• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.76-85
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• 2023

This study aimed to understand social interactions by observing the courtship and attack behavior between individuals of 15 (6 females and 9 males) Reeves' turtle (Mauremys reevesii) in captivity in the Wolchulsan National Park. CCTV was installed in the study area from May 18, 2020 to October 19, 2020 and recorded 3 days a week (24 hours/day) for a total of 64 days and analyzed at intervals of 10 minutes per hour. Male turtle courtship was observed 884 times in total, with the heaviest females receiving the highest courtship frequency (357 times) and the smallest females receiving the least courtship (3 times). Of a total of observed 259 aggressive behaviors, 30 were for female to female, 81 for male to male, and 148 for female to male. Dominance hierarchy identified based on the result ranked females higher overall than males, and the larger the body, the higher the ranking. This study was the first in Korea to confirm individuals with high probability of reproduction through the frequency of courtship in the Reeves' turtle and investigate dominance hierarchy according to attack behavior. Our results can be used as reference behavioral data for managing and protecting the endangered Reeves' turtles and will help us understand their social structure.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.160-167
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• 2024

The amphibians serve as environmental indicator species warning of threats from pollution and development, and information regarding their body condition and surrounding habitat can be utilized as crucial indicators for assessing ecosystem health. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in body condition and the climate environments according to the season and sex of Class II endangered Kaloula borealis. A total of 53 surveys were conducted from June to October 2018, targeting frogs inhabiting the Godeok-dong area of Gangdong-gu, Seoul. Using the weight and length of each individual, the body condition index (SMI, Scaled mass index) was calculated. Results showed a total capture of 396 individuals, consisting of 235 males and 161 females. Females exhibited longer SVL and greater weight compared to males, with higher body condition indices. Monthly body condition indices were lower for males in June, while no differences were observed between males and females from July to September. Among the climate environments where females and males appeared, environmental variables related to precipitation and humidity showed differences. These research findings are deemed crucial for providing fundamental information to ascertain suitable habitats for Kaloula borealis and selecting alternative habitats due to developmental impacts in the future.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.388-408
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• 2022

This study was conducted to select the indicator species (plant) according to the topographical characteristics in the Picea jezoensis forests, endangered subalpine coniferous trees. In South Korea and China (close to Baekdusan), the southern tree line limit of Picea jezoensis has meaningful geographical and latitudinal values for analyzing the ecological characteristics of P. jezoensis forests. Latitude greatly affects the geographical values of plant ecology, and the difference in latitude and habitat affects the change in species composition in forests. With prolonged environmental change, the habitat of subalpine plants will become smaller, and the plants may become extinct. As the P. jezoensis forests of South Korea and China, in particular, are in danger of disappearing without protection, it is important to monitor the population and develop a conservation strategy. Eighty-seven circular plots were established in P. jezoensis forests in South Korea and China. Through processes such as MRPP-test and NMS ordination, indicator species were selected based on this, and basic data for biodiversity assessment were presented. As a result of the Indicator Species Analysis (ISA), 5 taxa were selected from the upperstory vegetation and 18 taxa from the understory vegetation at the altitude(p<0.05). Indicator species by aspect were analyzed as 3 taxa for upperstory vegetation and 16 taxa for understory vegetation (p<0.05). In the case of indicator species according to the slope, 6 taxa for upper vegetation and 24 taxa for understory vegetation were selected(p<0.05). As for the indicator species according to their habitat, 8 taxa in upper vegetation and 65 taxa on understory vegetation were selected. As a result of MRPP-test, it was analyzed that the species composition was heterogeneous in the group of understory vegetation than that of upperstory vegetation. As a result of NMS ordination, the correlation with environmental factors of indicator species was analyzed by rock exposure for upperstory vegetation and latitude for understory vegetation (cut off level=0.3).

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2018

The objective of this study was to identify the effects of farming practices on the Misgurnus anguillicaudatus population, including their habitat characteristics, length frequency and the length-weight relationships of M. anguillicaudatus population; this study investigated the differences of the population living in environment-friendly (EFP) and conventional paddy fields (CP). As the result of age distribution by length frequency of M. anguillicaudatus, the EFP showed various age distributions which were not present in the CP. In particular, the age $0^+$ (28-51 mm) of individuals in the CP were significantly lower than those in the EFP. In May, the number of individuals was similar in CP and EFP, which led to the assumption that the M. anguillicaudatus population living in a shallow depth was killed by rotary and tillage works. The regression coefficient (b) in relation to the length-weight of M. anguillicaudatus population was 3.0, which appeared relatively stable as a habitat condition in the CP and EFP, except in June. The condition factor for M. anguillicaudatus population in the CP and the EFP showed a relatively stable monthly population, except in June which was likely to be influenced by the stress to lay their eggs or chemicals such as the use of pesticides. This change of habitat characteristics and length-weight relationship on M. anguillicaudatus population in rice paddy fields was influenced by farming practices as well as the time of year.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.663-672
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• 2014

In Korea and the Philippines, as well as all over the world, with the recognition of the importance of marine ecological resources, the marine protected areas(MPA) have been established and managed to protect and preserve these resources. While the number of marine protected areas for marine ecological resources protection has been increased, there is main problem that the most of MPAs do not achieve their intended management objectives. the effective management. Because of the positive and negative impacts on local communities and fishermen as direct stockholders, there has been ongoing debate on the pros and cons of implementing MPAs. Accordingly, this research conducted a case study of establishing Marine Protected Areas in Guimaras, Philippines because Philippines fisheries code of 1998 (Republic Act 8550), which is enacted to manage, conserve and protect fishery resources, obliged local governments to designate no less than 15% of jurisdictional municipal water as fisheries resource protection areas for a long time. To do this, a dichotomous-choice contingent-valuation survey was conducted in the two municipalities of Guimaras, Philippines to investigate public opinion in debates over MPAs and to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for MPAs to protect and conserve marine habitats for fishery resources. Because of the expected economic costs by prohibiting fishing activities within the establishing newMPA, 58.7% of respondents thought the costs should be compensated, but 91.4% respondents voted in favor of increasing MPAs for fisheries resources as a protective measure. Finally, with Contingent Valuation Method(CVM), the aggregate mean WTP (375.5ha) of San Lorenzo and Sibunag residents in Guimaras Province, Philippines for establishing the additional MPA in their municipality waters was estimated to $1,046,791. Therefore, these findings could be used as a valuable data for establishing effective management plan of MPAs in Korea.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.59-69
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• 2000

Environmental factors and phytoplankton community have been bimonthly investigated in order to clarify the bioecological characteristics of coral habitats around Moonsom at the southern Cheju Island from September 1995 to July 1996. Annual mean temperature and annual mean salinity were $17.4^{\circ}C$ and 34.06 psu, respectively, showing lower temperature-higher salinity in winter and higher temperature-lower salinity in summer, which means such conditions are inadequate for coral reef formation. Nutrient concentrations represent that total nitrogen ranged from $0.07{\sim}10.08\;{\mu}M$, phosphate from $0.05{\sim}1.70\;{\mu}M$, and silicate from $3.08{\sim}21.86\;{\mu}M$. The N/P ratio showed the range of 9.59-10.60 with decreasing offshore-ward, which means the phytoplankton community could be limited by nitrogen sources. Annual mean euphotic depth was 32.0m (18.9m-48.6m) with difference according to season and reveals the close relationship with the depth of coral distribution. Chlorophyll a concentrations of phytoplankton ranged from $0.12{\sim}1.51\;{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$ and standing crops from $1.5{\times}10^3{\sim}7.0{\times}10^5\;cells\;L^{-1}$, showing higher at inshore than at offshore with a blooming in May. A total of 128 species of phytoplankton occurred in all stations, representing 99 spp. of diatoms, 26 spp. of dinoflagellates, 2 spp. of silicoflagellates and 1 sp. of blue-green algae. Diatoms are main taxa in all seasons except for occupying by dinoflagellates in summer. Among dominant species, fParalia sulcata (Ehrenberg) Cleve and Cylindrotheca closterium (Ehrenberg) Lewin & Reimann were predominant and are likely to be main food sources for coral community. Annual mean species diversity index (H') was 1.84, showing lower than around the coast line of Cheju Island.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.48-57
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• 2024

Distribution status and extinction threat evaluation of an endangered species, Cobitis choii, were investigated from 2015 to 2019. In 2015 and 2018, we investigated past appearance sites of C. choii. In 2015, 163 individuals from nine sites were collected by surveying 19 stations. In 2018, 19 individuals from five sites were collected by surveying 22 sites. In 2019, 156 individuals from 12 sites were collected as a result of a survey of 79 sites of past appearance and potential appearance of C. choii. Appearance regions were Mihocheon (Baekgokcheon (2 sites), Chopyeongcheon (1 sites)), Gapcheon (3 sites), Yugucheon (2 sites), Jicheon (4 sites), and Geumgang mainstream (2 sites). Among these appearing regions, Baekgokcheon, Yugucheon, and Mihocheon mainstreams showed a sharp decline in population. Baekgokcheon was estimated to have a habitat change due to a project to raise the bank of Baekgok Reservoir. Yugucheon was estimated to have a habitat disturbance due to flood-induced collapse and reconstruction of weir. Mihocheon mainstream was estimated to have water pollution and habitat disturbance. On the other hand, Chopyeongcheon and Geumgang mainstream were newly habitat identified and Gapcheon was noted to show an increase in the number of individuals. After performing extinction threat evaluation, C. choii was evaluated as Endangered (EN A2ac) due to its rapid population decline (more than 50%) in its habitats of Baekgokcheon, Yugucheon, and Mihocheon based on criteria A, while it was evaluated as Vulnerable (VU B1ab (iii,v) +B2ab +B2ab (iii,v)) due to its narrow extent of occurrence (EOO, 1,735 km²) and area of occupancy (AOO, 36 km²) in 6 locations with a continuous population decline based on criteria B. Therefore, the final threat of extinction grade was evaluated as Endangered (EN A2ac). In Baekgokcheon, Yugucheon, and Mihocheon mainstream where the population has declined rapidly recently, conservation measures are urgently required to increase its population.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.98-109
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• 2011

Habitat restoration initiative is an important factor for the on-site preservation of butterflies. A new habitat necessitates the investigation of the ecology of the butterfly, the landscape of the habitat, the work process, and a cost analysis. In this study, these factors were analyzed through1) re-consideration of the secured results from three years of field work, and 2) a habitat area estimation conducted according to the presence or absence of larvae and adults via a Parnassius bremeri Bremer survey. The investigation of the natural habitat, done for both larvae and adult butterflies found in South Korea, suggested that multiple patches with a minimum size exceeding $300m^2$ and with an average size of about $1,600m^2$were required for survival of this butterfly. Therefore, more than five patches should be considered for butterfly habitat and patches should have similarity to the present habitat environment with transplantation plans for diet plants and honeydew plants. In addition, to activate the migration of the butterfly, cutting down trees that are obstacles to migration, minimizing the distance between patches and the addition of a stepping patch are also required. A patch connectivity analysis showed that patches should be located within 300m of neighboring patches, as the migration of the butterfly will fail if it is more than 600m. Additionally, more than $10,000m^2$ for a single patch or a patch network composed more than five patches over $1,600m^2$ in size were recommended, with a total patch size of $8,000m^2$. Additionally, neighboring multiple patch networks are more desirable than a single habitat in the event a cyclic habitat pattern arises. In this study, we suggest a habitat restoration and optimal prerequisites for a butterfly habitat. It is expected that this research will lead to the creation of a good model for the restoration of butterfly species.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2020

This study aims to evaluate the effect of artificial facilities constructed afterthe release of the civilian controlled zone (CCZ) in Cheorwon on the inhabitation of cranes. The study site was released from the CCZ in 2012, and several barns have been built since 2017. The average number of Red-crowned Cranes was 9.3±4.3 individuals (±Standard Deviation) in the period before the release of the CCZ from 2009 to 2012, and it decreased by ca. one third of Red-crowned Crane's average individuals were showing 3.5±0.5 individuals after release. The average number of White-naped Cranes also appeared to be decreased by ca. 90% from 63.3±24.6 to 6.0±6.0 individuals. This results suggest that the construction of greenhouses and barns after the releasing of the CCZ affected the decrease of the population of these two crane species. In the case of Red-crowned Crane, the core area tended to move away from the area where barns were built. However, the distribution range of Red-crowned Cranes did not change significantly we expected because the study area was not their favorite place since 2012 when the area was released from the CCZ. The density of the White-naped Crane was relatively high even in the area where greenhouses were built, but after 2017 when the barn was built intensively, core habitat of crane became shrink and fragmented. These results suggest that both Red-crowned Cranes and White-naped Cranes response sensitively against habitat change due to the construction of barns. Since the release of the CCZ, the construction of the greenhouse has been influenced on the distribution of cranes, but subsequently, the construction of the barn seems to have caused a bigger change in their core habitat because the passage of people to barns is more frequent than the greenhouses.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.333-343
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• 2015

This research aims at identifying the goshawk's possible and replaceable breeding ground by using the MaxEnt prediction model which has so far been insufficiently used in Korea, and providing evidence to expand possible protection areas for the goshawk's breeding for the future. The field research identified 10 goshawk's nests, and 23 appearance points confirmed during the 3rd round of environmental research were used for analysis. 4 geomorphic, 3 environmental, 7 distance, and 9 weather factors were used as model variables. The final environmental variables were selected through non-parametric verification between appearance and non-appearance coordinates identified by random sampling. The final predictive model (MaxEnt) was structured using 10 factors related to breeding ground and 7 factors related to appearance area selected by statistics verification. According to the results of the study, the factor that affected breeding point structure model the most was temperature seasonality, followed by distance from mixforest, density-class on the forest map and relief energy. The factor that affected appearance point structure model the most was temperature seasonality, followed by distance from rivers and ponds, distance from agricultural land and gradient. The nature of the goshawk's breeding environment and habit to breed inside forests were reflected in this modeling that targets breeding points. The northern central area which is about $189.5 km^2$(2.55 %) is expected to be suitable breeding ground. Large cities such as Cheongju and Chungju are located in the southern part of Chungcheongbuk-do whereas the northern part of Chungcheongbuk-do has evenly distributed forests and farmlands, which helps goshawks have a scope of influence and food source to breed. Appearance point modeling predicted an area of $3,071 km^2$(41.38 %) showing a wider ranging habitat than that of the breeding point modeling due to some limitations such as limited moving observation and non-consideration of seasonal changes. When targeting the breeding points, a specific predictive area can be deduced but it is difficult to check the points of nests and it is impossible to reflect the goshawk's behavioral area. On the other hand, when targeting appearance points, a wider ranging area can be covered but it is less accurate compared to predictive breeding point since simple movements and constant use status are not reflected. However, with these results, the goshawk's habitat can be predicted with reasonable accuracy. In particular, it is necessary to apply precise predictive breeding area data based on habitat modeling results when enforcing an environmental evaluation or establishing a development plan.