• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.454-461
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• 2019

Background: Ikonnikov's whiskered bat (Myotis ikonnikovi) is found throughout the Korean Peninsula, as well as in Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia, China, and Japan. It is small-sized and primarily inhabits old-growth forests. The decrease and fragmentation of habitats due to increased human activity may influence the genetic structure of bat populations. This study was designed to elucidate the population genetic structure of M. ikonnikovi using mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b). Results: The results showed that M. ikonnikovi populations from Korea have high genetic diversity. Although genetic differentiation was not detected for the COI gene, strong genetic differentiation of the Cytb gene between Mt. Jeombong and Mt. Jiri populations was observed. Moreover, the results indicated that the gene flow of the maternal lineage may be limited. Conclusions: This study is the first to identify the genetic population structure of M. ikonnikovi. We suggest that conservation of local populations is important for sustaining the genetic diversity of the bat, and comprehensive studies on factors causing habitat fragmentation are required.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.324-333
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• 2014

The Black Pine, Pinus thunbergii, is widely distributed along the eastern coast of Korea and its importance as a shelterbelt was highlighted after tsunamis in Indonesia and Japan. The root endophytic diversity of P. thunbergii was investigated in three coastal regions; Goseong, Uljin, and Busan. Fungi were isolated from the root tips, and growth rates of pure cultures were measured and compared between PDA with and without 3% NaCl to determine their saline resistance. A total of 259 isolates were divided into 136 morphotypes, of which internal transcribed spacer region sequences identified 58 species. Representatives of each major fungi phylum were present: 44 Ascomycota, 8 Zygomycota, and 6 Basidiomycota. Eighteen species exhibited saline resistance, many of which were Penicillium and Trichoderma species. Shoreline habitats harbored higher saline-tolerant endophytic diversity compared with inland sites. This investigation indicates that endophytes of P. thunbergii living closer to the coast may have higher resistance to salinity and potentially have specific relationships with P. thunbergii.

• 식물분류학회지
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.125-129
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• 2009

The genetic diversity plays a significant role in determining a species' survival and perseverance. Endangered species often lack genetic variation, which makes them vulnerable to numerous dangers of extinction including selection, genetic drifts and human interference. Knowing an endangered species' genetic background greatly enhances conservation efforts since it reveals why, what and how to conserve that species. Cotoneaster wilsonii is an endangered plant species endemic to Ulleung island, but not enough genetic research has been done on this taxon for its effective conservation plans. In this study, three populations of C. wilsonii in Ulleung island underwent allozyme analysis through starch gel electrophoresis. 10 loci were analyzed and F-statistics was calculated. Overall data indicated that C. wilsonii possessed low genetic diversity with intense inbreeding, heterozygote deficiency and low differentiation among populations. These results implied that C. wilsonii was recently introduced to the Ulleung island from ancestor species, and did not have much time to differentiate. Current status of C. wilsonii habitats is very fragile and vulnerable, with increasing tourism constantly threatening the species' survival. It is very likely that C. wilsonii will become extinct in near future unless organized conservation protects its populations and genetic diversity.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.321-337
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• 2018

The characteristics of 124 Phytolacca americana present areas and 88 surrounding absent areas over the country were investigated and compared from July 2016 to Sept 2017. The Phytolacca americana was confirmed as having been nationally distributed and is usually found in roadsides at an altitude of 380 m (26%), forest edges (24%), forests (19%), sunny spots (60%), dry soils (53%), sandy loams (31%) and sand+gravel soils (22%). 321 taxons consisting of 79 families, 209 genera, 289 species, 2 subspecies, 26 varieties and 4 cultivars and 286 taxons consisting of 76 families, 195 genera, 256 species, 2 subspecies, 24 varieties and 4 cultivars were found in the Phytolacca americana present areas and the absent areas, respectively. The relative net contribution degree was found highest in the Phytolacca americana (100) followed by Robinia pseudoacacia (29.4), Humulus japonicus (8.8) and Artemisia princeps (6.0) in the present areas, while it was found highest in Robinia pseudoacacia (100) followed by Humulus japonicus (44.4), Artemisia princeps (35.9), Pueraria lobata (18.6) and Setaria viridis (12.3) in the absent areas. The Raunkier's life form in the present/absent areas was found highest in the therophytes (34%/34%), followed by hemicryptophytes (17%/18%), megaphanerophytes and mesophanerophytes (18%/17%), nanophanerophytes (11%/11%) and geophytes (9%/11%). There was no significant difference in the species diversity between the present (2.141) and the absent (2.124) areas. However, the allelopathic agent and light blocked-out by the Phytolacca americana could possibly inhibit germination and the development of other species; especially, where a difference in species diversity was found high in forests, compared to other habitats (p=0.0605). Accordingly, it is suggested to review possible disturbances of native species habitats in shady spots including forest gaps, although the effect of Phytolacca americana on the ecological system in the suburban open and disturbed areas is not large.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.191-196
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• 2010

The Oriental White Stork (Ciconia boyciana) and the Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) are wetland species listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The two species were once common on the Korean peninsula, but have experienced a severe population reduction in the past decades. Currently, they are officially extinct in Korea. At present, reintroduction programs to release the birds to the wild are in progress in Korea as well as in Japan. In this study, we surveyed the historic breeding sites of the two species using the literature and face-to-face interviews with local people as a step toward determining appropriate breeding habitats for reintroduction. We found 26 historic breeding sites for the Oriental White Stork in Chungcheong-do and Gyeonggi-do, but did not find any breeding sites for the Crested Ibis. These findings suggest that the Oriental White Stork was resident, while the Crested Ibis was a winter visitor to Korea. Based on these results, we discuss the possibilities for successful reintroduction of the two species in Korea.

• 한국산림과학회지
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• 제98권2호
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• pp.197-202
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• 2009

We studied bird communities among in rice field (46 plots), short grallland (47plot), and tall grass mixed shrub (21 plots) during dry season, January 2007 in Boeung Prek Lapouv (BPL) Important Bird Area, Mekong Delta, Cambodia using the point-count method. Water depth, vegetation height and shrub density were significantly different among the three study areas. We recorded, 60 bird species, of which 13 differed significantly among habitats. Landbirds such as Grey-breasted Prinia (Prinia hodgsonii) and Oliver-black Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) were much more abundant (P<0.0001) in the tall grass mixed shrub, whereas the Sarus Crane (Grus antigone), herons and egrets were more abundant in the short grass (P<0.05). Bird species richness and species abundances were not significantly different among habitats. Bird species diversity (H') was higher in grasslands than in rice fields. Mosaic habitat matrix, such as rice field, short grass, and tall grass mixed shrub, should be maintained for the extend and quality of wetlands, and the prevailing human-land use patterns, appear adequate and conductive for waterbirds in the Mekong Delta, Cambodia.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture International Edition
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• 제2호
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• pp.130-139
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• 2004

Shiwha Lake is an excellent example of a body of water restored from a state of heavy pollution to a cleaner and more ecological state. This paper will explore techniques and methods available to landscape planning for the creation of new migratory birds habitats in Shiwha Lake. Because Shiwha lake is located adjacent to a new industrial site on reclaimed land, any planning effort aimed at restoring bird habitats must carefully consider the existing context. This plan had 3 goals; (1) to restore the coastal environment, (2) to create a habitat for migratory birds, and (3) to administer environmental education programs. To achieve these goals, several objectives were determined and planning criteria were proposed for topology, water environment(fresh, brackish and salt water swamps), zoning(for experts and general visitors), circulations, planting and mounding. The flora and fauna of the site was surveyed, and 5 alternatives were suggested and compared in several aspects. Planting species were carefully selected considering target birds and habitat requirements. In order to increase bio-diversity of the site, the plan proposed multi-staired mounds and extensive drainage systems. Bird watching facilities with natural materials, and the remote observing system using CCTV and the internet were some of the ecological techniques recommended by the plan. The bird watching trails are divided into two different zones for experts and general visitors.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• 제35권1호
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• pp.31-40
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• 2019

Daphne pseudomezereum var. koreana is an endangered deciduous shrub distributed in mountain areas that is vulnerable to climate change. The purpose of this study was to provide foundational data on the physical characteristics, soil environment, and vegetation structure of habitats of Daphne pseudomezereum var. koreana habitat in Korea in order to help with management decisions on ecosystem restoration. Rock exposure was 15 to 35%, with an average of 24%. The native habitat of D. pseudomezereum included 129 taxa consisting of 46 families and 95 genera. Two-way cluster analysis divided the habitat into three plant communities: Community I (dominaterd by Tilia amurensis and Quercus mongolica), Community II (dominaterd by Fraxinus rhynchophylla and Acer pseudosieboldianum), and Community III (dominaterd by Ulmus davidiana var. japonica). The diversity indices for Communities I, II, and III were 1.124, 1.047 and 0.932, respectively. The soils were loam or clay loam. Soil pH, organic matter content, and available phosphoric acid were 5.40, 14.38%, and 31.08 ppm, respectively. Ordination analysis resulted that most significant factors influencing D. pseudomezereum distribution were magnesium content of soil, shrub layer, and altitude.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.374-383
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• 2023

Capsicum annuum (CA) is grown outdoors across fields in Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. The weeds surrounding these fields were investigated regarding the infection of 11 viruses infecting CA during the year 2014-2018. In the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction diagnosis, 546 out of 821 CA samples (66.5%) were infected by nine viruses, and 190 out of 918 weed samples (20.7%) were infected by eight viruses. Correlation analysis of the mutual influence of the viruses infecting CA and weeds during these 5 years showed that five viruses had significant positive correlations with the infection in both CA and weeds. Over the study period, the weeds infected by cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in the previous year were positively correlated with the incidence of CMV infection in CA in the current year, although the correlation was lower for tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) compared to CMV. The CMV infection percent was 14.0% in summer annuals, 11.4% in perennials, and 7.8% in winter annuals. However, considering the overwintering period without CA, the infection percent was 5.2% higher in winter annuals and perennials than that in summer annuals, indicating that winter annual and perennial weeds served as the main habitats for insect vectors. The TSWV infection percent in weeds was 10.4% in summer annuals, 6.4% in winter annuals, and 6.2% in perennials. The weeds surrounding CA fields, acting as the intermediate hosts, were found to be the potent sources of infection, influencing the spread and diversity of CA-infecting viruses. The results of this study can contribute to prevent viral infection in agricultural fields.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.75-84
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• 2023

Background: Knowledge of the spatial trends of plant invasions in different habitats is essential for a better understanding of the process of these invasions. We examined the variation in invasive alien plant species (IAS) richness and composition at two spatial scales defined by elevation and habitat types (roadside, forest, and cultivated lands) in the Makawanpur district of Nepal. Following an elevation gradient ranging from 500 to 2,400 m asl along a mountain road, plant species cover was recorded within sample plots of size 10 m × 5 m. Systematic random sampling was adopted in every 100 m elevation intervals on three habitat types. Results: Altogether 18 invasive alien plants belonging to eight families were recorded within 60 plots, of which 14 species (representing 80%) were from tropical North and South America. The most common plants by their frequency were Ageratina adenophora, Chromolaena odorata, Bidens pilosa, Lantana camara, and Parthenium hysterophorus. We found a significant relationship between species composition and elevation in the study area. Low-elevation regions had a higher number of alien species as compared to high-elevation regions within different habitat types. Conclusions: The species richness and density of IAS were higher in the road site followed by the cultivated land and forest sites. This pattern occurred throughout the elevation range and habitats. IAS were found mostly in the open land with high sunlight availability. Information from such scientific assessment of invasive alien plants will assist in developing appropriate management plans in the Makawanpur district.