• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.32 no.6 s.107
• /
• pp.23-35
• /
• 2005

Korean goral (Nemorhaedus caudatus raddeanus) is an endangered species in Korea, and the rugged terrain of the Sorksan National Park $(373km^2)$ is a critical habitat for the species. Since the goral population is threatened by habitat fragmentation, it is essential to establish a reserve for the isolated goral population. The objective of this study was to propose a reserve for Korean goral in the national Park We employed habitat suitability model, habitat capability model, and the concept of minimum viable population. The results of the study were as follows. First, the carrying capacity and optimal density of gorals in the national park were projected to be 449 gorals, and 251 gorals, respectively Second, since only one patch was projected to satisfy the criteria of minimum viable population (50 individuals/during 50 years), the long term extinction possibility of gorals in the site would be very high. Finally, the patch that satisfy the minimum viable population of goral was proposed as the core zone of the goral reserve and adjacent patches were included as buffer zones.

• Animal cells and systems
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.269-277
• /
• 2008

Siberian flying squirrel, an endangered species in South Korea, is distributed through major mountain regions of South Korea. The number of Siberian flying squirrel(Pteromys volans) in South Korea has decreased and their habitats are fragmented and isolated because of anthropogenic activities. So far no molecular genetic data has, however, been available for their conservation and management. To obtain better information concerning genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of the Siberian flying squirrel in South Korea, we examined 14 individuals from South Korea, 7 individuals from Russia, and 5 individuals from northeastern China along with previously published 29 haplotypes for 1,140 bp of the mtDNA cytochrome b gene. The 14 new individuals from South Korea had 7 haplotypes which were not observed in the regions of Russia and Hokkaido. The level of genetic diversity(0.616%) in the South Korean population was lower than that in eastern Russia(0.950%). The geographical distribution of mtDNA haplotypes and reduced median network confirmed that there are three major lineages of Siberian flying squirrel, occupying; Far Eastern, northern Eurasia, and the island of Hokkaido. The South Korean population only slightly distinct from the Eurasia, and eastern Russian population, and is part of the lineage Far Eastern. Based on these, we suggest that the South Korean population could be considered to belong to one partial ESU(Far Eastern) of three partial ESUs but a different management unit. However, the conservation priorities should be reconfirmed by nuclear genetic marker and ecological data.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
• /
• v.3 no.3
• /
• pp.154-164
• /
• 2022

Understanding temporal variations in wildlife populations is a prerequisite for conservation planning of wide-ranging species such as tigers (Panthera tigris). We determined the temporal variation in abundance, population growth, and sex ratios at different age and sex stages for a tiger population in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, India from November 2007 to February 2011 using motion-sensing cameras. We identified 19 male and 21 female tigers from stripe patterns during 16,110 trap nights within an area covering 233 km². The annual abundance of the population varied from 34.9 (mean)±3.8 (SE) to 23.9±1.5, with a declining trend in the mean annual change of abundance (-12%). The density of adult females remained stable across the study duration, but the densities of adult males and non-breeding tigers fluctuated. The sex ratio was female-biased (0.58 males/female) for breeding tigers and male-biased (1.74 males/female) for non-breeding tigers. Our results reinforce the importance of long-term studies for monitoring the naturally occurring processes in populations to develop population indicators and identify reliable baseline information for conservation and management planning of populations.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.72-78
• /
• 2023

The leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the most widespread felids worldwide. Despite their wide distribution, reliable data on leopard population densities are still inadequate for conservation and management strategies in different landscapes. In the present study, we estimated leopard density using camera traps in the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR), Rajasthan, India, between December 2010 and February 2011, where leopards coexist alongside a high density of tigers (Panthera tigris), a larger predator (RTR). A sampling effort of 4,450 trap days was made from 178 camera trapping stations over 75 days, resulting in 46 suitable photo captures (25 right flanks and 21 left flanks). In total, 18 individuals (7 males, 8 females, and 3 unknown sexes) were identified using the right flanks, and the estimated leopard density was 8.8 (standard error=2.8) individuals/100 km². Leopard density appeared to respond to small prey (<50 kg weight) richness. As this is the first systematic study to provide baseline information on leopard density in RTR, it could form a baseline for comparison in future investigations.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.91-103
• /
• 2021

We conducted an analysis of agroforestry system efficiency to conserve biodiversity in the Mbalmayo Forest Reserve (MFR) between March 2018 and June 2018. A synthesis of forest fragmentation data observed on multiple strata and scale satellite imageries over 31 years, between 1987 and 2018 as well as, the use of both a floristic and a faunal surveys, revealed that although 29.28% of natural forests was fragmented and converted to agroforests landscapes, banana and cocoa based agroforest appeared to perform the most relevant records in carbon storage and to attract wild terrestrial and avifauna. Analysis of NDVI, NDWI and Iron Oxyde helped monitor the vegetation cover of the reserve, and differentiate natural and fragmented classes, majority of conserved forest wetlands and agroforestry systems, and a minority of natural dryland forest. Further analysis also revealed significant correlations between NDVI and Shannon Index, and between NDVI and carbon stock. Based on the NDVI value and the equation Y=3.827×X-1.587 (where Y for the carbon stocks and X for NDVI value), we estimated the total carbon stock of the forest reserve at about 99557.6 tonnes, and its mean value at about 8.491 tons/ha. Nevertheless, environmental efforts to sustainably manage agroforestry landscape appear to be a relevant key to conserve wild biodiversity and mitigate climate change at the level of the Mbalmayo Forest Reserve. If anthropogenic activities have deeply changed the reserve's natural landscape, reduced its carbon sequestration performance, and wildlife conservation status, forest wetlands appear to remain its most conserved places and the best refuge for wild fauna still occurring in diverse strata of the MFR.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.26 no.6
• /
• pp.566-575
• /
• 2008

Twenty-five chipmunk species occur in the world, of which only the Siberian chipmunk, Tamias sibiricus, inhabits Asia. To investigate mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence variations and population structure of the Siberian chipmunk in northeastern Asia, we examined mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences (1140 bp) from 3 countries. Analyses of 41 individuals from South Korea and 33 individuals from Russia and northeast China resulted in 37 haplotypes and 27 haplotypes, respectively. There were no shared haplotypes between South Korea and Russia - northeast China. Phylogenetic trees and network analysis showed 2 major maternal lineages for haplotypes, referred to as the S and R lineages. Haplotype grouping in each cluster was nearly coincident with its geographic affinity. In particular, 3 distinct groups were found that mostly clustered in the northern, central and southern parts of South Korea. Nucleotide diversity of the S lineage was twice that of lineage R. The divergence between S and R lineages was estimated to be 2.98-0.98 Myr. During the ice age, there may have been at least 2 refuges in South Korea and Russia - northeast China. The sequence variation between the S and R lineages was 11.3% (K2P), which is indicative of specific recognition in rodents. These results suggest that T. sibiricus from South Korea could be considered a separate species. However, additional information, such as details of distribution, nuclear genes data or morphology, is required to strengthen this hypothesis.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.519-533
• /
• 2003

The U.S. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) resulted in the conversion of approximately 14.8 million ha(36.5 million acres) of cropland to grassland, woodland, and other conservation uses throughout the U.S. between 1986 and 1992. One of the major results of CRP has been the addition of millions of hectares of potential wildlife habitat. primarily as grassland. In this study, we examined regional changes in landscape structure caused by the introduction of CRP. Utilizing multi-seasonal Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery, we produced maps of cropland and grassland for the pre- and post- CRP enrollment periods for a six-county region in southwest Kansas. We then applied post-classification differencing to identify regions of cropland that had been converted to CRP. Using the FRAGSTATS spatial pattern analysis program, we calculated a variety of spatial statistics to analyze changes in landscape structure due to CRP. The major impact of CRP in the six-county study area has been the reversal of an overall trend of grassland habitat fragmentation. From the standpoint of potential wildlife habitat, the introduction of CRP has greatly increased the number of patches, mean patch size, and the interior or core area of grassland patches. In addition, CRP has increased connectivity and aggregation between grassland patches, potentially important factors for species of conservation interest, particularly those that require larger expanses of unbroken habitat. Finally, the distance between neighboring patches of grassland has decreased, reducing travel distance between patches. Clearly, the introduction of CRP has substantially modified the spatial structure of the southwest Kansas landscape, with important implications for wildlife habitat.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.315-321
• /
• 2014

Forest timber production potential of any site is oftentimes measured quantitatively by site index, which is defined as dominant height of a particular stand at a specified age. A site index was developed for estimating site quality of monoculture Pinus caribaea plantations in southwestern Nigeria using a base age of 25 years. Dominant height data were collected from 60 Temporary Sample Plots (TSPs) of $20{\times}20m$ in plantations of 15 to 37 years. Linear and non-linear models as been widely applied in quantitative forest measurements were fitted to dominant height-age data and the best site index equation is : $SI=Exp^{(InHd-23.495(A^{-2}-0.04)}$. The site index curves constructed for the three sites (Omo Forest Reserve - OFR (J4), Oluwa Forest Reserve - OLFR and Shasha Forest Reserve - SFR) across the southwestern Nigeria using the chosen equation revealed that a 15 year old Pinus caribaea in the study area attained average dominant heights of 25, 22 and 21 m in OFR (J4), OLFR and SFR respectively. The site index equation and curves proffer veritable insight into better silvicultural options and management practices for the future plantations suitable sites.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.339-345
• /
• 2000

Heilongjiang Province has set up 104 nature reserves, with a total area of 2,641,700 ha, or 5.88% of the total area of the province. These constitute a network of nature reserves comprising most important types of nature reserves. and play an active role for improving the protection of the ecological environment and for the continuous economic and social development of the province. But in the management of these nature reserves, there are still some problems with people's idea, with educating the public, and with capital investment. These problems should be treated seriously. To preserve our natural heritage and biodiversity and to promote the sustainable development of our society and economy, it is projected that by the year 2000. the number of nature reserves in Heilongjiang is to reach 109, covering 6.17% of the total land area of the province. This percentage will be further increased to 8.62% by 2010, at which time the network of nature reserves is to have a proper distribution and comprehend all the important types of nature reserves. This will ensure the healthy development of the cause of nature conservation. with systematic planning, active protection. and sustainable use, so that ecological and social benefits can be developed hand in hand with economic benefits.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.63-67
• /
• 2012

Crown ratio is the ratio of live crown length to tree height. It is often used as an important predictor variable for tree growth equation. It indicates tree vigor and is a useful parameter in forest health assessment. The objective of the study was to develop crown ratio prediction models for Tectona grandis. Based on the data set from the temporary sample plots, several non linear equations including logistics, Chapman Richard and exponential functions were tested. These functions were evaluated in terms of coefficient of determination ($R^2$) and standard error of the estimate (SEE). The significance of the estimated parameters was also verified. Plot of residuals against estimated crown ratios were observed. Although the logistic model had the highest $R^2$ and the least SEE, Chapman-Richard and Exponential functions were observed to be more consistent in their predictive ability; and were therefore recommended for predicting crown ratio in the stand.