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Ozone absorbs ultraviolet light which is harmful to life. However the recent increase in ambient ozone level due to climate change is becoming the cause of stimulating the human eye, affecting the respiratory system, and damages the crops. In this paper, a study was conducted at the Taehwa Research Forest (TRF) in Seoul National University with the purpose of analyzing the characteristics of forest air chemistry based on the measurement of Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds(BVOCs) emitted from forests and to investigate the correlation of BVOCs with ozone generation. Ozone was high from the middle of May to the middle of June, which was before the rainy season. Comparison of the correlation between ozone and isoprene during the measurement period in TRF showing NOx limited showed that the R2 was correlated with a low value of about 0.4. However, when the isoprene is actively produced from 6:00 AM to 18:00 PM, correlation analysis showed that R2 was about 0.9, while monoterpene started to increase in the afternoon and monoterpene decreased ozone at night. Correlation analysis showed negative correlation. Forests have two characteristics, not only the formation of ozone but also the decomposition of ozone.

Climate change response can be classified into mitigation including GHG reduction and adaptation. The roles of forest for climate change response are forest carbon offset and improved adaptation ability related to disasters such as forest fire and landslides. Chungcheongnam-do region has established and executed the 2nd Climate Change Adaptation Initiative Execution Plan (2017∼2021) based on the Framework Act on Low Carbon, Green Growth. The Execution Plan is established based on the results of climate change vulnerability assessment using the CCGIS, LCCGIS, and VESTAP analysis tools. However, the previously developed climate change vulnerability assessment tools (CCGIS, LCCGIS, VESTAP) cannot reflect the local records and the items and indices of new assessment. Therefore, this study developed a prototype for climate change vulnerability assessment analysis tool that, unlike the previous analysis tools, designs the items and indices considering the local characteristics and allows analysis of grid units. The prototype was used to simulate the vulnerability to forest fires of eight cities and seven towns in Chungcheongnam-do Province in the 2010s, 2020s, and 2050s based on the RCP (Representative Concentration Pathways) 8.5 Scenario of the Korea Meteorological Administration. Based on the analysis, Chungcheongnam-do Province's vulnerability to forest fires in the 2010s was highest in Seocheon-gun (0.201), followed by Gyeryong-si (0.173) and Buyeo-gun (0.173) and the future prospects in the 2050s was highest in Seocheon-gun (0.179), followed by Gyeryong-si (0.169) and Buyeo-gun (0.154). The area with highest vulnerability to forest fires in Chungcheongnam-do Province was Biin-myeon, Seocheon-gun and the area may become most vulnerable was Pangyo-myeon, Seocheon-gun. The prototype and the results of analysis may be used to establish the directions and strategies in regards to the vulnerability to forest fires to secure each local government's 2nd execution plan and attainability.

More than 100 mountain goats, which is an endangered species, live in Mt. Seorak, Yanggu/Hwacheon, Gosung/DMZ, and Uljin/Bonghwa/Samcheok, known as the four major habitats. For the future of the mountain goats, ecological corridors for the meta populations should be secure among the isolated populations of these four major habitats. These ecological routes should ensure that if a disturbance occurs in a particular local habitat, it can be avoided in another habitat. Such ecological routes will prevent the habitat population from the sudden disappearance. In addition, by reducing inbreeding, genetic resistance against environmental disturbance will be raised. Therefore, they will contribute greatly to maintaining the stable population of at least these representative habitats.

Once flourished across the Korean Peninsula, Amur leopard (Panthera pardus oritentalis) vanished from South Korea in late 20 century, and only 70 individuals survive in China-Russian border in a brink of extinction. With its ecological and cultural importance, its reintroduction to South Korea has been discussed. However, the reintroduction of large carnivores demands a considerable amount of time, money and human resources with handful successes and thus needs a careful and systematic approach in the planning. In our study, we used the Open Standard for the Practice of Conservation to identify biophysical indicators which help to assess the feasibility of the leopard restoration in South Korea. For the three conservation targets, Amur leopards, leopard prey, and habitat, of the restoration, we selected key ecological attributes for respected targets. Then, we identified one to four indicators for each key ecological attribute and 12 biophysical indicators in total based on the Amur leopard reintroduction program in the Russian Far East. The indicators include the number of breeding females for the population size of the leopards, roe deer density for major prey density, and connectivity for the habitat fragmentation. The viability assessment based on the indicators revealed a good ecological potential of the leopard restoration as well as uncertainties from research gaps. Although not all necessary information is available at this moment, our study provides a good starting point to understand the requirement of Amur leopard restoration in South Korea. Follow-up research is needed to focus on information gaps found during this study.

Wildlife damage to agriculture has increased over the last 20 years in Korea. They will cause damage for various aspects of agriculture, including great damage to the crops by water deer (Hydropotes inermis), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and rodent. Nowadays, the Rural Development Adminstration of Korea (RDA) starts to pay attention to zoonotic microorganisms of wildlife which visit agricultural area, as well as wildlife damage to the crops. Wild mice of Apodemus agrarius, wild boar (Sus scrofa) and water deer (Hydropotes inermis) are very common in South Korea and widely distributed over various agricultural farm area and mountainous forests in South Korea. They will have high possibility to disseminates zoonotic microorganisms which are great threat to farmers’ health. In this study, so, in this study, we collect 756 fecal pellet of mammal (Wild boar, Water dear, Wild cat, raccoon, rodent), birds (magpies, crows, sparrow etc) and environmental sample (soil, water). We detected total 27 different Salmonella strain from 21 (2.78%) individual fecal and 98 shiga toxin E.coli from 91 (10.97%) individual fecal, 4 (0.52%) E.coli. we will introduce distribution map of Salmonella spp. and Shiga toxin Escherichia coli, E.coli O157:H7 which were disseminated from fecal of various wildlife to visit farm area, focusing on fecal-disseminated microorganisms of wild animal.

To effectively evaluate invasive status through population surveys, determining where we could find geckos in field sites and what characteristics is in the habitat use of them could be critical. In southern parts of Korea, Gekko japonicus has known for more than 100 years (Stejneger, 1907), but the species status and natural history of the species including microhabitat use remain to be verified. In this study, we investigated microhabitat use of G. japonicus in 7 field populations (3 in Korea and 4 in Japan). Geckos were most frequently found on vertical plain walls, which made by concrete or bricks and of which color was gray. Most frequently used refuge type was crevice and light source was white street lamps. The time after sunset was negatively correlated with the substrate temperature where geckos were found and the distance to the nearest potential refuges. At around 25oC substrate temperature, the distance to refuges and the height from the ground were most varied, implying exploring wide-range of habitats at the temperature. When comparing the microhabitat use between spring and summer period, the distance from refuges and the height from the ground were commonly greater in summer than those in spring. Depending on population, the distance to light sources was shortened or extended. Adult geckos were found nearer to refuges and higher from the ground than juveniles, but microhabitat use between males and females were not different in any measured parameters. Our results suggest that G. japonicus might select specific microhabitats in terms of escaping potential predators and foraging preys using artificial light sources. Considering their activity period to over 6 hours of sunset, G. japonicus should use both sunlight during daytime and at least partially artificial lights to warm up their body temperatures.

Forest managements such as deforestation and construction of forest roads change characteristics of forest floor and subsequently result in alteration of various animal’s habitats. In this study, we investigated habitat characteristics of herpetofauna in Mt. Gariwang in which various forest managements such as deforestation, reforestation, and construction forest roads have been executed in order to evaluate how such forest managements affect herpetofaunal habitat uses. We selected 24 study sites including both deforested and non-deforested areas. For each point where we found any of amphibians or reptiles, we obtained GPS coordinates and then analyzed habitat characteristics with 9 environmental factors using GIS. Those variables include forest type, altitude, slope, aspect, distance to mountain stream, ratio of mountain road, ratio of deforestation, ratio of grass and tree areas, and size of areas. Overall, we found 1 amphibian and 4 reptile species in deforested areas, while 6 amphibian and 6 reptile species in non-deforested areas. In correlation analysis between environmental variables and the number of amphibian and reptile species and individuals of them, first, as a deforested area rate increased, the number of amphibian species decreased. For reptiles, deforestation rate did not affect reptile community, but the number of reptile species was negatively correlated with the distance from mountain stream. Our results suggest that deforestation negatively affect amphibian community, but the effect on reptile community is not evident. The reptile community is closely related with mountain stream systems. Our study is the first report, as far as we know, how forest managements affect habitat use of amphibians and reptiles in high mountain areas.

In order to control the exotic fish species that live in the Togyo reservoir using native carnivores fish in Korea, we conducted preliminary investigation and control of the exotic fish species from August 2011 to November 2016. The release of carnivores fish was carried out from the end of May, 2012 to the end of July, 2016, taking into account the closed season of Siniperca scherzeri. The total volume of released of carnivores fish was 1,900 kg for S. scherzeri and 900 kg for Channa argus. Result of control effect analysis of exotic species by carnivores fish, the relative abundance of Lepomis macrochirus population by survey period was 36.65% in the first survey. Thereafter, although the relative abundance repeated the increase and decrease, that was decreased to 0.80% at the final survey. According to the analysis by year, relative abundance of L. macrochirus was 12.83% at first year. Relative abundance was somewhat increased after release of Carnivores Fish. It was 3.92%at final year that was less than 5%. Population of Micropterus salmoides showed a tendency to increase. But this is the result of habitat segregation by interspecific competition with S. scherzeri populations, because M. salmoides, which was mainly inhabited into the reservoir, moved to the edge of the reservoir and influent habitat. Based on the fish survey of the Togyo reservoir, the yearly rank abundance curve was calculated. As a result, the inflowing fish community was disturbed by the inflow of exotic fish species after the release of carnivorous fish, but the fish community in the lake was temporarily disturbed and gradually stabilized at the early stage of carnivorous species release.

Korean transport infrastructures network has increased significantly since 1990s. Habitat fragmentation by transport infrastructure is recognized as one of the main reasons of local wildlife extinction. Wildlife passage is useful with preventing extinction of wildlife and improving biodiversity by connecting discontinued habitats. The Korean government is trying to promote construction of wildlife passages actively to reducing effect of fragmentation. Ministry of Environment established guidelines for design and management of wildlife crossings structures on 2003. Over the last 20 years 458 wildlife passages, 278 overpasses and 180 wildlife underpasses have been constructed on existing roads, and many more will be constructed in the future. Number of wildlife passage increasing around country, in other hands evaluation of the use and effectiveness of passages were unproven. The objective of this study is to analyze the compliance with the guidelines and effectiveness of wildlife passages. We conducted field surveys on 72 passages. As a results, compliance rate with the guidelines average is 58%, 65% overpass and underpass respectively. Animal use rate of passages were average 1.1 times/day with 8 mammalian species. Small-medium sized carnivores usually used all measures of underpass, meanwhile large sized herbivores seemed to need lager measures than 0.7 Openness Index. Furthermore, we found that wildlife overpasses were usually used at the measure of more than 7m width by every mammals.

The aim of this study was to investigate the Common cormorant breeding status and environmental risk at jokja islet in Paldang lake. This bird was winter migration birds but, found breeding colony at Yudo islet of Han river estuary and expended more than 34 times their breeding pairs through Han river were 827 and 3,887 individuals. Most of the nests were northwards, and in the middle of the island, they were bred along with egrets. Exotic fish, such as Blue gill and Large mouth bass, accounted for 53 percent of the food, and no food preference was found. A nest trees were damaged or died about five years because of Excreta and Breaking branches for nest Maintenance work. The feces were unaffected by water pollution, soil surface was contaminated with phosphate contamination and needed treatment.

A non-invasive monitoring using camera traps has been widely applied to wildlife management. Because cameras can detect wildlife using thermo-sensor, the methods of population density estimation, and behaviors patterns have been established. In the previous studies of long-tailed goral (Naemorhedus caudatus), individuals could be identified as recognizing patterns of facial hair colors, and shapes and size of horn, even though body size of female and male are similar. Therefore, we could identify the population structures of the critically endangered herbivore in Uljin, the far southern habitat of South Korea reported. We used a camera of Moultrie 5.0 baiting mineral block during breeding season (184 days, May to October, 2010) at a one site (36°40′52″N and 129°18′54.8″E / 349m) of BaekAm Mountain (1,002 m). In the result, we monitored one individuals after three days of camera use. On average, we detected the species 7.6 days a month and 10 days’ intervals. During sunrise (05:00 ~ 08:00) and sunset (18:00~20:00), the species was most frequently detected. As estimating the population structure, we identified at least 11 individuals including one independent mature male, independent sub-adults, and females with juveniles. Because we could identify the population structure, and behaviors pattern in the site, monitoring using camera traps could be very efficient comparing to less budget, and apply to all habitats in South Korea.

The study was designed to investigate conservation and management for marine protected area through the discrimination and specificity of marine national park. The national park system has the best system for resource conservation. Korean National parks are the 22 national parks in Korea, four are marine parks; Dadohae, Hallyeo, Byeonsan, Taean. There is 9,543 marine species in Korea includes 2,784 marine species (1,048 species in Dadohae, 749 species in Hallyeo, 615 species in Byeonsan, 372 species in Taean) in Korea National Park. The study contents introduced to marine environment (physical, chemical, geological) and marine life (plankton, nekton, benthos) with projects in the marine research center. The study showed conservation and management to establish manual about marine environment and marine life, to expand distribution about Korean Endengered Species and indicator species of marine climate change through systematic survey, to show density distribution in the cause of habitat damage reduction and marine protected area boundary, to show marine ecosystem invasive species distribution, visualizing to habitat characteristic of marine species, to present policy decision for management of using economic valuation and health assessment of marine resources and habitat environment in the marine protected area to the temporal and spatial characteristic of Korea National Park.

National parks are designated and managed for the purpose of preserving natural ecosystems, nature and cultural scenery, and promoting sustainable utilization in Korea. Since we designated Jirisan as the first Korean national park in 1967, we have now designated and managed 22 national parks. Because these national parks are the core protected areas of the nation and the ecological recreation center for the people, the interests of researchers related to national parks and citizens have steadily increased over the last 50 years. Especially, various natural science researches and social studies on national parks have been conducted with the launch of the Korea National Park Service in 1987, which is dedicated to national park management. However, we still lack research on national park research trends in Korea in spite of the increase in scientific research and public interest. It is important to know who and what institutes are leading national parks research, what research topics have been conducted, what kinds of researches are important in each national park, and how these researches relate to national park management policies. We propose a study to review the national parks related studies that have been carried out so far and identify the research trends. In the pilot study, we collected about 700 research papers on national parks published between 2002 and 2016 through the Korea Citation Index of Korean journals. We are analyzing the number of papers published, research institutes and research topics related to national parks. Analysis of these national park research trends will be necessary for efficient national park management and policy making for future generations.

Korea National Parks are total 6.7% of South Korea area and support various natural ecosystems and resources in 22 parks including 4 marine and coastal national parks. We would introduce the efforts of habitat management and monitoring on seabird breeding colonies in national parks. Since 2011, Korea National Park Research Institute (KNPRI) has monitored the effects of climate change on island ecosystem. Seabirds are often used as indicators of marine environment change. Because they spend whole their life at sea and/or coasts and reflect changes of marine ecosystem as top predators. To investigate the effect of climate change on island ecosystem, we monitored breeding phenology and breeding performance such as nest density, clutch size and egg volume of Black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) on Hongdo Island for 7 years (2011~2017). Hongdo Island is one of the biggest breeding colonies of seabirds in Korea and is located in Southeast coast where marine environment changes are detected. We also investigated diet of Black-tailed gulls and marine life distribution near Hongdo Island. As a result, the initiation date of breeding was getting advanced. In 2017, breeding population on Hongdo stated to breed 6 days earlier than in previous year. Nest density and egg volume of Black-tailed gulls had been declined. It might be related to higher sea temperature and availability of anchovies which were main diet of Black-tailed gulls during the breeding season. We also found warm current fish in diet of Black-tailed gulls and subtropical marine life near Hongdo Island. Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) which lives in sub-tropical climate widely distributed on Hongdo Island. For the future, we will do scientifically manage island ecosystem through long-term monitoring.

A total of 22 national parks have been designated in Korea including the Jiri-san National Park. There are 18 mountainous national parks and 4 marine and coastal national parks, which have complex geographical features respectively. In recent times, localized landslides have occurred mainly in national parks due to heavy rainfall and climate changes. Such landslides are a risk that causes not only the degradation of forests and natural resources, but also the damage to visitor’s activities, casualties and properties, it is necessary to approach from various perspectives for prevention. In other words, landslide is a very important factor in the conservation of natural resources and park management in national parks. Therefore, the Korea National Park Research Institute is studying about detailed status of landslides and monitoring to manage landslides. The purpose of research is aimed to 1) analyze status of landslides in 22 national parks, 2) formulate specific goals and 3) prepare application of results and follow-up management plan. Finally, we intend to establish systematic management plan for landslides in the national parks and to prepare ways for conserving natural resources.

Mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome b was analysed to identify the intraspecific molecular phylogenetic relationships 9 species such as the greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, the alashanian pipistrelle bat Hypsugo alaschanicus, the hodgson's bat Myotis formosus, the eastern water bat Myotis petax, ikonnikov's bats Myotis ikonnikovi, the big-footed bat Myotis macrodactylus, the far eastern myotis Myotis bombinus, the long-eared bat Plecotus ognevi, the hilgendorf's tube-nosed bat Murina hilgendorfi in South Korea. According to intraspecific molecular phylogenetic analysis based on neighbor joining and bayesian inference, R. ferrumequinum in South Korea was grouped with northeastern China and Japan population (100/1.00). In South Korean population, H. alaschanicus was verified only monophyletic group (100/0.94) while M. formosus was grouped with China (Jilin) population (78/0.67). The M. petax populations were divided into two groups in South Korea (97/1.00). The first group was involved in with China, Japan (Hokkaido), Russia (Novosibisk) population (60/1.00). And another group was classified as only monophyletic group (100/1.00). M. ikonnikovi in South Korea was grouped with Russia (Sakhalin) population (98/0.88). M. macrodactylus populations were divided into three groups. The southern coast group which was included in with Japan (Nagasaki) population (99/1.00), mainland group was analysed China (100/0.98). Also Jeju island group was involved in with Japan (Honshu) population (57/0.94). M. bombinus in South Korea was phylogenetically closed to China and Russia (Primorskiy) population (97/1.00). P. ognevi was verified only monophyletic group (100/1.00) and M. hilgendorfi was related to Japan population (100/1.00) in South Korea. In conclusion, 9 bat species showed molecular phylogenetically the only South Korean monophyletic or grouped with bats of neighbor countries. This study provided useful information to understand phylogenetic classification of Korean bats

The aim of this study was to provide basic guidelines for conservation and management of endangered plants in the national parks of Korea. Hibiscus hamabo (Malvaceae), Korean common name is “Hwang-Geun”, is considered a second-class endangered species by Korean government and it is listed as a VU (Vulnerable) species in Red Data Book of Korea. We analyzed ecological conditions of H. hamabo habitats based on vegetation properties and soil characteristics. This species which is known to inhabit in coastal sands near sea levels of sub-temperate regions of Korea and its population was located at an elevation of 3m to 36m. In the study sites, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphate, exchangeable potassium, exchangeable calcium, exchangeable magnesium, exchangeable sodium, cation exchange capacity and soil pH were 2.75-12.11%, 0.05-0.63%, 1.37-7.59ppm, 0.26-2.30cmol+/kg, 3.80-18.67cmol+/kg, 2.39-10.53cmol+/kg, 0.20-15.33cmol+/kg, 13.52-75.54cmol+/kg and 5.10-7.95 respectively. Additionally, the genetic variation and structure of three populations were assessed using ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) markers. The genetic diversity of H. hamabo (P=30.62%, H=0.113, S=0.168) at the species level was very low than that of other long-lived perennials. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) apportioned among population and within population variations, showing more genetic variance (59%) occurred in within population, and 41% variation within populations. Lastly, we developed predicted distribution model based on climate and topographic factors by applying SDMs (Species Distribution Models). Consequently, current status of H. hamabo habitats is very fragile and vulnerable, with costal road construction and development constantly threatening the species’ survival. Therefore, it is essential to establish in situ conservation strategies for protecting natural habitats and to require exploring potential and alternative habitats for reintroduction.

There are 4 marine national parks in Korea, Hanryohaesang national park, Taeanhaean national park, Dadohaehaesang national park and Byeonsanbando national park. The total area of these park is 3,332.85㎢ that is 50.07% of the total area of all national parks in Korea, 21 site including mountain etc,. the areas exclusive land(mountain) is 2,753.709㎢ that is 40.9% of the total areas of all national parks in Korea. KNPS has been monitoring about the coastal wetland including mudflat and costal sanddune on 4 marine national park, and identified the total 105 site, 19 site of hanryohaesang national park, 35 site of Taeanhaean national park, 49 site of Dadohaehaesang national park and 2 site of byonsanbando national park and the area of 17.2㎢. This is 0.69% of the total area of mudflat in Korea and 7.8% of mudflat designated protected area in Korea. and also total length of shoreline is 1,729km that is 12% of the total length of shoreline in Korea. However, There is many unexplored coastal zone compared to the long shoreline. so, KNPS will start to research in-depth using technical equipment, for example, drone with camera for measurement, mutispectral scanner, liDAR(light detection and ranging) kinds of 3D scanner for ground, VRS/RTK GPS etc, for studying on the effective coastal zone information research system through precision surveying in 2017. And then, KNPS will carry out to expanding, restoring, monitoring and providing visitor service on special protection area of coastal zone. Precision survey results Increased from 17 square kilometers to 93 square kilometers in protect area

Understanding patterns of visitation is important when attempting to avoid the degradation of park resources and enhance visitor satisfaction (D'Antonio, Monz, Newman, Lawson, & Taff, 2013). This research combined visitor behavior and movement patterns based on GPS trackers and surveys from the Gyeryongsan National Park in South Korea. The objectives of this study two-fold: 1) What are the characteristics of visitor behavior patterns at the Gyeryongsan National Park? and 2) What are the visitor movement patterns at the Gyeryongsan National Park? In order to answer these questions, data were collected on-site at the Gyeryongsan National Park in 2017 from the Donghaksa, Gapsa, Cheonjeong, Sinwonsa, Sangsin, Sutonggol information centers. The variables for this study included visitor behavior patterns, movement patterns, and demographics. The results showed significant differences for routes based on visitor behavior patterns, movement patterns, and demographics. The highest density routes were: 1) the Cheonjeonggol Valley, Keunbaejae Hill, Nammaetap Pagoda, Gwaneumbong Peak in the Donghaksa Temple course and 2) the Sutonggol Information Center, Seongbukdong Three-Way Intersection, and Bingyesan Mountain in the Sutonggol course. The results of this study showed that high density of point features exist in the study area and visitors stay near the viewpoint and rest areas as well as the landmarks, such as the valleys, temples, and hills. The information obtained for this study could help park managers and policy makers establish better park management strategies for sustainability and enhance visitor experiences.

This study evaluated the possibility to establish the land-use change matrix in the LULUCF(Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry) sector based on the standards of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) by using the permanent sample plot(sampling intensity=4km) of NFI(National Forest Inventory). Land-use was categorized into forest land, cropland, grassland, wetland, settlements, and other land based on the IPCC standards. Forest land was classified by generating circular sample plots(0.5ha) based on the permanent sample plot with considering the minimum area according to the definition of the forest in South Korea. Land-use change matrix was established by reading the 3rd and 4th Forest Aerial Photograph and applying the point sampling technique to the permanent sampling plot at the sampling intensity of 4km over the entire South Korea. The established land-use change matrix results showed that forest land and cropland had the highest annual area ratio followed by settlements, wetland, and grassland. Over time, the area of cropland decreased the most and that of settlements increased the most. The ratio of the retained area was the highest in the forest land(approximately 99.1%) and the lowest in the grassland (approximately 78%). The SE(Standard Error) of the estimated area was the highest in forest land(approximately 64,213ha for the 3rd and approximately 64,143ha for the 4th). However, the RSE(Relative Standard Error), considering the total area, of forest land was the lowest(approximately 1%). It is expected that the national level land-use change matrix statistics can be established by using appropriate reading standards and sampling intensity based on further studies.

In this study, Reineke’s index and Sterba’s theory, the stem number maintaining maximum basal area per hectare is a maximum stem number of the stand, were applied to develop the maximum stem number model per unit area. The model and theory was applied to the data of permanent plots collected from the Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraiensis, and Larix kaempferi stands in Gangwon and North Gyeongsang provinces. To develop the models, tree factors were used such as diameter at breast height, number of trees per ha, dominant tree height, basal area per ha. Sterba’s theory was suitably applied in this study, and the maximum stem number model in even age stand was derived. Sterba’s mean dbh model and maximum stem number model according to dominant height and mean dbh were developed well, and the coefficients were not abnormal compared to the previous studies, but significant in all models. In Reineke’s index of this study, models were well developed and displayed, coefficient of determination was also higher than 0.65 in all species. This study was analyzed through the stand data having various stand density as well as the data having maximum stand density, and it was considered to be able to provide the information needed for managing stand density such as maximum stand density and potential yield.

The National Forest Inventory in Korea began in 1972, and thereafter has been conducted on a regular basis approximately at 10 year intervals. The purpose of the NFI was mainly to provide basic information on the forest resources. From the 5th NFI, the inventory program has been improved, moving from periodic to annual inventory system to meet increasing demands for reliable forest information from international processes and conventions. The new NFI design focuses on assessing and monitoring the extent and state of forest resources in Korea on accurate and timely manner. The transition has required conceptual and technical changes in inventory program, and has the following core elements ; annual inventory at 5 year intervals, systematic layout of 4,000 permanent sample plots, new ground plot design, remeasurement strategy, collaborative implementing framework, etc. In this presentation shows the major outcomes from 5rh and 6th NFI Koreas.

This study was carried out to predict and compare the merchantable volume by using two kinds of methods through ratio equations and taper models. To develop the merchantable volume model, the 131 stemmed sample trees were used as the data collected from the Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora), Korean white pine (Pinus koraiensis), and Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) stands in Gangwon and North Gyeongsang provinces of South Korea. For volume ratio equations, general ratio forms and exponential ratio forms were used to predict merchantable volume up to any top diameter or top height. For stem taper models, well-developed Demaerschalk, Max & Burkhart, Kozak, Muhairwe, and Lee models were applied to predict merchantable volume up to any top height. The best equation was general ratio form for estimating up to any top height and exponential ratio form for estimating up to any top diameter according to the fit statistics and residual plots. Also, Kozak and Muhairwe models were shown as the best models for estimating up to any top height. Using the best models, estimated volumes were applicable with small RMSE. In addition, when comparing the predicted volumes between ratio form and taper model, it was not largely different. Consequently, two types of prediction were reasonable, and ratio form was considered to be more useful because of the convenience in the field.

This study was conducted to introduce the concept and major finding of long term monitoring focusing on major coniferous tree species. Permanent monitoring plots were installed in 38 sites of Pinus densiflora(Pd), 45 sites of Pinus koraiensis(Pk) and 45 sites of Larix kaempferi(Lk) from 2012~2015. Each plot consists of three square plots; non-thinning plot (20 m × 20 m), light thinning plot (25 m × 25 m) and heavy thinning plot (30 m × 30 m). From low intensity thinning and high intensity thinning plots were planned to be removed 20% and 40% of total basal area respectively. Thinning intensity was shown to have an effect on the DBH increment of Pd and Pk species. The DBH increments for 3 years were non-thinning < light thinning < heavy thinning in order. ANOVA analysis also showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.001) in DBH increments among thinning intensities. The growth patterns of major coniferous trees species (Pinus densiflora (Pd), Pinus. koraiensis (Pk) and Larix kaempferi (Lk)) in South Korea were analyzed and compared numerically and using stem analysis. The result showed that the mean DBH growths of Pk and Lk showed no difference as the trees age, while the one of Pd was lower than those of Pk and Lk. The mean height and volume growths were found to be Lk>Pk>Pd. Five theoretical growth functions, Logistic, Korf, Gompertz, Charpman-Richard and Weibull functions were applied to the growth data on dbh, height, basal area and volume of individual trees. The results showed that Korf function fitted the DBH, height basal and volume of Pinus koraiensis and Larix kaempferi best and expressed the growths very well. Meanwhile Chapman-Richard function fitted the growth of Pinus densiflora best.

The habitat characteristics of Silene capitata Kom. were investigated to provide basic data for conservation and restoration. Field surveys were conducted from June 2015 to October 2017 in the Imjin River Columnar Joints in Basalt. As a result of the survey, it was confirmed that the Silene capitata live in a place where the habitat environment is dry and barren within the lowland area of 13 ~ 158m above sea level. The aspects of natural habitats of Silene capitata were 3 points of east, 2 of east-northeast, 1 of northeast, 1 of north-northeast, 3 of northwest. The taxonomic analysis of vascular plant was appeared as total 293 taxa including 82 families, 233 genera, 312 species, 5 sub-species, 35 varieties and 8 forms. Total 6 plants as the Korean endemic plant, 7 plants were classified as rare plant. The floristic regional indicator plants found in this area were 39 taxa comprising 4 taxa of grade Ⅴ, 9 taxa of grade Ⅳ, 7 taxa of grade III, 5 taxa of grade Ⅱ, and 14 taxa of grade Ⅰ. Silene cpaitata requires form retention and protection and protection of endangered species.

To investigate the length-weight relationship and the condition factor of Brachymystax lenok according to climate change, the survey was conducted from June 2005 to October 2014 at the upper stream of Gyebang Stream in Hongcheon County, Gangwon Province for 3-4 times a year. As a result, a total of 1226 fishes of 2 species and 2 species appeared. The analyze of the annual regression coefficient (b) and the condition factor (K) of the B. lenok, the result as follows, in 2005, the value of b was 3.17, and value of K was 0.0012, and in 2014, the value of b = 2.83 and the value of K was 0.001. As a result of analyzing the yearly regression coefficient b of B. lenok together with the precipitation and temperature data of each year, the trend was decreasing year by year, and the two factors showed a positive correlation with each other. On the other hand, the temperature trend showed an increasing tendency year by year and correlated negatively with the annual growth of B.lenok. Overall, the B. lenok habitat upstream of the Gyebang stream appears to be becoming increasingly unstable each year, indicating that these factors are closely related to temperature and precipitation. In other words, a rise in temperature and a decrease in precipitation seem to have a negative impact on the population growth of B. lenok. These results may be important clues for future recovery and conservation of B. lenok populations. For this, it is necessary to monitor the B. lenok populations and temperature and precipitation continuously.

I investigated activity pattern of the long-tailed gorals (Naemorhedus caudatus) in Osaek area in Seoraksan National Park using the camera trapping which has been widely used for survey and monitoring of wild mammals. Analysis of the activity patterns of long-tailed gorals showed that the largest number of goral photos were taken at 07:00∼08:00 am near sunrise and 18:00∼19:00 pm near sunset, and the smallest number of goral photos at 12:00∼13:00 pm. The analyzed pictures consist of 1015 moving pictures, 164 feeding pictures, 98 resting pictures. The moving pictures were taken at sunrise and sunset, and feeding or resting pictures were taken between 09:00 and 16:00 and between 21:00 and 05:00. Appearance pattern of individuals was different every month, and the appearance pattern in ridge, slope, and shelter was also different from each other. It indicates that habitat usage pattern of gorals is different according to months and seasons.

In South Korea, frog farming has been permitted to protect Mountain brown frogs which continuously declining and have used as traditional dish resources. Despite of various breeding attempts over last 10 years, successful farming are still rare largely due to the lack of appropriate food items and poor disease managements. This study was conducted to provide useful information on appropriate density and temperature farming conditions to reduce potential pathogens in frog farms. Our study first explores the effects of different temperature and density treatments on the growth and the time to metamorphosis of Rana dybowskii tadpoles. Second, we determined how those two treatments affect the number of bacterial and fungal colonies on the skin and in the liver and heart of metamorphosed juveniles. Our results showed that the temperature treatment affected the growth of tadpoles and the time to metamorphosis unlike the density treatment. The snout-vent length was longer and the time to metamorphosis was greater in low temperature group than those in other temperature groups. Temperature treatment also induced significant differences in the number of bacterial and fungal colonies detected in the examined organs. The number of bacterial and fungi colonies was higher in ambient and low temperature groups than those in the high temperature and field-control group for the three organs. Density treatment showed significant difference only in the number of bacterial colonies. Medium and high density treatment groups had more bacterial colonies than low treatment group and field-control group commonly in the three organs. Our results suggest that 1) low density (10 tadpoles / 20L water) could be better for farming to reduce potential bacterial diseases, 2) low temperature (1℃ below than ambient temperature) might be selected for bigger metamorphosed juveniles, but 1℃ higher temperature than ambient temperature could be better to manage potential bacterial and fungal diseases.

The purpose of this study was to quantify carbon, SO2,NO2 and O3 uptake by woody plantsin Mt. Bongeui located at the central area of Chuncheon. Of the total area of 66.4 ha, broadleaved forests of age class III (21-30 years) comprised the largest area of about 35.8%, followed by coniferous forests of age class VI (17.2%), and broadleaved forests of age class IV (15.7%). Carbon storage by woody plants averaged approximately 72.9 t/ha. Annual uptake of atmospheric pollutants averaged about 7.4 t/ha/yr for carbon, 13.8 kg/ha/yr for SO2, 36.4 kg/ha/yr for NO2, and 58.3 kg/ha/yr for O3. Atmospheric purification effects by forest type and age class were greater in older age classes and tended to be greater in broadleaved or mixed forests than in coniferous forests for the same age class. Forest trees in Mt. Bongeui played an important role in reducing atmospheric carbon, SO2,NO2and O3 concentrations. The results from this study are expected to be useful information for conservation and management of the mountain to enhance atmospheric purification effects.

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is the bio-thermoplastic produced from the starch via thermo-plasticization process at high temperature in the presence of plasticizer, such as water and glycerol. Starch is applicable to thermoplastic processing unlike other polysaccharides. TPS has gained an interest as a next-generation biodegradable plastic because its low cost, easy supply, and high environmental value. However, the TPS has relatively low strength properties compared to other thermoplastic polymers. In this study, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were used as a reinforced filler to improve the strength of TPS. The chemical composition of CNF was adjusted by partial delignification via Wise method and removal of hemicellulose via alkali-treatment. TPS/CNF composites were obtained by twin-screw extruding the mixture of starch/glycerol (75/25) and CNF. The effects of CNFs addition and chemical composition on morphological characteristics and tensile properties of TPS/CNF composites were investigated.