• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2001

Chlorophyll fluorescence of needles of Korean fir (Abies koreana) plants and environmental factors of their natural habitat were investigated in order to obtain the information for environmental adaptation and conservation of Korean fir plants. The photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, Fv/Fm, of Korean fir needles was significantly low (0.19-0.36) in the winter, whereas it was high (0.8-0.86) in the summer. The Fv/Fm value of the winter was slightly higher at mid-day than at dawn, suggesting that mid-day environmental conditions of the winter were favorable on needles of Korean fir plants. In contrast, the mid-day Fv/Fm value of the summer maintained high (around 0.8). It indicates that mid-day environmental conditions of the summer did not induce photodamage, although it caused a slight decrease in the Fv/Fm values. The non-photochemical fluorescence quenching (NPQ) of Korean fir needles was very low (0-0.01) all through the day in the winter. However, it was high (0.76) at mid-day in the summer. These results suggest that Korean fir plants have a system for the protection of PS II from mid-day environmental stresses of the summer. In the winter, the Fv/Fm values were positively correlated with temperature, light intensity and relative humidity, although NPQ values showed no correlation with any of them. In the summer, the Fv/Fm values were positively correlated with relative humidity but negatively correlated with temperature and light intensity. These results indicate that increase of tempera-ture, light intensity and relative humidity lead to promotion of the photochemical efficiency in the winter and high temperature and light intensity may cause photoinhibition in the summer.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.697-704
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• 2014

Mt. Hallasan in Jejudo has been well known as a habitat for both northern and southern limited butterflies and attracts the interests of many lepidopterists. In this study, the line transect method was used to monitor the community and similarity of butterflies monthly monitoring from May to September 2013, and the results were compared with the previous data. Through monitoring, 3,397 individuals in 26 species of 5 families were found in the present study. The monitored individuals belonging to 4 species (Aphantopus hyperantus, Eumenis autono, Lethe diana and Melanargia epimede) was 2,578 (75.9%), showing the prevalent species among the butterflies observed in the grassy area of the Mt. Hallasan. The butterflies inhabiting Mt. Hallasan showed higher similarity in the area where the open grassy space and the crowns of tree layer coexist than in landscape consisting of solely the tree layer or open grassy space. The habitation of butterflies by heights showed the altitudes between 1,665 to 1,700 m, located beneath the Baekrokdam (the crater) of Mt. Hallasan, possessed the most species and individuals. And it was also observed that the species that previously inhabited the subalpine zone moved to the area of higher altitudes together with the species that previously inhabited rather lower altitudes than the subalpine zone.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.111 no.4
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• pp.538-547
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• 2022

In this study, the population and community structure of Berchemia berchemiaefolia stands located at Mt. Naeyon (Gyeongbuk, Korea) were quantified, and multivariate analysis was done to determine the correlations between vegetation group types and environmental factors and to have reference data for the conservation and restoration of this species. In total, there were 164 B. berchemiaefolia trees in Mt. Naeyon. The average DBH of the trees was 24.5 cm, forming a normal distribution. It rarely appeared in an understory vegetation height of 3 m. About37.1% of the trees were branched. B. berchemiaefolia stands were classified into two groups: B. berchemiaefolia-Quercus serrata community and B. berchemiaefolia-Carpinus laxiflora community. Canopy gap, organic matter, exchangeable Ca, and cation exchange capacity were the major site characteristics affecting the distribution pattern of the stands. Currently, B. berchemiaefolia trees dominate in Mt. Naeyon, but depending on different habitat positions, the species was in a natural successional stage to C. laxiflora or C. cordata, which is a shade-tolerant species.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.71-84
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• 2013

This study investigated some of the specific ecological characteristics Torreya nucifera forest and its health conditions so that was drawn from four different management strategies, such as Types A, B, C, and D, for protected areas of forest genetic resources. Type A refers to passive management which routinely keeps the current status of forests by removing competitive trees or curing damaged ones. Type B, as active one which improves Torreya nucifera forest, includes increase of soil pH and removal of Sasa borealis, Phyllostachys bambusoides, and deciduous broad-leaved trees such as Quercus variabilis, Carpinus tschonoskii et al.. Type C is another passive one which reduces soil acidity within Chamae cyparisobtusa forest and maintains the existing forests. Type D is another active one which decreases soil acidity and simultaneously reduces problems associated with competitive and invasive plants to nurture the young trees. At last, it is important to note that the protected areas for forest genetic resources need to be entitled to categories III(natural monument) or IV(habitat/species management area) in accordance with protected area management guidelines of IUCN.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.434-466
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• 2016

In order to illustrate the flora of vascular plants distributed in the Five West Sea Islands, the authors collected vascular plants intensively in Baengnyeongdo and Socheongdo from May 2015 to August 2015. Also, voucher specimens from the previous investigations (Daecheongdo, Yeonpyeongdo and Soyeonpyeongdo) deposited at the Korean National Arboretum (KH) were re-identified. All of them were comprised of 108 families, 420 genera, 728 species, 6 subspecies, 86 varieties and 14 forms, totally 834 taxa. There were 8 endemic taxa, 19 rare taxa, 27 taxa for floristically specific to Korean floral zone except the species of their 1st and 2nd degree, and 107 naturalized taxa among the collected plants. Owing to their unusual phytogeography and low number of populations, the taxa Rosa maximowicziana Regel, Allium anisopodium Ledeb., Bistorta pacifica (Petrov ex Kom.) Kom., Scorzonera austriaca subsp. glabra (Rupr.) Lipsch. & Krasch. ex Lipsch., Iris dichotoma Pall., Amsonia elliptica (Thunb.) Roem. & Schult. were considered the most important. Based on these results, it is clear that appropriate plants to conserve the natural habitat of the Five West Sea Islands must be made immediately.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.69-77
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• 2010

The Jeongdori windbreak forests of Wando island, located between the sea and the land, are very important as ecological succession areas that protect cultivated lands and fishing villages. Among the Jeongdori windbreak forests, the rocky seashore areas are occupied by Sageretia theezans mantle community, and their inner sections by sub-tree layers such as Ligustrum japonicum and Ligustrum obtusifolium. More specifically, the inner sections of the rocky seashore areas were found to be the habitat of Ligustrum japonicum-Quercus variabilis community, Ligustrum jarponicum-Viburnum erosum community, Ligustrum japonicum-Cinnamomum japonicum community, Cinnamomum japonicum-Carpinus tschonoskii community, and Pinus densiflora-Viburnum erosum community. The average height of tree layers of the Jeongdori windbreak forests is 10.3m, and the average diameter at breath height are 30.3cm. Though the windbreak forests was artificially made, it is now virtually natural forest and deserves protection for ecological reasons. Designated as a scenic spot 3, it is always in the danger of being damaged by frequent tourist visits. So the Jeongdori windbreak forest needs to be continuous maintenance and management by the National Park Service. Considering of the precious cultural treasures of the famous pebble stones covering Gugyedeung and the naturality of the Jeongdori windbreak forests, the Jeongdori windbreak forests as a scenic spot have to designated as the national monument in future and will preserve by the Cultural Properties Administration.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.375-391
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• 2015

Trees to arrest sand-shifting have been planted on most of coastal dunes in Korea and considered as conservative objects. However, we reconsider that the simplicity of these trees have hindered ecological roles of coastal dunes; geochemical cycle and habitats of endemic species in coastal ecosystem. We examined geochemical properties of sediments on Byunsuran dune field where is planted with pine trees. There are significant difference in properties between embryo dune sediments and foredune sediments, but there are not between foredune and secondary dune. There are no significant difference between pine forest sediments and mixed forest sediments. It is also not showed the difference between dune ridge sediments and swale sediments. Despite spatial diversity from appearance, geochemical properties are not linked with geomorphic and vegetational conditions because of dense planted trees on foredune. To recover natural properties of coastal dunes, we need to change the conservation scheme to increase geomorphic and ecological diversity.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 2011

Any significant inflow of fresh water due to flood or snow melting can rapidly reduce salinity at the bay. In such a case, the habitat environment in the sea near river mouth can be partly destroyed. Therefore, research to understand the salinity distribution quantitatively at the bay for the utilization of natural environment and for the inhabitant conservation must be very important. In this study, the investigation on the relationship between satellite image and turbidity is carried out first, and then the salinity distribution at the bay using the relationship between turbidity and salinity is derived. The main results are as follows. First the reappearance ability of RGB bands respectively of the satellite image is investigated, and then it was confirmed that the combination of band2 and band3 expressed best the movement characteristics of turbid water at the bay is chopped up into 4 small areas. Second the turbidity of river mouth is estimated using the travel time from the upward monitoring station to the river mouth. Finally the satellite image is converted into the salinity distribution by the correlation of salinity and turbidity. It is confirmed that the salinity distributions obtained from above three investigation methods are quite reasonable and clear.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.388-404
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• 2024

The focus of conserving plant diversity at the national level includes endemic species restricted to specific regions. This study thus aimed to investigate and evaluate the current distribution status of the Pulsatilla tongkangensis Y.N. Lee & T.C. Lee, one of Korea's endemic plants. The study also examined the vegetation environment of its habitat and assessed the structure of each population. Furthermore, the performance variable of each population was comparatively evaluated, and its annual growth characteristics were also observed. The distribution area of the P. tongkangensis is largely divided into limestone cliffs, ridge rocks, mountain peaks in limestone regions, and sandy soil areas resulting from weathering. Plants in the same distribution area were categorized based on their geographical location, which reflected their respective habitats. According to the population structure evaluated using the number of measured leaves numbers, the plants were categorized into stable and relatively unstable populations. A relatively young population was observed at the top of mountains and rocky ridges of limestone areas and sandy soil areas resulting from weathering. The number of mature individuals was the highest in the population observed around limestone cliffs. In contrast, the population near the top of the limestone mountain range had more leaves , but the plants were of short stature and had the fewest inflorescences. The individuals distributed in limestone cliffs grew, produced, and dispersed seeds for an extended period following establishment. The growth of individuals was limited due to environmental factors in the habitat of distribution areas, including ridges, mountain tops in limestone regions, and sandy soil areas resulting from weathering. It was assessed to have a comparatively brief life cycle compared to that of the plants found on limestone cliffs. P. tongkangensis began flowering in early spring, and both fruit maturation and seed dispersal were completed before the onset of summer. The habitats were determined to receive around seven hours of sunlight per day during the summer, which was considered suitable for establishing a life cycle for the P. tongkangensis, a species requiring strong sunlight for growth to establish and success in a dry environment. Considering the status data gathered from this study, the P. tongkangensis was classified as an endangered species (EN). In addition, the collected data are expected to provide important information for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Therefore, we proposed that the P. tongkangensis holds significant value as a core distribution site, given the observation of species with diverse characteristics on limestone cliffs in Pyeongchang-gun and Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.603-617
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• 2018

This study surveyed the diversity and community characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrates and freshwater fish, which are the main animal classifications in a hydro ecosystem, from May to September 2017 in the western plains of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The results showed a total of 125 species of benthic macroinvertebrates belonging to 66 families, 19 orders, and four phyla in the streams and wetlands. Among benthic macroinvertebrates, Coleoptera (27 spp.: 21.60%) was the largest group in terms of species richness followed by Odonata (26 spp.: 20.80%), non-Insecta (22 spp.: 17.60%), and Hemiptera (11 spp.: 8.80%) occupying in the lentic area. Of the feeding function groups (FFGs), predators (51 spp.: 56.67%) showed a relatively larger presence, indicating the dominance of hygrophilous invertebrates that usually inhabit the freshwater wetlands or ponds. Of the habitat oriented groups (HOGs), climbers (33 spp.: 24.44%) and burrowers (17 spp.: 12.59%) were the dominant groups. This observation is typical in a slow flowing habitat and can lead to the disturbance of the ecosystem due to cannibalism among predators. Cannibalism can be caused by stress induced by various population and environmental factors. For the ecosystem services benchmark (ESB) value, site 13 appeared to be the highest with 82 marks while other sites showed relatively lower rates and indices (III water quality class with ${\alpha}$-mesosaprobic). The analysis result of stability factors showed that almost all sites were evaluated to be the I characteristic group with high resilience and resistance or the III characteristic group that was sensitive to environmental disturbance and formed uneven and unstable communities. Of the freshwater fishes, 46 species (3,405 individuals) belonging to 39 families and 18 orders were identified in all the investigated sites. Among them, Cyprinidae (30 spp.: 65.2%) was the largest group, and Zacco koreanus was identified as the dominant species (728 individuals, 21.4%). The survey of freshwater fish communities found both stable communities (sites 7 and 13) with low dominant index (0.39) and high diversity index (2.29) and unstable communities (sites 2, 3, 8, and 10) in opposite tendency. This survey found five Korean endemic species, 17 species belonging to the export controlled species, two endangered species level II (Lethocerus deyrollei and Cybister chinensis), and rare species (Dytiscus marginalis czerskii) among benthic macroinvertebrates. The survey also found an invasive species, Ampullarius insularus, which was distributed throughout the whole area and thus can continuously disturb the ecosystem in the western plain area in the DMZ. Of freshwater fish, one natural monument (Hemibarbus mylodon) and three endangered species level II (Acheilognathus signifer, Gobiobotia macrocephalus, and G. brevibarba) were observed. The survey also found four introduced species (Pomacea canaliculate, Carassius cuvieri, Lepomis macrochirus, Micropterus salmoides) in the western DMZ area, indicating the need for the protection and conservation measures.