• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.63-72
• /
• 2005

Chirisan National Park, the first and largest one out of 20 national parks in Korea, is divided into five zones. They are composed of nature preservation zone, natural environment zone, natural residential zone, concentrated residential zone, and collective facility zone. However, the park is not a continuous habitat: roads, trails, local residences, and various facilities created the habitat mosaics severely fragmented. We investigated the fragmentation pattern of the park due to roads and mountain trails using GIS. Based on perimeter length, area, and the ratio of perimeter to area of each patch, we obtained landscape analysis indices which reflect the regularity of the patch shape. The 1 m-wide hiking trails divided the park into 491 fragments. The legal trails with 1.5 m - 3 m width which have been heavily used by hikers generate 58 fragments. Even the nature preservation zone, corresponding to a core zone comprising 31.8% of the park area, was divided into 37 fragments because of the roads and mountain trails. With the different widths of buffer applied, the core sizes of the fragments were reduced. When the 60 m buffer was applied, the patch interior areas ranged from 0.0001 to 47.77 $km^2$ with a mean of 7.08 $km^2$. The landscape shape indices were far greater than 1 for most of the cases with a maximum value of 25. These results clearly indicate that Chirisan National Park is not a continuous habitat, but mosaics of small, irregularly shaped habitat fragments. It is necessary to take the size and shape of the fragmented habitats into consideration when nature conservation is planned, especially for large wildlife such as brown bears.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.402-406
• /
• 2015

This study aims at favorable environmental conditions by river otter residing in Hongcheon river ecosystems using spraints along the river. Otter spraints were indicative of habitat use pattern and marking a territory in the areas. Nae-chon and Kuneob-chon river otter spraints were collected totaling 478 with 8 times during 2009-2011, and based on the number river use patterns were analyzed with the technique of index of dispersion. Results with larger than one indicated that river otter habitat use pattern were not random; instead they used preferred areas for habitat use. 'I' values greater than one indicate a clumped distribution and lower than one indicate random distribution. This study also demonstrated that we need a sophiscated linear model that should be developed to identify key habitat elements in river ecosystems.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Hazard Mitigation
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.117-123
• /
• 2008

In this study, PHABSIM which is a sample for 1D physical habitat and River2D, which is a sample for 2D physical habitat were applied to the main streams of Han River in order to calculate an optimum flow considering the habitats of fishes in determining the instream flow. Moreover, the Weighted Usable Area (WUA) of the two samples in each growth step (adults and spawning) of the target fish type was compared and reviewed. The optimal flow value was calculated by considering the conditions for inhabiting fishes. As a result of the correlation analysis for WUA from 1D and 2D samples was 0.87 to 0.99. The optimum flow considering the conditions of inhabiting fishes showed insignificant difference of $3m^3/s\;to\;5m^3/s$ with the exception of adults in Moon-Mak and spawning in Dal-Chun.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.29-42
• /
• 2023

As the destruction of habitats due to recent development continues, there is also increasing interest in endangered species. Mankyua chejuense is a vulnerable species that is sensitive to changes in population and habitat, and it has recently been upgraded from Endangered Species II to Endangered Species I, requiring significant management efforts. So in this study, we analyzed the potential habitats of Mankyua chejuense using MaxEnt(Maximum Entropy) modeling. We developed three models: one that considered only environmental characteristics, one that considered artificial factors, and one that reflected the habitat of dominant tree species in the overstory. Based on previous studies, we incorporated environmental and human influence factors for the habitats of Mankyua chejuense into spatial information, and we also used the habitat distribution models of dominant tree species, including Ulmus parvifolia, Maclura tricuspidata, and Ligustrum obtusifolium, that have been previously identified as major overstory species of Mankyua chejuense. Our analysis revealed that rock exposure, elevation, slope, forest type, building density, and soil type were the main factors determining the potential habitat of Mankyua chejuense. Differences among the three models were observed in the edges of the habitats due to human influence factors, and results varied depending on the similarity of the habitats of Mankyua chejuense and the dominant tree species in the overstory. The potential habitats of Mankyua chejuense presented in this study include areas where the species could potentially inhabit in addition to existing habitats. Therefore, these results can be used for the conservation and management planning of Mankyua chejuense.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.154-163
• /
• 2021

This study was carried out to present the habitat distribution status and the habitat distribution prediction of Sophora koreensis, which is the Korean Endemic Plant included in the EN (Endangered) class of the IUCN Red List. The habit distribution survey of Sophora koreensis confirmed 19 habitats in Gangwon Province, including 13 habitats in Yanggu-gun, 3 habitats in Inje-gun, 2 habitats in Chuncheon-si, and 1 habitat in Hongcheon-gun. The northernmost habitat of Sophora koreensis in Korea was in Imdang-ri, Yanggu-gun; the easternmost habitat in Hangye-ri, Inje-gun; the westernmost habitat in Jinae-ri, Chuncheon-si; and the southernmost habitat in Sungdong-ri, Hongcheon-gun. The altitude of the Sophora koreensis habitats ranged from 169 to 711 m, with an average altitude of 375m. The area of the habitats was 8,000-734,000 m², with an average area of 202,789 m². Most habitats were the managed forests, such as thinning and pruning forests. The MaxEnt program analysis for the potential habitat of Sophora koreensis showed the AUC value of 0.9762. The predictive habitat distribution was Yanggu-gun, Inje-gun, Hwacheon-gun, and Chuncheon-si in Gangwon Province. The variables that influence the prediction of the habitat distribution were the annual precipitation, soil carbon content, and maximum monthly temperature. This study confirmed that habitats of Sophora koreensis were mostly found in the ridge area with rich light intensity. They can be used as basic data for the designation of protected areas of Sophora koreensis habitat.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.519-533
• /
• 2003

The U.S. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) resulted in the conversion of approximately 14.8 million ha(36.5 million acres) of cropland to grassland, woodland, and other conservation uses throughout the U.S. between 1986 and 1992. One of the major results of CRP has been the addition of millions of hectares of potential wildlife habitat. primarily as grassland. In this study, we examined regional changes in landscape structure caused by the introduction of CRP. Utilizing multi-seasonal Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, we produced maps of cropland and grassland for the pre- and post- CRP enrollment periods for a six-county region in southwest Kansas. We then applied post-classification differencing to identify regions of cropland that had been converted to CRP. Using the FRAGSTATS spatial pattern analysis program, we calculated a variety of spatial statistics to analyze changes in landscape structure due to CRP. The major impact of CRP in the six-county study area has been the reversal of an overall trend of grassland habitat fragmentation. From the standpoint of potential wildlife habitat, the introduction of CRP has greatly increased the number of patches, mean patch size, and the interior or core area of grassland patches. In addition, CRP has increased connectivity and aggregation between grassland patches, potentially important factors for species of conservation interest, particularly those that require larger expanses of unbroken habitat. Finally, the distance between neighboring patches of grassland has decreased, reducing travel distance between patches. Clearly, the introduction of CRP has substantially modified the spatial structure of the southwest Kansas landscape, with important implications for wildlife habitat.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.271-284
• /
• 2014

The objectives of this research were to analyse the microhabitat of Cobitis choii which is designated as an endangered fish species (I) and national monument species in Korea (No. 454), and provide valuable information of suitable replacement habitat in the future for a conservation of the population with rapid decreases by environmental pollution. Sampling and microhabitat analysis in three streams such as Baekgok, Yugu and Gap Stream, known as one of the least habitats in Korea showed that the mean number of Cobitis choii observed was 2.6. This result indicated that the richness was too low, so the species conservation was very urgent. Optimal physical microhabitat of the population was determined as environmental conditions with > 60% sand with 1 mm particle size, optimal water depth of 20 - 60 cm in the habitats, and the optimal current velocity of < 0.4 m/s. Under the circumstances of the microhabitat, optimal water volume (discharge) was 0 - 2 m3/s in the each sectional analysis and this reach was mainly composed of the stream section with intermittant slow runs and pools. These microhabitats were largely disturbed by physical modifications of habitat and chemical pollutions due to direct influences of nutrient-rich water inputs from the urban area and intensive agricultural pollutants. For these reasons, optimal habitat replacement are required in the future for the conservation of the species.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.282-289
• /
• 2023

Background: As wildlife habitats are being destroyed and growth environments are changing, the survival of animals and plants is under threat. Epilobium hirsutum L., a species that inhabits wetlands, has held legally protected status since 2012. However, no specific measures are currently in place to protect its habitat, leading to a decline in remaining populations as a result of land use change and human activities. Results: The growth environment (including location, climate, land use, soil, and vegetation) of the five habitat sites (Samcheok, Taebaek1, Taebaek2, Cheongsong, Ulleung) of E. hirsutum L. was investigated and analyzed. These habitats were predominantly situated in flat areas with gentle south-facing slopes, at an average altitude of 452.7 m (8-726 m) above sea level in Gangwon-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do. The average annual temperature ranged 11.5℃ (9.2℃-12.9℃), whereas the average annual precipitation ranged 1,304.5 mm (1,062.7-1,590.7 mm). The surrounding land use status was mainly characterized by mountainous areas, and human interference, such as agricultural land and roads, was commonly found in proximity to these natural habitats. Soil physicochemical analysis revealed that the soil was predominantly sandy loam with a slightly high sand content. The average pH measured 7.64, indicating an alkaline environment, and electrical conductivity (EC) averaged 0.33 dS/m. Organic matter (OM) content averaged 66.44 g/kg, available phosphoric acid (P₂O₅) content averaged 115.73 mg/kg, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) averaged 23.43 cmolc/kg. The exchangeable cations ranged 0.09-0.43 cmol⁺/kg for potassium (K), 10.23-16.21 cmol⁺/kg for calcium (Ca), 0.67-4.94 cmol⁺/kg for magnesium (Mg), and 0.05-0.74 cmol⁺/kg for sodium (Na). The vegetation type was categorized as E. hirsutum community with high numbers of E. hirsutum L., Persicaria thunbergii (Siebold & Zucc.) H. Gross, Phragmites japonica Steud., Humulus japonicus (Siebold & Zucc.), and Bidens frondosa L.. An ecological flora analysis, including the proportion of lianas, naturalized plants, and annual herbaceous plants, revealed that the native habitat of E. hirsutum L. was ecologically unstable. Conclusions: Analysis of the habitat of E. hirsutum L., a class II endangered wildlife species, provided essential data for local conservation and restoration efforts.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.62-70
• /
• 2014

This study was carried out to analysis the vegetation status, the habitat size and the meaning of new natural habitat, and to provide basic data for conservation or management on the newly augmented natural habitat of Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai in Yeoju-si, Gyunggi-do, Korea. A. distichum is a Korean monotypic endemic species. Most natural habitats of A. distichum have been reported in South-Central area around Chungcheong-do. The extent of occurrence of A. distichum can be enlarged to Central area due to the Yeoju-si habitat. The new habitat is located on a hillock which is composed of rock field at $37^{\circ}20{\sim}21^{\prime}N$, $137^{\circ}43{\sim}21^{\prime}E$, and 99~120m a.s.l.. The habitat size is small as about $530m^2$, and a small stream runs aside. The number of individuals of A. distichum was about 1,200. But most individuals were smaller than 0.5m height, so just about 300 individuals are taller than 1.0m height. A. distichum on Yeoju-si seemed to be maintained and distributed by vegetative propagation from elongated roots of branches. Pinus rigida and Quercus aliena dominated tree layer, and Lindera obtusiloba, Q. aliena and Acer tatricum appeared frequently in subtree layer. The shrub layer was dominated by A. distichum with Stephanandra incisa, Euonymus alatus for. ciliatodentatus, Ligustrum obtusifolium, etc. The coverage of herbaceous layer was low.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
• /
• v.38 no.7 s.156
• /
• pp.545-554
• /
• 2005

The detailed interdisciplinary surveys were conducted on the pattern of habitat use of dominant fishes during the spawning and adult stage. The hydraulic parameters of the depth and velocity, discharge, substrate cover streams, and distribution of fish in the Yeonggang, WiCheon, HoeCheon, GeochangwiCheon, CheongdoCheon, DanjangCheon (the Nakdong River Basin) were measured. The Habitat Suitability Criteria was developed for the two fish species (Zacco Platypus and Zacco Temmincki) and life stages(spawning and adult), habitat conditions (depth, velocity and covet). The Physical Habitat Simulation of the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology was applied to calculate for optimal flow and the ecological flow recommendation was proposed by choosing the largest one in the optimal flow. The ecological flow recommendation was $5.0\;m^3/s{\sim}10.0\;m^3/s$ (e.g., $6.5\;m^3/s$ in the NaeseongCheon). Also, the ecological flow recommendations were compared with the existing ecological flow and flow duration analysis.