• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.107-116
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• 2021

Two stone loaches (Nemacheilidae, Cypriniformes), Barbatula toni (Dybowski, 1869) and B. nuda (Bleeker, 1864), have been recognized in the Korean waters to date. Recently, due to indiscriminate artificial introduction as well as the change of their habitats induced by natural disasters, it seems to be concerned about the damage of species-specific geographic boundaries. We examined the genetic difference of two Korean Barbatula species by the haplotype network based on the Cytochrome b sequences of mitochondrial DNA and the phylogenetic relationships among them including Barbatula fishes occurring around the Korean peninsula. As a result, three and 29 haplotypes were obtained from B. toni and B. nuda, respectively, and totally three clades comprising "toni group", "nuda hangang group", and "nuda donghae group" were identified. The sequence variable sites among them was 10~24%, showing a difference of interspecific level. Phylogenetic relationships of the latter group, especially, forms an independent cluster discriminating with other two groups as well as the Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and European Barbatula species, suggesting the possibility of the specific level divergence.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.131-167
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• 2019

Securing reference information (inventory) is essential for proper conservation and management of protected areas. Moreover, the investigation results should be available for comparison and evaluation. For this study, we established seven investigational lattices and carried out the field examinations to obtain comparable data in the Donggang river basin ecological and scenery conservation area, We conducted a total of 16 field surveys and identified a total of 830 taxa that is composed of 127 families, 408 genera, 716 species, 10 subspecies, 88 varieties, and 16 forms. We identified a total of 487 taxa in the 6th investigational lattice and 457 taxa in the 4th. We observed 6 species (grade II) designated by the Ministry of Environment as the endangered plants, one "species to monitor" designated by the Ministry of Environment, and 23 taxa designated as endemic species. Regarding the floristic characteristics plants, 15 taxa of grade V, 27 taxa of grade IV, 38 taxa of grade III, 31 taxa of grade II, and 19 taxa of grade I were identified. The 6th investigational lattice showed the largest number of taxa at 70. A total of 58 taxa were identified as the naturalized plant, and the 6th investigational lattice showed the most at 35 taxa. The Donggang river basin ecological and scenery conservation area was assessed to be an extremely important area to conserve and maintain plants species diversity not only in the regional scale but also national scale.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.299-311
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• 2019

This study was conducted to investigate and analyze the designation status of the Local Wildlife Conservation Ordinance for the conservation and management of wild fauna and flora, and to elucidate the problems and improvement directions. We compared and analyzed the provisions of the wildlife conservation ordinance of 17 regional local governments. After that,the designation status of Wildlife Protected by City/Do was investigated and the appropriateness was confirmed based on guidelines and laws. The ordinances related to wildlife were enacted in all municipalities, and provisions such as selection criteria, protection measures, and act limitations were commonly reflected. The provisions were varied depending on the characteristics of each local government, including details of flag species, the addition of species in the restoration promotion plan as criteria for selection and provision of protection and restoration of habitats. Since 2006, when the wildlife protected by City/Do designation and protection guidelines have been established, the protected wildlife have increased sharply, and there has been newly designated regional local government within the past one or two years. However, in some local government, protected wildlife has been designated for more than 10 years, and there are many that do not meet the selection criteria. Therefore, more scientific and objective selection criteria and methods should be constructed for the selection of species suitable for the purpose of the Wildlife protected by City/Do.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.237-255
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• 2021

Lychnis wilfordii (Regel) Maxim. is one of the wetland specialists mainly distributed in peatlands at high latitudes. In Korea, it is isolated in two regions. This study investigated habitats, growth traits, and self-compatibility of L. wilfordii and assessed the internal dynamics of its population persistence. Its population has remained stable in the Yongneup Wetland Protected Area (YWPA). There was a clear difference in vegetation environment between YWPA and the distribution area in Daegwallyeong (DWL), Pyeongchang-gun. It has self-compatibility while pollinators facilitate its seed production. It produces a large number of hibernacles and bears the maximum number of branches and fruits in soil with rich organic contents. However, it grows and bears fruits even under the condition of low organic contents. In YWPA, L. wilfordii is not distributed in high moor but widely distributed in low moor where tussocks by Carex thunbergii var. appendiculata are developed. It is mainly distributed on the top of tussocks also. Therefore, it is judged that the formation, growth, and extinction of tussocks by C. thunbergii var. appendiculata is closely related to the establishment, growth, and extinction of plants distributed in this space. It is assessed that the current YWPA has well-developed tussocks in which L. wilfordii is widely distributed, and extinction and re-establishment progress well. Accordingly, the L. wilfordii population is expected to be sustainable in the long term given if its current ecological process is maintained well.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.667-674
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• 2022

This study was conducted to determine the three main factors [rooting time, plant growth regulators (PGRs), rooting medium] of cuttage for mass production of Sageretia thea. The experiment was observed on cuttage tray after 120 days and classified by rooting times, plant growth regulators, rooting medium. Materials were collected from natural habitats of S. thea from the Korean peninsula at March, July and September during 2019. As a result of the experiment, rooting times were showed statistically significant differences. March group's rooting rate and root length were 15 and 200% better than others. In PGRs experiment by concentration, There was no significant correlation between the control and experiment in terms of rooting rate. However, In the case of root length, IBA 500 mg/L, IBA 250 mg/L and IAA 1,000 mg/L groups were lengthened up to 170% compared to the control group, confirming statistically significant differences. As a result, we recommend treating cuttings with IBA 500 mg/L in March with Hardwood cutting.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2023

Alien species are known to threaten regional biodiversity globally, which has increased global interest regarding introduction of alien species. The Ministry of Environment of Korea designated species that have not yet been introduced into the country with potential threat as alert alien species to prevent damage to the ecosystem. In this study, potential habitats of Esox lucius and Maccullochella peelii, which are predatory and designated as alert alien fish, were predicted on a national basis. Habitat suitability was evaluated using EHSM (Ecological Habitat Suitability Model), and water temperature data were input to calculate Physiological Habitat Suitability (PHS). The prediction results have shown that PHS of the two fishes were mainly controlled by heat or cold stress, which resulted in biased habitat distribution. E. lucius was predicted to prefer the basins at high latitudes (Han and Geum River), while M. peelii preferred metropolitan areas. Through these differences, it was expected that the invasion pattern of each alien fish can be different due to thermal preference. Further studies are required to enhance the model's predictive power, and future predictions under climate change scenarios are required to aid establishing sustainable management plans.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.23-38
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• 2022

This study investigates the characteristics and physical habitat requirements for each Bufo gargarizans life history through a literature survey. After deriving variables for each component of Bufo gargarizans, in order to reduce regional deviations from eight previously studied literature research areas for deriving the criteria for variables, a total of 12 natural habitats of Bufo gargarizanss are selected as spatial ranges by selecting four additional sites such as Umyeonsan Ecological Park in Seoul, Wonheungibangjuk in Cheongju in the central region, Changnyeong Isan Reservoir in the southern region, and Mangwonji in Daegu. This study presents Bufo gargarizans SI, a species endemic to Korea, whose population is rapidly declining due to large-scale housing site development and road development, and develops a Bufo gargarizans HSI model accordingly to improve the function of the damaged Bufo gargarizans habitat and to present an objective basis for site selection of alternative habitat. At the same time, it provides basic data for adaptive management and follow-up monitoring. The three basic habitat requirements of amphibians, the physical habitat requirements of Bufo gargarizans, synthesized with shelter, food, and water, and the characteristics of each life history, are classified into five components by adding space and threats through literature research and expert advice. Variables are proposed by synthesizing and comparing the general characteristics of amphibians, among the previously studied single species of amphibians, the components of HSI of goldfrogs and Bufo gargarizans, and the ecological and physical environmental characteristics of Bufo gargarizans. Afterwards, through consultation with an amphibian expert, a total of 10 variables are finally presented by adjacent forest area(ha), the distance between spawning area and the nearest forest land(m), the soil, the distance from the wetland(m), the forest layered structure, the low grassland space, the permanent wetland area(ha), shoreline slope(%), PH, presence of predators, distance from road(m), presence or absence of obstacles. n order to derive the final criteria for each of the 10 variables, the criteria(alternative) for each variable are presented through geographic information analysis of the site survey area and field surveys of the previously studied literature research area. After a focus group interview(FGI) of 30 people related to the Bufo gargarizans colony in Cheongju, a questionnaire and in-depth interviews with three amphibians experts are conducted to verify and supplement the criteria for each final variable. Based on the finally developed Bufo gargarizans HSI, the Bufo gargarizans habitat model is presented through the SI graph model and the drawing centering on the Bufo gargarizans spawning area

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.211-239
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• 1997

The flora of Oesorak in the Soraksan National Park including Chombongsan(Mountain) and Kwanmobong(Peak) were surveyed from February to August, 1996. These areas have very rich and diverse flora;620 taxa with 89 families, 321 genera, 526 species, 2 subspecies, 89 varieties and 3 forms in the Oesorak, 404 taxa with 251 genera, 350 species, 1 subspecies, 51 varieties and 2 forms in the Chombongsan(Mountain), 286 taxa with 206 genera, 233 species, 1 subspecies, 50 varieties and 2 forms in Kwanmobong(peak). The Oesorak had very distinct floristic characteristics such as the wild habitats of Asarum maculatum(Aristolochiaceae) and Ilex macropoda(Aquifoliaceae). In the phyorgeographical point of view, the six species such as Sapium japonicum (Euphorbiaceae), Euphorbia joldini(Euphorbiaceae), Ilex macropoda (Aquifoliaceae), Styrax japonica (Styracaceae), Carex sideros ticta (Cyperaceae) and Asarum maculatum (Aristolochiaceae) were naturalized into this region, while the 17 taxa such as Abies neprolepis(Pinaceae), Pinus pumila(Pinaceae), Thuja koraiensis(Cupressaceae), Allium senescens(Liliaceae), Lilium distichum(Liliaceae), Saxifraga punctata(Saxfragaceae), Rosa marretii(Rosaceae), Bupleurum euphorbioides(Umbelliferae), Androsace cortusaefolia (Primulaceae), Peducularis mandshurica(Scrophulariaceae) and Leontopodium coreanum (Compositae) were distrivuted to this region. The colonizing weedy species such as Ixris repens (Compositae) were distributed to this region. The colonizing weedy species losa(Labiatae) and Rosa rugosa(Rosaceae) were naturalized into ca. 900m at sea level mainly due to the sand soil from the seashore. Mountain roadbed is susceptible than other areas to the slippery road problems, due largely to snow and rain, particularly during winter. Sand soils from seashore are utilized to minimize this slip in traffic operation.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2023.05a
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• pp.28-28
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• 2023

Most countries worldwide are finding it difficult to make decisions regarding the utilization of water resources and the ecological flow protection of rivers because of serious water shortages and global climate warming. To overcome this difficulty, accurate ecological flow processes and protected ecological objectives are required. Since the introduction of the concept, ecological flow calculations have been developed for more than 60 years. This technical development has always been dominated by countries such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The technical applications, however, vary substantially worldwide. Some countries, for instance, did not readjust the method because of a lack of understanding of the ecological effect or because they failed to achieve elaborate scheduling. Mostly, readjustments were not made because the users could not make their choices from among numerous methods for ecological flow. This paper presents three research results based on a systematic review of 240 methods with clear connotation boundaries. First, the ecological flow algorithm was developed along with the scientific and technological progress in the river ecosystem theory, ecohydrological relationship, and characterization and simulation of hydrological and hydrodynamic processes. In addition, the basis of the method has evolved from the hydrological process of the ecosystem, hydraulics-habitat conditions, and social development interference to whole ecosystem simulation. Second, 240 methods were classified into 50 sub-categories to evaluate their advantages and disadvantages according to the ecological flow algorithms of hydrology, hydraulics, habitat, and other comprehensive methods. According to this evaluation, 60% of the methods were not suitable for further application, including the method based on the percentage of natural runoff. Furthermore, the applicability of the remaining methods was presented according to the evaluation based on the aspects of allocation of water resources, water conservancy project scheduling, and river ecological evaluation. Third, In the future, most developing countries should strengthen the guarantee of high-standard ecological flow via a coordination mechanism for the ecological flow guarantee established under a sustainable framework or via an ecological protection pattern at the national level according to the national system. Concurrently, a reliable ecological flow demand process should also be established on the basis of detailed investigation and research on the relationship between river habitats, ecological hydrology, and ecological hydraulics. This will ensure that the real-time evaluation of ecological flow forces the water conservancy project scheduling and accurate allocation of water.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.567-578
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• 2022

Various social and environmental problems have recently emerged due to global climate change. In South Korea, coniferous forests in the highlands are decreasing due to climate change whereas the distribution of subtropical species is gradually increasing. This study aims to respond to changes in the distribution of forest species in South Korea due to climate change. This study predicts changes in future suitable areas for Pinus koraiensis, Cryptomeria japonica, and Chamaecyparis obtusa cultivated as timber species based on climate, topography, and environment. Appearance coordinates were collected only for natural forests in consideration of climate suitability in the National Forest Inventory. Future climate data used the SSP scenario by KMA. Species distribution models were ensembled to predict future suitable habitat areas for the base year(2000-2019), near future(2041-2060), and distant future(2081-2100). In the baseline period, the highly suitable habitat for Pinus koraiensis accounted for approximately 13.87% of the country. However, in the distant future(2081-2100), it decreased to approximately 0.11% under SSP5-8.5. For Cryptomeria japonica, the habitat for the base year was approximately 7.08%. It increased to approximately 18.21% under SSP5-8.5 in the distant future. In the case of Chamaecyparis obtusa, the habitat for the base year was approximately 19.32%. It increased to approximately 90.93% under SSP5-8.5 in the distant future. Pinus koraiensis, which had been planted nationwide, gradually moved north due to climate change with suitable habitats in South Korea decreased significantly. After the near future, Pinus koraiensis was not suitable for the afforestation as timber species in South Korea. Chamaecyparis obtusa can be replaced in most areas. In the case of Cryptomeria japonica, it was assessed that it could replace part of the south and central region.