• Journal of Species Research
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.532-535
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• 2020

A total of 527 species of birds have been recorded in Korea. We summarize the records of three genera and six species that have been newly reported in Korea, discovered through the avian monitoring programs carried out by The National Institute of Biological Resources from 2013 to 2016. These six newly recorded species are; Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris), Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis), Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola), Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus), Mongolian Lark (Melanocorypha mongolica) and Crested Myna (Acridotheres cristatellus). One Ring-necked Duck was observed on March 23, 2014 in Jungrangcheon Stream. One male Lesser Scaup was recorded on February 24, 2014 in Gyeongpoho Lagoon. A male bufflehead was first seen in Yeongrangho Lagoon on January 26, 2013. The Black-winged Kite was first observed on January 23, 2013 at the Gangseo Wetland Ecological Park. One Mongolian Lark was also recorded on May 11, 2016 and May 12, 2017 in Marado Island. The Crested Myna was first observed on April 20, 2016 in Seomando, Island.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.389-398
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• 2006

To examine sediment characteristics and find anthropogenic effects on riverine wetland ecosystems, paleoecological study was carried out at Bam islands in Seoul. Three hundred cm deep sediment cores were retrieved and dated with the lamination analysis method until 36 cm depth (1986). Sediments were divided into three zones based on the depth profiles of physico-chemical variables: below 160 cm depth (before 1968), between 160 and 40cm depths and above 40cm depth (after 1986). Physico-chemical characteristics were very variable between 160 and 40cm depths and this indicates unstable sedimentation environment. Even though heavy metal concentrations were relatively low, Cd and As contents have increased continuously. Dry mass accumulation rates during $1968{\sim}1986\;and\;1987{\sim}2003$ were 140 and $21\;kg\;m^{-2}\;yr^{-1}$, respectively. This was related to flooding intensity and duration. Bulk density, water content, loss on ignition, N, C, C/N ratio were very similar to other river delta but Ca, Na and K contents were 2 to 4 times higher than others. Heavy metal contents except Pb were lower or similar to those in other studied marshes in Korea. Heavy metal and Mg contents were correlated with each other and this suggests that the source of heavy metals be parent rock. From $^{13}C$ dating dates of organic materials in sediment, it is suggested that organic matter originated from the watershed and flooding intensity in the watershed might be responsible for the source of sediments. This study provides reference data for the comparison of sediment characteristics at islands in river and for the management of Bam islands.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.63-76
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• 2020

This study was conducted to quantitatively evaluate and analyze the alternative habitats using the HSI(Habitat Suitability Index) model of Lutra lutra in Banbyeoncheon Stream. Six variables were selected as habitat variables for Lutra lutra, including distance from waterfront, land cover within 1km from waterfront, presence of alluvial island, area of inland water and wetland, distance from roads and urbanized arid areas, and distance from aquaculture farm. The SI(Suitability Index) model and HSI model were developed based on the existing literature of Lutra lutra, the results of field surveys and expert opinions, and applied to the alternative habitats to examine the applicability of the HSI model. The results of this study can provide information on habitat evaluation to prevent the extinction of endangered Lutra lutra. In particular, it is highly applicable to the selection and evaluation of alternative habitats for Lutra lutra.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.168-177
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• 2015

BACKGROUND: In recent year, there has been great concern regarding agricultural land uses and their importance for the conservation of biodiversity. Rice fields are managed unique wetland for wildlife, especially waterbirds. A comprehensive monitoring of the waterbird assemblage to understand patterning changes was attempted for rice ecosystem in South Korea. This rice ecosystem has been recognized as one of the most important for waterbirds conservation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biweekly monitoring was implemented for the 4 years from April 2009 to March 2010, from April 2011 to March 2014. 32 species of waterbirds were observed. Self-organizing map (SOM) and random forest were applied to the waterbirds dataset to identify the characteristics in waterbirds distribution. SOM and random forest analysis clearly classified into four clusters and extract ecological information from waterbird dataset. Waterbird assemblages represented strong seasonality and habitat use according to waterbird group such as shorebirds, herons and waterfowl. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the combination of SOM and random forest analysis could be useful for ecosystem assessment and management. Furthermore, we strongly suggested that a strict management strategy for the rice fields to conserve the waterbirds. The strategy could be seasonally and species specific.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.31-42
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• 2019

Background: Han River estuary is a national wetland reserve near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between South Korea and North Korea. This trans-boundary estuary area has been well preserved and shows distinctive plant communities along the salinity gradient. To elucidate energy flows and nutrient cycling in this area, we studied trophic relations between the dominant sesarmid crab, Sesarma dehaani, and food sources in three wetlands with different environments along the estuarine gradients. Results: Stable isotope signatures (${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$) of the crabs were significantly different among the sites and body size classes. Seasonal changes in ${\delta}^{13}C$ of small crabs were distinct from those of large individuals at all the sites. The isotopic values and fatty acid profiles of the crabs were more different among the sites in September than in May. In May, large-sized crabs utilized more plant materials compared to other dietary sources in contrast to small-sized crabs as revealed by a stable isotope mixing modeling, whereas contributions to diets of crabs were not dominated by a specific diet for different body size in September except at site 1. Based on PCA loadings, fatty acid content of $18:3{\omega}3$, known as a biomarker of plant materials, was the main factor to separate size groups of crabs in May and September. The ${\delta}^{13}C$ value of sediment had high correlation with those of small-sized crabs at site 1 and 2 when 1-month time lag was applied to the value for crabs during the surveyed period. Conclusions: Based on the stable isotope and fatty acid results, the consumption habits of S. dehaani appear to be distinguished by sites and their size. In particular, smaller size of S. dehaani appears to be more dependent on fewer food sources and is influenced more by the diet sources from the sediments in Han River estuary.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.314-319
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• 2019

Background: The dramatic worldwide decline in the butterfly species Leptalina unicolor (Bremer & Grey) is largely the result of continuous habitat decline and disturbance by humans. The discovery of a narrow habitat in riverside wetlands utilized by L. unicolor raises the hope that such restricted key areas could be rather easily protected. Results: Here, we explain the environmental variables and habitat characteristics that primarily influence the distribution of L. unicolor discovered at the riverside areas along the Geum River. L. unicolor larvae were found at 9 of 13 study sites, and their abundance was strongly positively correlated with plant biomass. Our investigation showed that among four plant species (Miscanthus sinensis, Spodiopogon cotulifer, Setaria viridis, and Imperata cylindrica), L. unicolor larvae were the most abundant on the leaves of M. sinensis. They were not abundant on the leaves of S. cotulifer, S. viridis, or I. cylindrica. Interestingly, the number of L. unicolor larvae was positively correlated with the coverage area ($m^2$) of M. sinensis (F = 41.7, $r^2=0.74$, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: It appears that water (e.g., wetlands, ponds, and watersides) located along the riverside areas along the Geum River is important for the constant maintenance and conservation of L. unicolor. This is based on the habitat characteristics (water preference) of M. sinensis, which is used as a habitat by L. unicolor larvae. However, the waterside is dry and terrestrialization is in progress owing to the decreased water levels and water supply caused by an opened weir. Hereafter, this area will likely require management to secure a stable habitat for L. unicolor.

• Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.103-116
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• 2021

In this study, the characteristics of rural tourism image perceived by urban residents were analyzed through text analysis of blog data. In order to examine the images related to rural tourism, blog data written with the keyword "Gochang-gun travel" was used. LDA topic analysis, one of the text mining techniques, was used for the analysis. In the tourism image of Gochang-gun, 9 topics were derived, and 112 major places appeared. This was divided into 3 main activities and 5 object spaces through the review of keywords and the original text of blog data. As a result of the analysis, the traditional main resources of the region, Seonun mountain, Seonun temple, and Gochang-eup fortress, formed topic. On the other hand, world heritage such as dolmen and Ungok wetland did not appear as topic. In particular, the farms operated by the private sector form individual topics, and the theme farm can be seen as an important resource for tourism in Gochang-gun. Also, through the distribution of place keywords, it was possible to understand the characteristics of travel by region and the usage behavior of visitors. In the case of Gochang-gun, there was a phenomenon in which visitors were biased by region. This seems to be the result of Gochang-gun seeking to vitalize local tourism focusing on natural, ecological, and scenic resources. It is necessary to establish a plan for balanced regional development and develop other types of tourism resources. This study is different in that it identified the types and characteristics of rural tourism images in the region perceived by visitors, and the status of tourism at the regional level.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.88-96
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• 2021

Background: Sika deer, Cervus nippon, were originally introduced to South Korea from Japan and Taiwan for commercial farming purposes. Unfortunately, they were released into the wild during religious events and have since begun to impact the native ecosystem and species endemic to South Korea. The study of activity patterns can improve our understanding of the environmental impact of non-native species and their association with sympatric species. Using camera traps, we studied the diel and seasonal activity patterns of non-native sika deer and quantified the temporal overlap with sympatric mammalian species in the Muljangori-oreum wetlands of Hallasan National Park, South Korea. Results: A total of 970 trap events were recorded for five mammalian species from nine locations during the camera-trap survey. Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus) had the highest number of recorded events (72.0%), followed by sika deer (Cervus nippon) (16.2%), wild boar (Sus scrofa) (5.0%), Asian badger (Meles leucurus) (4.5%), and the Jeju weasel (Mustela sibirica quelpartis) (2.0%). Sika deer had bimodal activity patterns throughout the year, with peaks throughout the spring-autumn twilight, and day and night time throughout the winter. Relating the daily activity of sika deer with other mammalian species, roe deer expressed the highest degree of overlap (Δ₄ = 0.80) while the Asian badger demonstrated the lowest overlap (Δ₄ = 0.37). Conclusions: Our data show that sika deer are a crepuscular species with seasonal variations in daily activity patterns. Additionally, we identified the temporal differences in activity peaks between different mammals in the Muljangori-oreum wetlands and found higher degree of overlap between sika deer and roe deer during twilight hours.

• Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.43-54
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• 2021

This study analysed changes in rural tourism between before and after COVID-19 using LDA topic analysis. In order to understand the changes in rural tourism, blog data including the keyword 'Gochang-gun travel' was used. As a result of LDA topic analysis with blog data retrieved, the study found nine topics in 2019 and 2020. 2019 and 2020 are, generally, consistent in topics, but the three topics related to rural experiential tourism that appeared in 2019 did not appear in 2020. In 2020, three new topics emerged: Beach vacations and campings. New travel activities of noncontact with other people(Untact tourism in Korean context) in the COVID-19 era, and The negative impacts on travel businesses and behaviours from COVID-19. Especially, the adverse effects of COVID-19 have made an enormous decline in rural experience tourism destinations and cancellation of local festivals. On the other hand, new tourism activities have emerged due to COVID-19. Those activities have included camping, drive-thru destinations, and cycling. Ecological and natural tourist sites such as Ungok Wetland, Seonunsan Mountain, Seonunsa Temple, and Gusipo Beach appeared. These tourist destinations have a quiet atmosphere and less density place noncontacting with other people when visiting. Also, because overseas travel has become difficult, long-term stay travel in rural areas has appeared. This study indicates that COVID-19 has less impacted rural tourism than other tourism destinations with these positive and negative impacts.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.161-171
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• 2022

Background: Epilobium hirsutum L. is designated as an endangered plant in South Korea located in Asia, due to the destruction of its habitats through the development of wetlands. Therefore, in this study, in order to find a light condition suitable for the growth and ecophysiological responses of Epilobium hirsutum L., those of this plant under treatment with various light qualities in a smart farm were measured. Results: In order to examine the changes in the physiological and growth responses of Epilobium hirsutum L. according to the light qualities, the treatment with light qualities of the smart farm was carried out using the red light: blue light irradiation time ratios of 1:1, 1:1/2, and 1:1/5 and a red light: blue light: white light irradiation time ratio of 1:1:1. As a result, the ecophysiological responses (difference between leaf temperature and atmospheric temperature, transpiration rate, net photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO₂ partial pressure, photosynthetic quantum efficiency) to light qualities appeared differently according to the treatments with light qualities. The increase in the blue light ratio increased the difference between the leaf temperature and the atmospheric temperature and the photosynthetic quantum efficiency and decreased the transpiration rate and the intercellular CO₂ partial pressure. On the other hand, the white light treatment increased the transpiration rate and intercellular CO₂ partial pressure and decreased the temperature difference between the leaf temperature and the ambient temperature and photosynthetic quantum efficiency. Conclusions: The light condition suitable for the propagation by the stolons, which are the propagules of Epilobium hirsutum L., in the smart farm, is red, blue and white mixed light with high net photosynthetic rates and low difference between leaf temperature and atmospheric temperature.