• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.41-45
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• 2009

For last 150 years, blackbirds have moved from their ancestral habitat, the woodland edge, to man-made habitats such as farmland, parks and gardens. These alternative habitats have become one of main blackbird habitats. I compared density of nests and blackbirds in parks, woodland and campus of University of East Anglia to investigate habitat preference. Blackbirds preferred the area covered by $10\sim50%$ of tree or bush patches for their foraging and nesting sites. Blackbirds were more frequently found near buildings rather than far from buildings. Nest characteristics did not affect predation rate and nest preference. This study suggests that man-made habitats may be important for avoiding predation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Fisheries and Ocean Technology
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2022

As a series of basic research to draw the pilot design measures for developing the habitat apparatus of Sulculus diversicolor supertexta inhabiting the coastal area of Jeju island, this study conducted a water tank experiment to understand the habitat marine environment of Sulculus diversicolor supertexta and the preference of habitat space focusing on the research fisheries performing the discharge of marine products. In the composition degree of marine algae in both fisheries, Donggwi-ri showed the highest gulfweed (79.3%) as brown algae and there were some coralline algae (17.2%) as red algae. Hansu-ri yielded the highest gulfweed (48.1%) as brown algae, which was followed by sea lettuce (10.4%) as green algae. In the preference of habitat space, the shelter angles 40° showed the highest adhesion as number of 82.9, which was followed by 60° and 70° as 69.2 and 68.2 respectively (P<0.05) by reviewing the environmental characteristics of habit of Salculus diversicolor supertexta in the coastal fishery of Jeju Island, when considering the adhesion rate in each of five shelters with different angles. In the future, there should be continuous research and monitoring for designing the fish shelters suitable for the coastal fisheries of Jeju island, and it would be also necessary to add the field-centered sustainable concrete research.

• Communications for Statistical Applications and Methods
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.575-587
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• 2015

The development in data collection techniques results in high dimensional data sets, where discrimination is an important and commonly encountered problem that are crucial to resolve when high dimensional data is heterogeneous (non-common variance covariance structure for classes). An example of this is to classify microbial habitat preferences based on codon/bi-codon usage. Habitat preference is important to study for evolutionary genetic relationships and may help industry produce specific enzymes. Most classification procedures assume homogeneity (common variance covariance structure for all classes), which is not guaranteed in most high dimensional data sets. We have introduced regularized elimination in partial least square coupled with QDA (rePLS-QDA) for the parsimonious variable selection and classification of high dimensional heterogeneous data sets based on recently introduced regularized elimination for variable selection in partial least square (rePLS) and heterogeneous classification procedure quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA). A comparison of proposed and existing methods is conducted over the simulated data set; in addition, the proposed procedure is implemented to classify microbial habitat preferences by their codon/bi-codon usage. Five bacterial habitats (Aquatic, Host Associated, Multiple, Specialized and Terrestrial) are modeled. The classification accuracy of each habitat is satisfactory and ranges from 89.1% to 100% on test data. Interesting codon/bi-codons usage, their mutual interactions influential for respective habitat preference are identified. The proposed method also produced results that concurred with known biological characteristics that will help researchers better understand divergence of species.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.73-83
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• 2019

Background: Habitat selectivity and ecology of freshwater fishes were studied in two selected streams and their junction point which consist a total of 39 microhabitats. The aims of this study were to describe the habitat preference and its availability to fish assemblage, as well as ecology, habitat use, and habitat characteristics. Methods: We collected fish with backpack electrofishing three times during August 2013, December 2013, and March 2014. Using a variation partitioning approach of R software, we studied the relationship of fish abundances with stream type, habitat type, and abundance of key macroinvertebrate taxa. Results: A total of 6554 fishes representing four species belonging to the family Cyprinidae were caught. A higher total fish abundance was recorded from Gereb Tsedo (4870; 74.3%) than from Elala stream (1684; 25.7%). Taking both streams together, the overall total relative fish abundance was significantly higher in pools (53%) than in runs (35%) and in riffles (12%) at P < 0.05. Species-wise comparisons showed that 71%, 15%, 13%, and 1% of the pool fish community were occupied by Garra blanfordii, Garra ignestii, Garra dembecha, and Garra aethiopica, respectively. Stream type, habitat type, and key macroinvertebrate taxa each explained a significant proportion of the variation in fish abundance. Based on the variation partitioning approach, fish abundance was higher in Gereb Tsedo stream (P < 0.01). Moreover, fish abundance increased with pool habitat type (P < 0.01) and with availability of key macroinvertebrate taxa (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Fish abundance differed between stream types, among habitats and among key macroinvertebrate taxa availability. Among the factors, habitat type was the most important driving factor behind variation among fish abundances, and pool supports the highest fish abundance.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.52 no.spc2
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• pp.845-853
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• 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the habitat characteristics of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), which is one of exotic fishes in Korea. Based on field observation, the laboratory experiments were performed in order to investigate the relationship between water temperature and the habitat characteristics of largemouth bass. It was found that largemouth bass preferred a relatively high water temperature in winter and a low temperature in summer. When the small largemouth bass coexisted with large largemouth bass, the separation of habitats depending on the size of each largemouth bass are observed. In the separated habitat areas, it is also observed that the largemouth bass preferred vicinity of the obstacle such as boulder. From the experiments for preference between water temperature and obstacle, it was observed that a primary consideration in habitat selection was obstacles. It was also observed that when light device was turned on, largemouth bass formed a new habitat.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.275-283
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• 2015

Habitat characteristics and feeding ecology of Iksookimia pacifica were investigated in this study to provide baseline data for its ecological characteristics in Bukcheon (stream), Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea. The main inhabit of I. pacifica was found to be sand bottoms of Bb or Bc river type with slow water flow. Based on studies of their habitat preferences according to age, their preference for sand bed was the same. However, their preference for depth and velocity was different. When their age was increased, their depth preference was also increased ($24.9{\pm}17.61cm$ for 0+ year, $69.6{\pm}30.32cm$ for 1+ year, $82.4{\pm}33.30cm$ for 2+ years, and $90.0{\pm}31.55cm$ for $3+{\leq}$ years). The water velocity was found to be 3.8 ~ 4.0 cm/sec for ages between 0+ and 1+ and 6.0 ~ 7.3 cm/sec for ages between 2+ and $3+{\leq}$. They were active on sand from March to November. They would hibernate in sand during the winter season. During the day from 12 pm to 24 am, they were highly active with high food consumption. Their main food sources analyzed with index of relative importance (IRI) include Chironomidae (76.7%), Simuliidae (10.3%), Rotatoria (7.3%), and Arcellidae (2.2%). Their juveniles (total length 20~40 mm) would feed on small-sized preys such as Rotatoria, Copepoda, and Arcellidae. Older I. pacifica would feed on big-sized preys such as Chironomidae and Simuliidae.

• Entomological Research
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.540-549
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• 2018

Climate change due to global warming and changes in land use increase the development time and distribution, as well as the abundance, of mosquitoes, thereby negatively affecting human life and health. In this study, we investigated the habitat characteristics of mosquito occurrence sites in Danwon-gu, Ansan city, Korea, based on a daily record of civil pest complaints lodged at the Danwon-gu Community Health Center. We considered two types of factors (natural and artificial) known to affect mosquito occurrence. We confirmed a total of 554 cases of mosquito occurrence from March 2014 to August 2017. The total study area was $49.11km^2$, with urban areas constituting the largest proportion. Additionally, we investigated habitat preferences of mosquitoes in terms of terrain factors; generally, mosquitoes occurred at low elevations and on low slopes. Regarding the preference of oviposition sites, mosquitoes occurred at higher rates near streams and crops lands. The rate of mosquito occurrence tended to increase in areas with dense human populations. Regarding climatic factors, the rate of mosquito occurrence increased in areas with high temperature and low precipitation.

• 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 Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.297-304
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• 2019

Background: The growing wild boar population has become a social issue and its feeding characteristics could affect the physical condition and the plant species composition in the South Korean forests. We aimed to reveal the preference of the wild boar on forest type and site condition as feeding grounds in two cool-temperate forested national parks, Odaesan and Seoraksan, in order to provide information to manage the growing population. Results: The 75 plots (53.6%) out of 140 plots were used as feeding grounds by the wild boar, implying a considerably large population. Especially, the observation frequency as feeding ground was the highest in Quercus forests (73.3%), and it was significantly more preferred than deciduous forest type (44.2%) and coniferous forest type (32.4%) (${\chi}^2=17.591$, p < 0.001). Significantly more and deeper pits were found in Quercus forests. Moreover, high elevation and gentle slope ridge were relatively preferred regardless of forest distribution. Conclusions: South Korean forests are growing qualitatively and quantitatively. Particularly, Quercus forest area has increased markedly, while coniferous forest area has decreased. Since the Quercus forest provides rich food sources for the wild boar, the enlargement of this forest type is expected to increase the wild boar population. The forests located at high elevations have high species diversity, and it is expected that these forests will be greatly affected by the increase in the wild boar population as preferred feeding grounds.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.175-189
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• 2015

The objective of this study was to analyze characteristics of distribution of amphibian species and the affecting ecological factors. For the study, habitat environment factors were determined and applied to a habitat suitability model for the data collected from the Seom River in Hoengseong County and Wonju City, Gangwon Province, Korea between March 2013 to October 2013. The analyzed amphibian species were Rana nigromaculata, Hyla japonica, Rana dybowski, and Rana rugosa Temminck and Schlegel, and a logistic regression model was used with the pseudo-absence data. The result of the model analysis suggests that the major factors for Rana nigromaculata are distance to vegetation and rock and that for Hyla japonica is waterway. Rana dybowski and Rana rugosa Temminck and Schlegel have similar habitat characteristics, but the latter is shown to be dominant due to its wider habitat preference. According to the species richness model, the analyzed amphibian species are shown to have tendency to move between valleys or streams. This study quantitatively analyzed habitat environment characteristics using species distribution model, however, there is a limitation in terms of analysis on food factor and connectivity with other species. Combined with additional density or habitat analysis on birds or fish, this study can lead to more comprehensive analysis on biological environment factors.