• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.287-298
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• 2020

It is predicted that future climate warming will occur, and the subtropical climate zone currently confined to the south coast of Korea will gradually rise north. The shift of climate zone implies a change in area for cultivating crops. This study aimed to evaluate the current and future status of climate zones based on the high-resolution climate data of South Korea to prepare adaptation measures for cultivating crops under changing agricultural climate conditions. First, the climatic maps of South and North Korea were produced by using the high-resolution monthly maximum and minimum daily temperature and monthly cumulative precipitation produced during the past 30 years (1981-2010) covering South and North Korea. Then the climate zones of the Korean Peninsula were classified based on the Köppen climate classification. Second, the changes in climate zones were predicted by using the corrected monthly climate data of the Korean Peninsula (grid resolution 30-270m) based on the RCP8.5 scenario of the Korea Meteorological Administration. Köppen climate classification was applied based on the RCP8.5 scenario, the temperature and precipitation of the Korean Peninsula would continue to increase and the climate would become simpler. It was predicted that the temperate climate, appearing in the southern region of Korea, would be gradually expanded and the most of the Korean Peninsula, excluding some areas of Hamgkyeong and Pyeongan provinces in North Korea, would be classified as a temperate climate zone between 2071 and 2100. The subarctic climate would retreat to the north and the Korean Peninsula would become warmer and wetter in general.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.292-303
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• 2022

Background: Climate change significantly influences the geographical distribution of plant species worldwide. Selecting indicator species allows for better-informed and more effective ecosystem management in response to climate change. The Korean Peninsula is the northernmost distribution zone of warm temperate evergreen broad-leaved (WTEB) species in Northeast Asia. Considering the ecological value of these species, we evaluated the current distribution range and future suitable habitat for 13 WTEB tree species designated as climate-sensitive biological indicator species. Results: Up-to-date and accurate WTEB species distribution maps were constructed using herbarium specimens and citizen science data from the Korea Biodiversity Observation Network. Current northern limits for several species have shifted to higher latitudes compared to previous records. For example, the northern latitude limit for Stauntonia hexaphylla is higher (37° 02' N, Deokjeokdo archipelago) than that reported previously (36° 13' N). The minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) is the major factor influencing species distribution. Under future climate change scenarios, suitable habitats are predicted to expand toward higher latitudes inland and along the western coastal areas. Conclusions: Our results support the suitability of WTEB trees as significant biological indicators of species' responses to warming. The findings also suggest the need for consistent monitoring of species distribution shifts. This study provides an important baseline dataset for future monitoring and management of indicator species' responses to changing climate conditions in South Korea.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.47-58
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• 2012

This study was carried out to develop assessment model for the optimal site prediction of Dendropanax morbifera, Evergreen broad-leaved trees in warm temperate zone according to climate change. It was created criterion for assessment model of the optimal site prediction by quantification method to possible analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, through study relationship between growth of tree and site environmental factors. A program of the optimal site prediction was developed using program version 3.2, an Avenue and Dialog Designer tool of ESRI as GIS(geographic information system) engine. Developed program applied to test accuracy of the optimal site prediction in study area of Wando, Jeollanam-do, having a various evergreen broad-leaved trees of warm temperate zone. In the results from analysis of the optimal site prediction on Dendropanax morbifera, the characteristics of optimal site were analyzed site environmental features with 401~500m of altitude, $15^{\circ}$ of slope, hillside of local topography, alluvium of deposit type, convex of slope type and south of aspect. The mapping area per grade of the optimal site prediction in the Dendropanax morbifera showed 1,487.2ha(25.4%) of class I, 1,020.3ha(17.4%) of class II, 2,231.8ha(38.2%) of class III and 1,110.5ha(19.0%) of class IV.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.176-190
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• 2017

South Korea is the northernmost distributional territory on the Camellietea japonicae (evergreen broad-leaved forests of the warm-temperate zone) in East Asia. A total of 40 stands were collected in terms of an ecologically-naturalized wild tea population (WTP), and their species composition was analyzed by $Z{\ddot{u}}rich$-Montpellier School's method with preliminary regard to forest canopy idendtification. Stand types were characterized by ecological flora's criteria such as Raunkiaer's life-form, neophyte, zonal distribution, and nativeness of species. Expansion of WTP distribution into the interior of the peninsula was recognized, than expected. The highest and northernmost WTPs have been recorded at Mt. Palgong, Daegu (390 m a.s.l.) and Iksan Jeonbuk (latitude $36^{\circ}$ 03' 33''), respectively. Altitudinal and latitudinal WTP distribution of Korea under continental climate shows lower than Japanese situation under oceanic climate. Community structure generally involved a few human interferences. Syngeographically WTP distribution was limited on the warm-temperate zone and the southernmost cool-temperate southern submontane zone. First driving force on distributional expansion of the WTP was anthropogenic, particularly in the northernmost distribution area. We finally confirmed an actual existence of the WTP in South Korea and suggested a long-term monitoring on the WTPs in national view of in-situ genetic resources with higher frost-resistance.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.275-285
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• 2020

Background: In Korea, Symplocos prunifolia Siebold. & Zucc. is only found on Jeju Island. Conservation of the species is difficult because little is known about its distribution and natural habitat. The lack of research and survey data on the characteristics of native vegetation and distribution of this species means that there is insufficient information to guide the management and conservation of this species and related vegetation. Therefore, this study aims to identify the distribution and vegetation associated with S. prunifolia. Results: As a result of field investigations, it was confirmed that the native S. prunifolia communities were distributed in 4 areas located on the southern side of Mt. Halla and within the evergreen broad-leaved forest zones. Furthermore, these evergreen broad-leaved forest zones are themselves located in the warm temperate zone which are distributed along the valley sides at elevations between 318 and 461 m. S. prunifolia was only found on the south side of Mt. Halla, and mainly on south-facing slopes; however, small communities were found to be growing on northwest-facing slopes. It has been confirmed that S. prunifolia trees are rare but an important constituent species in the evergreen broad-leaved forest of Jeju. The mean importance percentage of S. prunifolia community was 48.84 for Castanopsis sieboldii, 17.79 for Quercus acuta, and 12.12 for Pinus thunbergii; S. prunifolia was the ninth most important species (2.6). Conclusions: S. prunifolia can be found growing along the natural streams of Jeju, where there is little anthropogenic influence and where the streams have caused soil disturbance through natural processes of erosion and deposition of sediments. Currently, the native area of S. prunifolia is about 3300 ㎡, which contains a confirmed population of 180 individual plants. As a result of these low population sizes, it places it in the category of an extremely endangered plant in Korea. In some native sites, the canopy of evergreen broad-leaved forest formed, but the frequency and coverage of species were not high. Negative factors that contributed to the low distribution of this species were factors such as lacking in shade tolerance, low fruiting rates, small native areas, and special habitats as well as requiring adequate stream disturbance. Presently, due to changes in climate, it is unclear whether this species will see an increase in its population and habitat area or whether it will remain as an endangered species within Korea. What is clear, however, is that the preservation of the present native habitats and population is extremely important if the population is to be maintained and expanded. It is also meaningful in terms of the stable conservation of biodiversity in Korea. Therefore, based on the results of this study, it is judged that a systematic evaluation for the preservation and conservation of the habitat and vegetation management method of S. prunifolia should be conducted.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.45-54
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• 2014

This study was carried out to investigate the ecological succession sere and conservative value, and to provide the basic data in Woonsooam Valley, in Jogyesan (Mt.) (altitude 884m), Suncheon City, Korea by analysing the structure of the plant community. Fifteen plots (size is $20m{\times}20m$) were set up at an altitude of range from 255m to 495m. As a result of analysis of DCA which is one of the ordination technique, the plant communities were divided into five groups which are community I (Pinus densiflora community), community II (Quercus variabilis-Quercus serrata community), community III (Q. serrata-Q. variabilis community), and community IV (Carpinus tschonoskii-Q. serrata community) and community v(Deciduous broad-leaved forest community). We found out that the vegetation of the study site located in the South Temperate Climate Zone. The study site is found out that Q. serrata community 34.4%, part of slope in valley is the distribution that dominant species is Q. serrata-Q. variabilis community 32.1%. And in valley showed Carpinus tschonoskii community 5.5%. And Sasa borealis was dominant species in the shrub layer. We couldn't supposed that the ecological succession sere of the study site, however we should do a long-term monitoring to investigate the changes of the ecological succession each plant community, According to the index of Shannon's diversity (unit: $400m^2$), community III was ranged from 1.0102 to 1.1013, community V was 0.9945, community II was ranged from 0.7913 to 1.1503, community IV was ranged from 0.8081 to 1.0749 and community I was 0.9273.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.503-514
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• 2020

Climate change leads to changes in phenological response and movement of plant habitats. Korea's evergreen broad-leaved forest has widened its distribution area compared for the past 20 years, and the range of its native habitats is moving northward. We analyzed climate indices such as the warmth index, the cold index, the lowest temperature in the coldest month, and the annual average temperature, which are closely related to vegetation distribution, to predict the change in the native habitat of Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees. We also analyzed the change and spatial distribution to identify the habitat climate characteristics of 8 species of Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees distributed in the warm temperate zone in Korea. Moreover, we predicted the natural habitat change in the 21st century according to the climate change scenario (RCP 4.5/8.5), applying the MaxEnt species distribution model. The monthly average climate index of the 8 species of Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees was 116.9±10.8℃ for the temperate index, the cold index 3.9±3.8℃, 1495.7±455.4mm for the annual precipitation, 11.7±3.5 for the humidity index, 14.4±1.1℃ for the annual average temperature, and 1.0±2.1℃ for the lowest temperature of winter. Based on the climate change scenario RCP 4.5, the distribution of the Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees was analyzed to expand to islands of Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, adjacent areas of the west and south coasts, and Goseong, Gangwon-do on the east coast. In the case of the distribution based on the climate change scenario RCP 8.5, it was analyzed that the distribution would expand to all of Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, and most regions except for some parts of Jeollabuk-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and the capital region. For the conservation of Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees to prepare for climate change, it is necessary to establish standards for conservation plans such as in-situ and ex-situ conservation and analyze various physical and chemical characteristics of native habitats. Moreover, it is necessary to preemptively detect changes such as distribution, migration, and decline of Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees following climate change based on phenological response data based on climate indicators and establish conservation management plans.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.118-131
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• 2018

The forest vegetation of Juwangsan National Park, which is famous for its towering scenic valleys, was syntaxonomically described. The study adopted the $Z{\ddot{u}}rich$-Montpellier School's method emphasizing a matching between species composition and habitat conditions. A combined cover degree and the r-NCD (relative net contribution degree) were used to determine a performance of 265 plant species listed-up in a total of 52 phytosociological $relev{\acute{e}}s$. Nine plant communities were classified through a series of table manipulations, and their distribution and actual homotoneity($H_{act}$) were analyzed. Syntaxa described were Carex gifuensis-Quercus mongolica community, Athyrium yokoscense-Quercus mongolica communiy, Arisaema amurense-Quercus serrata community, Lespedeza maximowiczii var. tomentella-Quercus variabilis community, Tilia rufa-Quercus dentata community, Carex ciliatomarginata-Carpinus laxiflora community, Aristolochia manshuriensis-Zelkova serrata community, Onoclea orientalis-Fraxinus mandshurica community, and Carex humilis var. nana-Pinus densiflora community. A zonal distribution was reviewed and the altitude of about 700 m was the transition zone between the cool-temperate central montane zone (Lindero-Quercenion mongolicae region) and southern submontane zone (Callicarpo-Quercenion serratae region). Only 19 taxa were associated with r-NCD 10% or more, most of which were tree species occurring in the Lindero-Quercenion and some of which was a member of open forests. Species composition of forest vegetation was much less homogeneous, showing the lowest $H_{act}$. Nearly natural forests and/or secondary forests in the Juwangsan National Park were defined as a regional vegetation type, which reflects much stronger continental climate in the Daegu regional bioclimatic subdistrict, rhyolitic tuff predominant, and wildfire interference.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.345-353
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• 2018

Hibernation is regarded as a physiological and behavioral adaptation that permits the survival of animals such as bats during seasonal periods of energy shortage. This study investigated the hibernation period of Plecotus ognevi in the temperate climate zone and the relationship between the thermal preference and hibernating process of bats. We hypothesized that the hibernation period of bats is closely related to the external temperature and temperature preference of bat species in the temperate region. To verify this hypothesis, we surveyed the distribution of the P. ognevi population in South Korea, and the temperature preference and the characteristics of hibernacula of P. ognevi. We predict that hibernation in the bat will begin when the external temperature drops below the thermal preference of the species and will leave from hibernation when the external temperature is higher than the thermal preference. P. ognevi hibernated in roosts maintained in low temperature ambient conditions with $-3.5{\sim}7.5^{\circ}C$). The body temperatures (averaged $3.01{\pm}1.30^{\circ}C$, ranged $0.1{\sim}7.8^{\circ}C$) of hibernating bats were closely related to the rock surface temperatures rather than the ambient temperatures. The bats began to hibernate in late November and final arousals occurred in mid-March, so that the total length of the hibernation was 115~120 days. The period of hibernation was strongly influenced by fluctuations in the external mean temperature. This study suggests that the onset and termination of P. ognevi hibernation is due to the interaction between the temperature of the hibernacula and that of the external environment and is based on the thermal preference of the bats. The study also suggests that the hibernation strategy such as thermal preference and hibernation periods of this species affect to distribution as bat species adapting to a severely climate.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.593-603
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• 2012

This study was carried out to investigate the ecological succession sere and conservative value, and to provide the basic data for the planning of the Provincial Park Management in Seonamsagol(Valley), Jogyesan(Mt.) Provincial Park(altitude 884m), Suncheon City, Korea by analysing the structure of the plant community. Twenty plots(size is $20m{\times}20m$) were set up at an altitude of range from 315m to 480m. As a result of analysis of TWINSPAN which is one of the ordination technique, the plant communities were divided into four groups which are community I(Quercus variabilis community), community II(Q. serrata community), community III(Decideous broad-leaved plant community), and community IV(Carpinus tschonoskii community). The warmth index is $104^{\circ}C{\cdot}month$ based on the data of monthly mean temperature during the past thirty years(1981~2010), so we found out that the vegetation of the study site located in the South Temperate Climate Zone. We supposed that the ecological succession sere of the study site is in the early stage of developing from Q. serrata community to Carpinus tshonoskii community, however we should do a long-term monitoring to investigate the changes of the ecological succession each plant community, meanwhile Sasa borealis was dominant species in the shrub layer. The diameter at breast height of specimen tree is range from 20 to 55cm(average 36cm) and the height of that is range from 14 to 35m(average 23cm). The age of community I was 64 years old, that of community II was from 59 to 64 years old, that of community III was from 51 to 62 years old, and that of community IV was from 41 to 68 years old, thus the age of the study site is about from 38 to 72 years old. According to the index of Shnnon's diversity(unit: $400m^2$), community IV was ranged from 0.8452 to 1.2312, community III was ranged from 0.8044 to 1.1404, community II was ranged from 0.8221 to 0.9971, and community I was 0.8324.