We analyzed the main habitat for Siberia Musk Deer restoration in Mt. Odae National Park, Korea. We recorded Siberia Musk Deers' field signs (i.e., bedding sites, feeding areas, feces and tracks), and habitat variables such as nearest distance to the watercourse, trails, slope, aspect, forest type and land cover etc. from Dec. 2004 to Aug. 2007 in Mt. Jiri, Mt. Seorak, and Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Rocky areas, ridges, mixed coniferous forest (Red pine and Mongolian oak), southern and southeastern slope, elevation of above 800m, and distance from watercourse shorter than 300m etc. were dominant habitat types of Siberia Musk Deer. Based on the significant habitat types, a proper conservation plan should be prepared for the restoration of habitats in order to reintroduce, and to increase the population of Siberia Musk Deer in Mt. Odea National Park, South Korea. Small population size, and limited ecological data are the major constraints for the establishment of conservation areas. Furthermore, other anthropogenic factors including human activities, poaching, and residential area around the park caused the difficulties to qualify as a conservation area. For the successful establishment of conservation area in the future, it is recommended to conduct a comprehensive ecological research, and to survey human disturbances including their impacts on the habitats of Siberia Musk Deer in the Mt. Odea National Park.