• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.407-414
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• 1998

The rare and endangered plants in Naesorak area were investigated for four months during May to August in 1997, and the results were summarized as 35 taxa which is classified as 19 families, 32 species, and 3 varieties. At the level of families, 19 families such as Pinaceae(1 species), Taxaceae(1 species), Cupressaceae(1 species and 1 variety), Liliaceae(5 species and 1 variety), Aristolochiaceae(2 species), Ranunculaceae(4 species), Berberidaceae(1 species), Saxifragaceae(2 species), Rosaceae(1 species), Oleaceae(2 species and 1 variety), Solanaceae(1 species), Scrophulariaceae(1 species), Valerianaceae(1 species), Campanulaceae(1species), and Compositae(1 species) were recorded. The most of the habitats of the species was easily found along the major mountain trails, and a kind of destructions of these plants by human interferences is due to the fact that the illegal collections for food and medicine are occurred. Those species of Taxus caespitosa, Rhododendron aureum, Vaccinium bracteatum, Allium victoralis var. platyphullum and Leontice microryncha has a few individuals in habitats and also shows the unfavorable growing state, so the intensive and continuous habitat management of the habitats were inevitably dimanded.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.282-289
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• 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 Environmental Biology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.66-75
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• 2008

The level of genetic diversity and genetic relationships among Korean ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus karpowi) habitat and subspecies have been investigated based on Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. Wild and domesticated Korean ring-necked pheasant, hybrids between domesticated Korean ring-necked and foreign subspecies, and four foreign subspecies; Chinese ring-necked (P. c. torquatus), Melanistic mutant (P. c. mut. tenebrosus), XL White (P. c. mut) and Southern green (P. c. versicolor) were used for comparison. On the basis of the results of AMOV A, 94.08% of genetic diversity in Korean ring-necked was allocated among individuals within habitat differences. Estimate of $\Phi$st, which represents the degree of genetic differentiation among habitats was 5.9%. Based on the dendrogram reconstructed by UPGMA, Yangpyung habitat of the eight habitats turned out to be distinct from others habitat. Interestingly, domesticated Korean ring-necked and hybrid mixture showed closer genetic relationship with four foreign subspecies than Korean ring-necked. As a consequence of AMOVA, 96.63% of genetic diversity in four foreign subspecies was allocated among individuals within subspecies. Estimate of $\Phi$st representing the degree of genetic differentiation among subspecies was 3.4%, which was lower than that among habitats of Korean ring-necked. The lower level of genetic difference among four foreign subspecies showed that these subspecies were genetically closer even though they were morphologically classified into four different subspecies. When seven habitats of Korean ring-necked pheasant and four foreign subspecies were divided into Korean and Foreign Pheasant Groups, respectively, more than 17% of genetic diversity was allocated between groups (about 4% among habitats/subspecies within groups). This observation implied that Korean ring-necked pheasant is genetically quite different from four foreign subspecies. On the basis of cluster analysis, three foreign subspecies (Chinese ring-necked pheasant, Melanistic mutant pheasant, and XL White pheasant) formed a distinct group with domesticated Korean ring-necked pheasant and hybrid mixture at 98% confidence interval.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.384-395
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• 2018

This study was carried out to investigate the environment factors including community structure and soil characteristics in the wild habitats of Cephalotaxus koreana, and offers the basic information for habitats conservation and restoration. Most of the wild habitats were located at altitudes between 148~835 m with inclinations ranged as $12{\sim}32^{\circ}$. The average soil pH was 4.7~5.9, soil organic matter was 5.72~15.99%, cation exchange capacity was $14.1{\sim}19.9cmolc/kg^{-1}$ and exchangeable $K^+$, $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$ was 0.25~0.48 cmolc/kg, 0.79~6.68 cmolc/kg, 0.31~1.73 cmolc/kg, respectively. The dominant species of tree layer were found to be dominated by Quercus dentata in Jekbo-san (C1), Acer pictum in Bogae-san (C2), Acer pseudosieboldianum in Geumwon-san (C3), Q. serrata in Jiri-san (C4), Zelkova serrata in Baegun-san (C5), and Q. acutissima in Duryun-san (C6). The Species diversity (H') was 0.854~1.234, evenness (J') was 0.654~0.993, and dominance (D) was found to be 0.067~0.346. Correlation coefficients analysis based on environmental factors, community structure and value of species diversity shows that growth of Cephalotaxus koreana is correlated with species diversity and evenness. This result show that Cephalotaxus koreana habitats located in mature stands.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.147-152
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the photosynthetic R. micranthum by natural habitats. In the results, natural habitats didn't affect values of light saturated point, light compensation point and photosynthetic capacity of R. micranthum. We investigated light response curve and chlorophyll content at each habitat. Light compensation points were 11.8 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$, 11.5 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ and 10.4 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ in Seokpo-ri, Yeonha-ri, and Mt. Worak. Light saturation points showed that R. micranthum is shade tolerant specie which has the light saturation point approximately 500~600 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$. Photosynthetic rates of R. micranthum leaves were 5.5 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$, 5.4 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ and 5.6 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ in Seokpo-ri, Yeonha-ri and Mt. Worak. On the other hand, since between $20^{\circ}C$ and $30^{\circ}C$, it appeared that the values of net photosynthetic rates of R. micranthum leaves in all sites were high. Especially, the rates were highest at $25^{\circ}C$. Because of low stomatal transpiration rate in saturation radiance, the moisture utilization efficiency in Yeonha-ri was lower than other habitats. Rates of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content in Mt. Worak were no significant difference. Therefore R. micranthum has characteristic of shade tolerant species. The moderate temperature for R. micranthum is between $20^{\circ}C$ and $30^{\circ}C$.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.48-67
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• 2021

Plant species exhibit current characteristics as a result of interactions with environmental conditions. The plants of Viola sp. have selected chasmogamous flowers with vigorous vegetative propagation or development of cleistogamous flowers as an adaptation strategy. Viola websteri is distributed on the Korean peninsula and the eastern part of Jilin Province, China. The center and edge of the distribution are expected to exhibit different population-dynamics. It is necessary to investigate the cause of its current limited distribution even though V. websteri has a mixed-mating strategy. Firstly, We examined the vegetation environment of habitats and evaluated its characteristics. Growth characteristics were examined through plant phenology. We then evaluated the population structure, characteristics of chasmogamous flowers, and productivity of cleistogamous flowers. Moreover, we compared population sizes between 2014 and 2018. Most habitats were located in deciduous broadleaf mixed forests adjacent to valleys. V. websteri produced chasmogamous flowers with self-incompatibility in April-May and cleistogamous flowers in June-September. The cleistogamous flower production is a strategy ensuring seed production under uncertain environmental fluctuations; these were approximately twice as numerous as chasmogamous flowers. The population structure was distinguished into stable and very unstable regions. There were sites where the population experienced a sharp decline in the 2018 compared to that of 2014. This large decline was found in the edge populations. The habitats had different microsites depending on the natural disturbances of drought and the matrix constituting the habitat, thus supporting various plants. Ensuring the production of seeds through cleistogamous flowers, it was determined that rapid seedling re-establishment and population replenishment were possible when the natural disturbance factor was removed. Environmental factors did not equally affect all populations or individuals. Therefore, it was expected that it would be able to persisted in a long time, despite the rapid decrease in the number of individuals in the population regionally. Local extinction and re-establishment are likely to repeat according to environmental change. We propose the additional population investigation based on this works are required. We also suggest a need to assess the long-term population dynamics and the genetic characteristics of chasmogamous flowers and cleistogamous flowers to establish and implement effective conservation strategies.

• Weed & Turfgrass Science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2013

This study was carried out to investigate the morphological and soil characteristics of Zoysia spp. native to South Korea. Samples [41 ecotypes of Zoysia japonica, 28 ecotypes of natural hybride between Z. japonica and Z. sinica (Junggi), 22 ecotypes of Z. sinica, and 8 ecotypes of Z. matrella] were collected in seashores, levee and summit of the rock in southern Korea. Variations in leaf width, plant height, leaf angle, length of leaf sheath, leaf trichome, stolon length, and seed shape were measured at collection sites and experimental plots. Among the entries, most of the measurements did not show any significant differences between natural and experimental plot except for leaf angle of Z. sinica and the number of seeds per spike of Z. matrella, which might be caused by different environmental conditions. Soil pH was 6.0 at the most of the collection sites. $Mg^+$ was 0.06-0.02 $cmol{_c}^+kg^{-1}$, $Mg^{2+}$ was 0.09-0.03 $cmol{_c}^+kg^{-1}$, and $K^+$ was 0.02-0.007 $cmol{_c}^+kg^{-1}$ at most zoysiagrasses growing soils.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.378-384
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• 2019

Red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans, is one of the most famous species to disturb native ecosystems in the world. In South Korea, the species was imported as pet, and now it is found whole of the country. Recent, natural breeding and spreading of the turtle has been reported. In this paper, we investigated the environmental factors to affect the reproduction of T. s. elegans. We surveyed the distribution of the turtle in Jeju island, South Korea, between 2012 to 2017. We compared the land covers and climate of habitats from breeding sites and non-breeding sites. The species was found from 38 sites in Jeju island; 21 of breeding sites and 17 of non-breeding sites. The number of total and only adult turtles was significantly higher in breeding sites than non-breeding sites (P<0.05). In breeding site, the reproduction rate from the farmland was significantly higher than others(P<0.05). However, the rate of land covers was not significant in non-breeding site (P>0.05). The difference on the climate between breeding and non-breeding was not significant(P>0.05). Moreover, none of climate factors affected to reproduction of T. s. elegans(P>0.05). Our study showed that the land covers surrounding the habitats are more important than climate for reproduction of T. s. elegans in Jeju island. This result indicates investigating the habitat and surrounding is necessary for the control of reproduction and spreading of the introduced species.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.345-357
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• 2002

Ecological characteristics on habitats and morphological features of the seagrass Zostera caulescens Miki in Korea were examined. The biogeographical distribution of Z. caulescens was confirmed in the south coast of the Korea. Zostera caulescens usually inhabits at the inner bay, where is sheltered from wave action and 3.0 to 6.5 m deep. The sediment in habitats is composed of very fine muddy sand or sandy mud. In morphology, Z. caulescens is easily distinguished from other species of the genus by the formation of vegetative canopy on the top of reproductive stems. The number of longitudinal ribs in testa was 24 revealed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) while the number of ribs in Z. marina has been often reported to be 16-20. Purplish anthocyanin spots were displayed on the surface when the testa was removed. We found that the size and shape of leaf epidermal cells in Z. caulescens were very different from those of Z. marina when the leaf cuticles were removed by maceration which could be useful characters for identifying Zostera species. The leaf of Z. caulescens displays two different casts of color when the fresh plant is closely observed. The margins of leaves appear brighter than the center of leaves due to the thickening by the development of paralleled venation in the middle of leaves. The comparison of two populations of Z. caulescens in Korea showed that they were considerably different in their shoot density and biomass. The shoot density and biomass at Gabae population was $367.3 m^{-2}\;and\;725.7g$ dry wt $m^P{-2}$ respectively, while those at Jukrim population were $112.5m^{-2}\;and\;392.0g\;dry\;wt\;m^{-2}$, respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.109-126
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• 2015

This study is for constructing detailed data to secure biological diversity and maintain a healthy ecosystem in Backsasil Valley Ecological and Scenery Conservation Area, and for preparing an ecological management plan fit for the protected area. The period for this study was from April 2010 to May 2013. Recently, the increase of visitors to Baeksasil Valley, as well as the plantation and dissemination of introduced vegetable species, become factors accelerating ecological disturbance. Major research contents included the reviews of the management system of the protected areas, the necessity of ecological management at the basin level, establishing the system of a management plan, research and analysis of environment ecology, analysis of threatening factors, goal-setting, management strategies, and a plan through SWOT analysis. Survey items were the natural environment, major components of ecosystem, and human-use. The goals of ecological management were basin zone management for amphibians, conservation and restoration of forest vegetation for conservation habitat of Dryocopus martius, conservation habitat of Zelkova serrta for nature landscape, and management of users for environment protection. The conservation management plan at a basin zone level contains the management of point and non-point pollution sources in the upstream, securing growing conditions for native plants, securing safe habitats for amphibians, and securing of habitats for major wild birds. Also, restoration of natural forests, management of native plants and introduced vegetable species, and restoration of degraded forest paths are suggested for the restoration plans.