• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
• /
• v.50 no.4
• /
• pp.375-391
• /
• 2015

Trees to arrest sand-shifting have been planted on most of coastal dunes in Korea and considered as conservative objects. However, we reconsider that the simplicity of these trees have hindered ecological roles of coastal dunes; geochemical cycle and habitats of endemic species in coastal ecosystem. We examined geochemical properties of sediments on Byunsuran dune field where is planted with pine trees. There are significant difference in properties between embryo dune sediments and foredune sediments, but there are not between foredune and secondary dune. There are no significant difference between pine forest sediments and mixed forest sediments. It is also not showed the difference between dune ridge sediments and swale sediments. Despite spatial diversity from appearance, geochemical properties are not linked with geomorphic and vegetational conditions because of dense planted trees on foredune. To recover natural properties of coastal dunes, we need to change the conservation scheme to increase geomorphic and ecological diversity.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.14-20
• /
• 2015

We created species richness maps of mammals, birds and plants using "Nnational Ecosystem Survey" data and identified correlations between species richness maps of each taxa. We examine the distribution of species richness of each taxa and calculated conservation priority rank through plotting species-area curves using an additive benefit function in Zonation. The conclusions of this study are as follows. First, plant showed high species richness in Gangwon province and Baekdudaegan, and mammals showed high species richness at eastern slope of Baekdudaegan in Gangwon province unusually and the species richness of mammals distributed equally except Gyeonggi and Chungnam province. However, birds showed high species richness in the west costal because the area is the major route of winter migratory birds. Second, correlation of each taxa's distribution is not significant. Correlation between mammals and birds is positive but correlations between birds and others are negative. Because mammals inhabit in forest but birds mostly live in coastal wetlands and rivers. Therefore, bird's habitats are not shared with other habitats. Third, the probability of mammals occurrence is very low under 25% in species-area curve, others increase proportionally to area. Birds increase dramatically richness at 10% because bird's habitat is concentrated in coastal wetlands and rivers. Plants increased gently species richness due to large forest in Gangwon province. We can calculate the predicted number of species in curves and plan various conservation strategies using the marginal number of species. Finally, high priority ranks for conservation distributed mainly in Gangwon province and Baekdudaegan. When we compared with priority map and terrestrial national parks, the parks were evaluated as high priority ranks. However, the rank of parks away from Baekdudaegan was low. This study has the meaning of selecting conservation priority area using National Ecosystem Survey. In spite of the omission of survey data in national parks and Baekdudaegan, the results were good. Therefore, the priority rank method using species distribution models is useful to selecting protected areas and improving conservation plans. However, it is needed to select protected areas considering various evaluation factors, such as rarity, connectivity, representativeness, focal species and so on because there is a limit to select protected area only using species richness.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.28 no.6
• /
• pp.697-704
• /
• 2014

Mt. Hallasan in Jejudo has been well known as a habitat for both northern and southern limited butterflies and attracts the interests of many lepidopterists. In this study, the line transect method was used to monitor the community and similarity of butterflies monthly monitoring from May to September 2013, and the results were compared with the previous data. Through monitoring, 3,397 individuals in 26 species of 5 families were found in the present study. The monitored individuals belonging to 4 species (Aphantopus hyperantus, Eumenis autono, Lethe diana and Melanargia epimede) was 2,578 (75.9%), showing the prevalent species among the butterflies observed in the grassy area of the Mt. Hallasan. The butterflies inhabiting Mt. Hallasan showed higher similarity in the area where the open grassy space and the crowns of tree layer coexist than in landscape consisting of solely the tree layer or open grassy space. The habitation of butterflies by heights showed the altitudes between 1,665 to 1,700 m, located beneath the Baekrokdam (the crater) of Mt. Hallasan, possessed the most species and individuals. And it was also observed that the species that previously inhabited the subalpine zone moved to the area of higher altitudes together with the species that previously inhabited rather lower altitudes than the subalpine zone.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.295-307
• /
• 2006

Styela clava, called non-native tunicate or sea squirt, is habitat which include bays and harbors in Korea and several sites in the sea faced world. We fabricate cellulose membrane nerve conduit (CMNC) from this native sea squirt skin, and evaluate the capacity of promoting peripheral nerve regeneration in the rat sciatic nerve defect model. After processing the pure cellulose membrane from the sea squirt skin as we already published before, CMNC was designed as a non-tubular sheet with 14 mm length and 4 mm width. Total eleven male Spraque-Dawley rats (12 weeks, weighing 250 to 300g) were divided into sham group (n=2), silicone tube grafted control group (n=3) and experimental group (n=6). Each CMNC grafted nerve was evaluated after 4, 8 and 12 weeks in the experimental group, and after 12 weeks, sciatic function was evaluated with sciatic function index (SFI) and gait analysis, and histomorphology of nerve conduit and the innervated tissues of sciatic nerve were all examined using image analyzer and electromicroscopic methods in the all groups. The regenerated axon and nerve sheath were found only in the inner surface of the CMNC after 4 weeks and became more thicker after 8 and 12 weeks. In the TEM study, CMNC grafted group showed more abundant organized myelinated nerve fibers with thickened extracellular matrix than silicone conduit grafted group after 12 weeks. The sciatic function index (SFI) and ankle stance angle (ASA) in the functional evaluation were $-47.2{\pm}3.9$, $35.5^{\circ}{\pm}4.9^{\circ}$ in CMNC grafted group (n=2) and $-80.4{\pm}7.4$, $29.2^{\circ}{\pm}5.3^{\circ}$ in silicone conduit grafted group (n=3), respectively. And the myelinated axon was 41.59% in CMNC group and 9.51% in silicone conduit group to the sham group. The development of a bioactive CMNC to replace autogenous nerve grafts offers a potential and available approach to improved peripheral nerve regeneration. As we already published before, small peptide fragment derived from the basement membrane matrix proteins of squirt skin, which is a kind of anchoring protein composed of glycocalyx, induced the effective axonal regeneration with rapid growth of Schwann cells beneath the inner surface of CMNC. So the possibilities of clinical application as a peripheral nerve regeneration will be able to be suggested.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.490-497
• /
• 2011

This study was carried out to identify environmental factor to influence fruiting of Vicia chosenensis populations distributed in Hongcheon-gun region, Korea. The populations was dominated by Quercus mongolica in the tree layer, and Lindera obtusiloba and Lespedeza maximowiczii in the shrub layer. Syneilesis palmata(21%) was abundant around reproductive state points and vegetative state points, and Artemisia stolonifera(13~18%) and Spodiopogon sibiricus(10~11%) show second high frequency in the both points. It was found that the soil moisture content in the Vicia chosenensis population was 20.4~21.9%; 8.6~14.9% for organic matter; 0.3~0.5% for the total N;12.7~16.9 ppm for available phosphorus; 22.5~28.5 $cmol_ckg^{-1}$ for CEC; 5.3~5.5 for soil pH, respectively. The microhabitat of individuals was restricted to areas high in understory light. Especially, reproductive individuals were more likely to be located than vegetative individuals in canopy gaps. Therefore, our results suggest that a proper forest management maintaining canopy gaps is needed for keeping natural Vicia chosenensis population.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.71-84
• /
• 2013

This study investigated some of the specific ecological characteristics Torreya nucifera forest and its health conditions so that was drawn from four different management strategies, such as Types A, B, C, and D, for protected areas of forest genetic resources. Type A refers to passive management which routinely keeps the current status of forests by removing competitive trees or curing damaged ones. Type B, as active one which improves Torreya nucifera forest, includes increase of soil pH and removal of Sasa borealis, Phyllostachys bambusoides, and deciduous broad-leaved trees such as Quercus variabilis, Carpinus tschonoskii et al.. Type C is another passive one which reduces soil acidity within Chamae cyparisobtusa forest and maintains the existing forests. Type D is another active one which decreases soil acidity and simultaneously reduces problems associated with competitive and invasive plants to nurture the young trees. At last, it is important to note that the protected areas for forest genetic resources need to be entitled to categories III(natural monument) or IV(habitat/species management area) in accordance with protected area management guidelines of IUCN.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.30 no.5
• /
• pp.857-864
• /
• 2016

To analyze the behavioral characteristics of Korea endangered species female gorals (n=6) during the period of birth, using GPS collar attached on their necks, we carried out this study in two areas (Seoraksan and Woraksan National park) from March 2007 to May 2014. According to our analysis there was a change in their home range during the period of birth. The home range of females (n=6) in MCP 95% was Spring ($1.00{\pm}1.00km^2$) > Autumn ($0.66{\pm}0.30km^2$) > Summer ($0.61{\pm}0.40km^2$) > Winter ($0.50{\pm}0.10km^2$) (F=4.198, p<0.05). In the monthly analysis, their home ranges were dramatically reduced in May, June and July. It showed a statistically significant difference (F=24.261, p<0.01). These gorals showing a drastic change in home ranges were identified as gorals having offspring individual and their home ranges were decreased. The average altitude was $615.77{\pm}173.508m$ and there was no significant difference in major change between parous and nonparous female gorals. Through this analysis, we expect that it can be applied to the goral management and restoration project considering the time of birth.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2012

We studied that the effect of stocking density on growth and survival rate of the scallop, Chlamys farreri (initial shell height 32.97 mm and total weight 5.63 g) from June 2002 to October 2003 in the west coast of Korea. C. farreri is usually the west coast of Korea and northern China in the natural habitat of the coastal species. Range of surface water temperature in the study area was $4.3^{\circ}C$ to $25.3^{\circ}C$, salinity 29.2 psu to 32.1 psu, dissolved oxygen 5.32 mg/L to 7.51 mg/L and pH was 7.84 to 8.12, respectively. The stocking densities were 20, 30, 40 and 50 individuals per a compartment of suspension cage in culture beginning. After 16 months from initiation, ranges of shell height and mean total weight were from 64.35 mm to 76.23 mm and from 41.53 g to 64.85 g. The survival rate was from 82% to 100%. The growth rate of the scallop was negatively correlated with the stocking density. The growth of the shell height and total weight were decreased with decreasing of water temperature. Most of mortality of scallop occurred during March to April and September to October. Survival rate in the stocking density was decreased by density increase and was highest in 20 individual a compartment.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.277-291
• /
• 2009

The flora in the region of Songnisan National Park ($N36^{\circ}28^{\prime}05^{{\prime}{\prime}}{\sim}36^{\circ}46^{\prime}38^{{\prime}{\prime}}$, $E\;127^{\circ}47^{\prime}06^{{\prime}{\prime}}{\sim}127^{\circ}57^{\prime}50^{{\prime}{\prime}}$) was surveyed from April 2000 to July 2006. Vascular plants in 26 collections included a total of 723 taxa: 115 families, 392 genera, 629 species, 4 subspecies, 72 varieties and 18 forms. Ninety-three of these taxa were first records for the region. In the flora of Songnisan National Park, 27 taxa were Korean endemic plants, 19 taxa were rare and endangered plants as designated by the Korea Forest Service. Forty-five of the taxa were with the levels III, IV, V in the floristic regional indicator plants which was designated by Korean Ministry of Environment, and 29 taxa were alien plants now naturalized in Korea. Owing to their unusual phytogeography and low number of populations, the taxa Crypsinus hastatus (Thunb.) Copel., Paeonia japonica (Makino) Miyabe & Takeda, Jeffersonia dubia (Maxim.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Baker & S.Moore, Bupleurum euphorbioides Nakai, Phacellanthus tubiflorus Siebold & Zucc., Lilium cernuum Kom., Gastrodia elata Blume and Cephalanthera erecta var. subaphylla (Miyabe & Kud ) Ohwi were considered the most important. Based on these results, it is clear that appropriate plans to conserve the natural habitat of Songnisan National Park must be made immediately.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.41 no.10
• /
• pp.290-301
• /
• 2017

Background: Forest edges create distinctive ecological space as adjacent constituents, which distinguish between different ecosystems or land use types. These edges are made by anthropogenic or natural disturbance and affects both abiotic and biotic factors gradually. This study was carried out to assess edge effects on disturbed landscape at the pine-dominated clear-cut area in a genetic resources reserve in Uljin-gun, eastern Korea. This study aims to estimate the distance of edge influence by analyzing changes of abiotic and biotic factors along the distance from forest edge. Further, we recommend forest management strategy for sustaining healthy forest landscapes by reducing effects of deforestation. Results: Distance of edge effect based on the abiotic factors varied from 8.2 to 33.0 m. The distances were the longest in $Mg^{2+}$ content and total nitrogen, $K^+$, $Ca^{2+}$ contents, canopy openness, light intensity, air humidity, $Na^+$ content, and soil temperature followed. The result based on biotic factors varied from 6.8 to 29.5 m, coverage of tree species in the herb layer showed the longest distance and coverage of shrub plant in the herb layer, evenness, species diversity, total coverage of herb layer, and species richness followed. As the result of calculation of edge effect by synthesizing 26 factors measured in this study, the effect was shown from 11.0 m of the forest interior to 22.4 m of the open space. In the result of stand ordination, Rhododendron mucronulatum, R. schlippenbachii, and Fraxinus sieboldiana dominated arrangement of forest interior sites and Quercus mongolica, Vitis amurensis, and Rubus crataegifolius dominated spatial distribution of the open area plots. Conclusions: Forest interior habitat lies within the influence of both abiotic and biotic edge effects. Therefore, we need a forest management strategy to sustain the stability of the plant and further animal communities that depend on its stable conditions. For protecting forest interior, we recommend selective logging as a harvesting method for minimizing edge effects by anthropogenic disturbance. In fact, it was known that selective logging contributes to control light availability and wind regime, which are key factors affecting microclimate. In addition, ecological restoration applying protective planting for the remaining forest in the clear-cut area could contribute to prevent continuous disturbance in forest interior.