• Journal of Climate Change Research
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.143-155
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• 2016

Present work aims to establish the countermeasure for the better maintenance and preservation of insular floristic diversity at the South Sea of Jeollanamdo Province, ROK, where unique ecosystems are under threat due to climate change, anthropogenic disturbance and habitat destruction. Numerous flora reports from 15 inhabited islands and 60 uninhabited islands as well as field survey data are collated for the compilation of floristic data base and island biogeographical analysis. Out of the 1,940 vascular plant species from 180 families occurring in studies areas, 30.1 percentage or 584 plant species are physiognomically belonging to arboreal plants. Average number of species at individual island is numbered about 222 species, but it varies from about 591 species at the inhabited islands to 129 species at the uninhabited islands. Only 0.15 percentage of species with high proportion above 0.9 in its relative occurrence rate occurs at 68 islands and it includes three species, such as Pinus thunbergii, Eurya japonica and Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum. However, about 68 percentage of plant species occurring in study area is confined their distribution to less than seven islands. Presence of high proportion of notable plants in small islands, i.e., 10 critically endangered species compared with 5.5 species in average, 9 endangered species (average 4.2 spp.) at Sonjookdo, and 7 critically endangered species, 8 endangered species at Sokomundo may due to existence of diverse geological and topographical environmental diversity as well as lower human population density and remoteness from the mainland. Since island is small in size and geographically isolated, minor environmental and ecological burdens can cause the critical damages to the diversity of flora and vegetation, urgent island biogeographical research is needed for the scientific conservation and management of island biodiversity.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.241-255
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• 2020

Background: The stem exclusion stage is a stage of forest development that is important for understanding the subsequent understory reinitiation stage and maturation stage during which horizontal heterogeneity is formed. Over the past 11 years (2009-2019), we observed a deciduous broad-leaved forest in the Albongbunji Basin in Ulleungdo, South Korea in its stem exclusion stage, where Fagus engleriana (Engler's beech) is the dominant species, thereby analyzing the changes in the structure (density and size distributions), function (biomass and species richness), and demographics. Results: The mean stem density data presented a bell-shaped curve with initially increasing, peaking, and subsequently decreasing trends in stem density over time, and the mean biomass data showed a sigmoidal pattern indicating that the rate of biomass accumulation slowed over time. Changes in the density and biomass of Fagus engleriana showed a similar trend to the changes in density and biomass at the community level, which is indicative of the strong influence of this species on the changing patterns of forest structure and function. Around 2015, a shift between recruitment and mortality rates was observed. Deterministic processes were the predominant cause of tree mortality in our study; however, soil deposition that began in 2017 in some of the quadrats resulted in an increase in the contribution of stochastic processes (15% in 2019) to tree mortality. The development of horizontal heterogeneity was observed in forest gaps. Conclusions: Our observations showed a dramatic shift between the recruitment and mortality rates in the stem exclusion stage, and that disturbance increases the uncertainty in forest development increases. The minor changes in species composition are likely linked to regional species pool and the limited role of the life-history strategy of species such as shade tolerance and habitat affinity. Our midterm records of ecological succession exhibited detailed demographic dynamics and contributed to the improvement of an ecological perspective in the stem exclusion stage.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.1-23
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• 1987

To investigate the forest structure of Mt. Bukhan. ranging from Seoul to Kyongkido, twenty plots were set up by the vegetation physiognomy and vegetation analysis was carried out. According to the leading dominant tree species in canopy stratum, forest communities were classified into three large groups of natural forest communities, semi-natural forest communities and artificial forest communities, and each of them covered 82.64, 7.03, and 5.71% of Mt. Bukhan area, respectively. Pure or mixed natural forest communities of Pinus densiflora and Quercus mongolica were major forest communities and covered 70.8% of Mt. Bukhan area. The important planted tree species were Robinia pseudoacacia, Pinus rigida, and Alnus birsuta and they were mainly planted at the southern slope and roadside. The degree of human disturbance of vegetation of 8, 7, and 6 area covered 82.64, 0, and 12.74%, respectively. According to forest dimensions, most of forest communities were young aged forests of which mean DBH was 20cm and canopy height below 10m. However, a few mature forest communities of Pinus densiflora or Quercus mongolica were found in the small area. The range of Shannon's species diversity of major natural forest communities, pure or mixed forest communities of Pinus densiflora and Quercus mongolica was 1.085~1.242. According to stand dynamic analysis by DBH class distribution, the present Quercus mongolica communities arid Robinia pseudoacacia communities may last long their present forest structure and most of other communities may be succeeded to Quercus mongolica communities, however, a few communities invaded by Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus aliena-Quercus acutissima communities may be succeeded to Robinia pseudoacacia communities and Quercus aliena communities, respectively. DCA was the most effective method of this study. DCA ordination were showed that successional trends of tree species seem to be from Pinus densiflora through Quercus serrata. Prunus sargrntii. Sorbus alnifolia to Q. mongolica. Fraxinus mandsburica, F. rhynchophylla in the upper layer and from Zanthoxylum schinifolium, Lespedeza crytobotrya trough Rhus trichocarpa. Rh. verniciflua. Rhododendron mucronulatum. Rh. schlippenbachii to Acer pseudo-sieboldianus. Magnolia sieboldii, Euonymus sieboldianus.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.157-169
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the ecological characteristics and vegetation structures of Eurya japonica in Busan. As a result of the TWINSPAN and DCA analysis, 89 plots of 100㎡ each were divided into 3 communities: Quercus serrata-Pinus densiflora-E. japonica community, Pinus thunbergii-E. japonica community, and P. thunbergii-Camellia japonica community. Community I consisted of the Quercus serrata-Pinus densiflora-E. japonica which was mainly located in the high altitude inland. While Q. serrata and P. densiflora competed in the tree layer, the dominant species of the understory layer was E. japonica. Since Carpinus tschonoskii, one of the climax species, was distributed evenly from shrub to tree layers, it was likely that deciduous oak trees or Carpinus tschonoskii would become dominant species in community I. In community I, E. japonica was found in higher altitude than the other evergreen broad-leaved tree and was expected to maintain their tree vigor even if the vegetation structure is converted into the deciduous forest. Community II, the P. thunbergii-E. japonica community, was predicted to maintain its tree vigor unless there were unexpected disturbance factors. Community III, consisting of P. thunbergii-C. japonica and located in Dongbaek Island, was under artificial management. In community III, P. thunbergii was the only species in the tree layer, while C. japonica was predominant in the understory layer. E. japonica and various evergreen broad-leaved tree species were present in the understory layer and shrub layer, which were unmanaged areas. Therefore, it is expected that unless C. japonica is continuously managed, E. japonica is likely to become the dominant species. There were also various evergreen broad-leaved species, such as Machilus thunbergii and Pittosporum tobira, present in the shrub layer. If the temperature continues to rise, the habitat is expected to become evergreen broad-leaved forests in the future as P. thunbergii community declines. The result of Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis of E. japonica and species appearing in 89 plots showed that 9 species were had a statistically significant relationship (p<0.05). Four species, including P. tobira and Q. dentata, had a positive correlation. Five species had a negative correlation, and C. japonica, which had the same ecological position as E. japonica, showed the most negative correlation at -0.384.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.20-29
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to verify and reconstruct the record information for big old trees of Jeju on the basis of the precise map of Jeju island in 1918 which was produced 100 years ago. For the analysis of high altitude, coordinate system and georeferencing were performed by selecting representative points using ArcGIS. We extracted digitized information by using point extraction method and extracted attribute information based on legend type and relative size in map. Based on the map of the past 100 years ago, the present situation of the big old tree in Jeju was analyzed and their characteristics were analyzed. In addition, based on the information of the protected big old trees in present, we discussed the characteristics of past tree (1918), present tree (2019), and contribution of big old tree in Jeju landscape and vegetation. As a result, 1,013 individuals were distributed in Jeju Island 100 years ago. Even when it was intensive in the use of timber, the big old trees were protected, and contributed as a representative component of Jeju's unique landscape. The remaining distribution of Jeju's big old tree is 159 trees. As in the past, distribution has been confirmed around the lowlands, but declines in numbers are found throughout the island. The major factors for the decline of individuals are large-scale development projects such as reaching the limit of life, natural disturbance (typhoon, disease, pest, drought, etc.). However, it is presumed that a large number of individuals have played a leading role in shaping the current forests as contributing to important species sources in the restoration process of Jeju vegetation. However, it is presumed that a large number of individuals (405) have played a leading role in forming the present forest by contributing to the species pool in the restoration process of Jeju vegetation.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.305-313
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• 2002

The physico-chemical characteristics of water and sediment, and structures of vegetation of the vascular hydrophytes were investigated in the West Nakdong River. Water quality was eutrophic according to the mean values and the ranges of water properties such as pH, DO, BOD, chlorophyll a, total nitrogen and phosphate, and other nutrients. A few cases were hypereutrophic for chlorophyll a level in summer. Soil reaction was weak acid. Composition of sediment was mainly sand except in SI(Sinan chideung) of which was mainly clay, and SU(Suan chideung) of which was mainly silt. Flora of vascular hydrophyte had 26 species and 1 variety comprising 16 families. Trapa japonica was dominant species in the sites of DU(Dunchido), GA(Garak chideung) and SU. Nymphoides peltata and Hydrocharis dubia dominated in DA and SI, respectively. Species diversity and evenness were relatively high in SI and SU but dominance was high in DA. After June, water lettuce(Pistia stratiotes) and water hyacinth(Eichhornia crassipes) were flowed from tributary to the river. Standing crop of macrohydrophytes was high in DA from April to August, but it showed maximum standing crop (445g·dw/㎡) in DU after disturbance by explosive growth of exotic plants in October. In comparison with those in 1985, total productivities in DU and GA decreased to 33.5%, and the reduction ratio of dominant species, Trapa japonica was 56.7%. Najas marina, N. minor, Myriophyllum spicatum and Nymphoides indica have disappeared ever since the Nakdong barrage was constructed in the Nakdong river. They were divided into three groups (GA-SU-DU, DA, SI) by cluster analysis. Introduction of the exotic species in this river caused decreasing of endemic plants including endangered species Euryale ferox and rare species Hydocharis dubia, and food plants for waterfowl such as Trapa japonica, Vallisneria asiatica and Potamogeton crispus.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.81 no.4
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• pp.325-336
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• 1992

The successional status and potential natural vegetation were examined in a mixed broadleaved-Abies forest located at Mt, Odae National Park. The examination was based on the subsequent process of generation replacement by understory saplings for the dominant canopy trees within 88 $5m{\times}50m$ belt transects. The transition matrix model, which was modified from mathematical theory of Markov chain, was employed to analyze the successional status of the study forest. The model suggests that the study forest is still seral, and it is considered to be more than 700 years away from the steady state or climax in terms of species composition. The simulations predict a remarkable decrease in the proportion of species composition of the present dominant Quercus mongolica and Tilia amurensi.s from current 28% and 13% to less than 3% and 5%, respectively, at the steady state. On the contrary, the proportions of Abies holophylla, Acer pseudo-sieboldianum, Carpinus cordata, and Pinus koraiensis will increase at the steady state. The ratio of mixture between deciduous and coniferous trees will be gradually changed from current 6.5 : 3.5 to 5.0 : 5.0 at equilibrium. Discussion for the problems of Quercus mongolica in successional status noted that the species behaved as a mid-successional dominant, not a climax species in the study forest. The hypothesis and sensitivity of the transition matrix model were also discussed to evaluate the applicability to the real situation. The overall results indicated that the present dynamics of the forest must reflect the seral state due to previous disturbance mainly by hyman related interference.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.48-57
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• 1999

This study was aimed to establish biotop unit of the mixed rural city for the method and process of the biotop mapping system. Survey site was Maejuri of Seunghwan(158ha), Gisanri of Mokchon(132ha) and Namkwanri, Pungsemeon(214ha). So the main process was divided by 4 schemes such as Biosphere, Geosphere, Antrosphere and Evaluation. Also the GIS(geographic information system) was used to make the database of the biotop and biotop complex, analyze the cross-combinations and analyze the characters of the biotop. Biotop mapping system had 5 steps which were proceeded with research goals, constructing the spatial database and attribute database, classifying the 3 types of biotop such as tree/shrub biotop, grass biotop and wetland biotop, cross-analyzing 3 biotop types with land use, habitat characters, relief characters and danger/disturbance elements and evaluating the 3 types of biotop. The results of applicating the biotop mapping system on the research site as followings : The distributions of the land uses in Maejuri, Seunghwan eup in Chonan city were recorded by forest(29.8%), orchard(14.1%) and landscaping around building site(9.0%). Gisanri, Mokchonmeon were composed of forest(64.5%), farm(12.8%) and Namkwanri, Pungsemeon were concentrated rice field(39.6%), dwell district(22.4%). The Tree/Shrub biotop type was reclassed by the forest type, natural and artificial decidous type with natural coniferous. The Grass biotop type was reclassed by the wild grassland type, garden type and peddy field with wild grassland. The distributions of the wet land were pointed high at the wet land type with reed marsh and edge vegetation around wet land in reservoir and river. The evaluation of the mapped bitopes was completed to the following aspect, "amenity" and "environmental education". A high value of 7.13%(1 class) was shown Maejuri, Seunghwan eup. The regions which were studied synthetically are divided to three parts ; the area where have nature and art mixed(Seunghwan), the area which is more artificial because people inhabit there for a long time(Pungsemeon) and the area that ecological environment is threatened by development pressure(Mokchonmeon). Therefore, ecological restoration plan which depends on specific property of the regions should be established. Also the interdisplinary researches were needed to develop the BMS(Biotop Mapping System) in Korea because of the differences with Germany, England's ecological habitat conditions.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.111-117
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• 2011

The purpose of this study is to establish trail use impact indicators, and evaluate the degree of use impact based on the understanding of the causality among the impacts on the spot. Theoretical reviews developed three indicators in terms of three ecological impacts, four physical impacts, and five sociological impacts, respectively. With this indicators, observation and questionnaire survey were employed on Gwanak Mountain Trail to measure the levels of impacts forementioned. As for the ecological impact, Some loss of ground cover vegetation was reveled near the trail due to trail use, however the level of disturbance by the naturalized and exotic plants was insignificant. Physical impacts such as soil hardness, enlargement of trail width were found intensified. The result of measuring sociological impacts showed visitors had expected higher level of crowding and encounters before their visit, therefore overall satisfaction level was positive, despite higher awareness level of actual crowding. Intensified continuing use of the trail is aggravating ecological and physical impacts on Gwanak Mountain trail, because of its location in a metropolitan area. Sociological impacts seem favorable at present, however if ecological and physical impacts were deteriorated, sociological impacts would also be affected. To maintain the quality level of use experience, managerial efforts to improve climbing culture as well as ecological and physical environment such as restoration of damaged areas are needed.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.196-206
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• 2020

Background: The Himalayan forests are of great importance to sustain the nature and community resource demands. These forests are facing pressures both from anthropogenic activities and ongoing global climatic changes. Poor natural regeneration has been considered a major problem in mountainous forests. To understand the population structure and regeneration status of Larix (Larix griffithiana and Larix himalaica), we conducted systematic vegetation surveys in three high-altitude valleys namely Ghunsa (Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, KCA), Langtang (Langtang National Park, LNP), and Tsum (Manaslu Conservation Area, MCA) in Nepal Himalaya. The average values of diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and sapling height were compared for three sites and two species using Kruskal-Wallis test. Population structure was assessed in terms of proportion of seedlings, saplings, and trees. Regeneration was analyzed using graphical representation of frequencies of seedlings, saplings, and trees in histograms. Results: The results showed that the population structure of Larix in terms of the proportion of seedling, sapling, and tree varied greatly in the three study areas. KCA had the highest record of seedling, sapling, and tree compared to other two sites. Seedlings were the least among three forms and many plots were without seedlings. We found no seedling in MCA study plots. The plot level average DBH variation among sites was significant (Kruskal-Wallis χ² = 7.813, df = 2, p = 0.02) as was between species (Kruskal-Wallis χ² = 5.9829, df = 1, p = 0.014). Similarly, the variation in average tree height was significant (Kruskal-Wallis χ² = 134.23, df = 2, p < 0.001) among sites as well as between species (Kruskal-Wallis χ² = 128.01, df = 1, p < 0.001). All the sites showed reverse J-shaped curve but more pronounced for KCA and MCA. In comparing the two species, Larix griffithiana has clear reverse J-shaped diameter distribution but not Larix himalaica. Conclusion: The varied responses of Larix manifested through regeneration status from spatially distinct areas show that regeneration limitations might be more pronounced in the future. In all the three studied valleys, regeneration of Larix is found to be problematic and specifically for Larix griffithiana in MCA and Larix himalaica in LNP. To address the issues of disturbances, especially serious in LNP, management interventions are recommended to sustain the unique Himalayan endemic conifer.