Homing behavior is a fundamental ecological trait influencing site fidelity and the success of translocation programs for endangered species. This study evaluated the homing ability and effective homing range of the Reeves’ turtle (Mauremys reevesii), a Class II Endangered Wildlife species and a Natural Monument in South Korea. Six adult turtles were captured from reservoirs in Gurye-gun, attached with GPS transmitters, and artificially displaced to terrestrial release sites at distances ranging from 200 to 600 m from their original habitats. Monitoring from May 2023 to July 2024 revealed a distance-dependent homing response: individuals displaced by 200 m and one of two displaced by 300 m successfully returned to their original reservoirs. However, all turtles displaced by distances greater than 300 m (400~600 m) failed to return. These results suggest that while M. reevesii possesses homing instincts, its effective homing range on land is relatively limited compared to other freshwater turtles. This study provides the first empirical evidence of the spatial limits of homing in Korean M. reevesii populations. Technical challenges, such as signal loss due to mud accumulation on solar-powered tags in wetland environments, were also identified as a factor to consider in future telemetry studies. For successful translocation, we recommend selecting release sites within 300 m of core habitats to maximize settlement success.

This study explored the population dynamics of the endangered perennial plant Pterygopleurum neurophyllum (Maxim.) Kitag through a multi-year winter deadbiomass removal approach. In 2022, a total population census was conducted at Wondong Wetland (Yangsan, Korea), where seven spatially independent patches were identified (P-1 to P-7). From 2023 to 2025, winter dead-biomass removal was implemented in two of these patches (P-1 and P-2), while the remaining patches served as controls. Annual population counts were monitored, and the effects of winter dead-biomass removal over time were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with a Poisson distribution. The interaction between management and year was highly significant (Wald χ 2=103.93, p<0.001), indicating differing temporal trajectories between the removal and control populations. No significant management effect was observed in 2023; however, the removal plots demonstrated a dramatic increase in 2024 (EMMs: Control=5.05 vs. Removal=92.77), which continued in 2025 (3.89 vs. 104.99). These findings indicate that winter dead-biomass removal significantly promotes the population expansion of P. neurophyllum, with ecological responses emerging cumulatively rather than immediately. This study provides empirical evidence that repeated winter dead-biomass removal, rather than a single-year disturbance, is crucial for the restoration and conservation of endangered wetland plant species.

This study investigated the characteristics of fish communities and distribution of endangered species in the mid-upper reach of Geumgang River, Korea, from September to October 2021. A total of 17,177 fish of 11 families and 46 species were collected from 13 survey stations during the survey period. The dominant species was Zacco koreanus (relative abundance of 17.45%), and the subdominant species was Z. platypus (16.73%), followed by Acheilognathus koreensis (8.49%), Hypomesus nipponensis (8.27%), Pungtungia herzi (7.28%), Coreoleuciscus splendidus (6.80%), Gobiobotia brevibarba (6.58%), Pseudopungtungia nigra (4.67%), A. yamatsutae (3.77%), G. macrocephala (3.38%), and Rhinogobius brunneus (3.04%). Among the collected fish species, 21 (45.65%) were identified as Korean endemics, and two exotic species, Lepomis macrochirus and Micropterus salmoides, were also observed. There were six species of endangered species that were designated by the Ministry of Environment (Class I: P. nigra and Liobagrus obesus; Class II: G. brevibarba, G. macrocephala, Hemibarbus mylodon, and Coreoperca kawamebari). H. mylodon is also a natural monument designated by the Korea Heritage Service. The cluster analysis showed that the dominance index was low, while the diversity and richness indices were high, indicating a stable and healthy fish community. The mid-upper reach of Geumgang River has a well-conserved and diverse aquatic environment and is inhabited by many endangered species and natural monuments. Therefore, continuous attention and systematic management are required.

멸종위기 야생식물종은 다양한 환경 요인과 인위적 간섭으로 인하여 이미 다수의 종이 멸종되었으며, 현재 잔존하고 있는 야생식물종 또한 생존을 위협받고 있다. 멸종위기 야생식물종의 보전방안 수립을 위해서는 자생에 영향을 주는 각종 요인에 대한 데이터 취득이 필수적이며, 현장의 상황을 명확하게 반영하여야 한다. 본 연구에서는 한라산 백록담 일대의 253개의 암매(Dispensia lapponica varb obovate) 생육지를 대상으로 하여 보전우선순위를 결정하기 위한 GIS 기반 분석 방법을 정립하였다. 데이터 분석에는 항공라이다(ALS:Airborne laser scanning) 데이터, 드론 영상, 각종 공공 주제정보를 이용하였으며, 암매의 생존에 영향을 주는 3개의 지형요소와 5개의 환경요소 및 재해위험성인자 로 구성되는 총 9개 인자에 대한 독립적인 분석 방법을 적용하여 암매 생육지에 대한 보전우선순위 결정을 위한 통계분석을 수행하였다. 분석한 인자별 현황 데이터는 관련 전문가 3인의 자문을 받아 결정한 암매 생존에 영향을 주는 각종 인자들에 대한 경중률을 적용하여 경중률 기반 정량평가(Weighted Scoring Model, WSM)를 통해 점수화하 였으며 최종적으로 253개의 암매 생육지에 대한 보전우선순위를 결정하였다. 본 연구에서 정립한 9개 인자와 경중률을 이용하여 GIS 분석을 통해 한라산 백록담 암매를 대상으로 보전우선순위를 결정한 결과, 다량의 개체가 분포하고 있는 북측 및 북서측 사면 중 북측 사면에 위치하고 있는 암매 생육지 중 다량의 생육지가 고위험군으로 분류되었다. 또한 일반적으로 서로 인접하게 위치하고 있는 복수의 암매 생육지가 유사한 위험점수 및 보전순위를 가지는 것으로 나타남에 따라 지형 특성이 암매의 자생에 큰 영향을 주는 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구의 성과는 기존의 현장조사 방식에 서는 접근하기 어려운 지형에 위치한 고산지대 멸종위기 식물 생육지에 대해 적용 가능할 것으로 판단되며, 본 연구를 통해 정립된 항공 및 드론라이다와 같은 고품질 공간정보와 관련 주제정보를 융합하여 GIS 기반 방법론은 접근이 어려운 멸종위기 식물군에 대해 식물종의 보전을 위한 고정밀 자료를 제공함으로서, 멸종위기 식물의 보전계획에 유용하게 활용 가능할 것으로 기대된다.

Mauremys reevesii (Reeves’ turtle) is an endemic freshwater turtle species found throughout East Asia. Due to a rapid population decline, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Korean government have classified this species as Endangered (EN). The reported largest population size of M. reevesii in the Republic of Korea was previously estimated to be approximately 20-30 individuals. Our study assessed the population size and structure of M. reevesii at Geumho Reservoir, Republic of Korea, using a capture-recapture data. A total of 433 M. reevesii were incidentally captured during a 35-week trapping process conducted from March to October 2023. The sex ratio of the captured population exhibited a male bias of 1.3 : 1. Sexual size dimorphism was observed only in body weight. Individuals were recaptured up to 11 times during the study period, with males and females being recaptured at an average of 2.1±2.0 times and 1.5±0.9 times, respectively. The estimated population size of M. reevesii in Geumho Reservoir was approximately 891 turtles. The absence of notable sexual size dimorphism and significant sex ratio differences suggests that the population in this area may have been established relatively recently. Compared to previous records, the population in Geumho Reservoir represents the largest single population of M. reevesii, both within the Republic of Korea and globally.

LIn this study, we investigated the habitat characteristics of a Jeonju Duckjin lake in Jeonju City, Jeonbuk, in which a large group of reeve’s turtle(Mauremys reevesii)(endangered species Class II and natural monument No. 453 in Korea) was discovered. The lake where reeve’s turtle(M. reevesii) was discovered, was beside Jeonbuk National university. That lake was surrounded by lotuses, dam, and reeds. We found 12 reeve’s turtle(M. reevesii)(included with 2 juveniles), 30 red eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)(included with 4 juveniles), 22 river cooter(Pseudemys concinna)(included with 5 juveniles), and 6 Chinese stripe necked turtle(Mauremys sinensis)(included with 4 juveniles) from June to September, 2024, respectively. A number of red-eared sliders(Trachemys scripta elegans) which threaten the survival of reeve’s turtle(M. reevesii), were also found in and around the lake. Newborn turtles in this year were not observed. However, we estimated that natural breeding had sufficiently occurred since we observed many young turtles in the lake. Furthermore, the presence of young red-eared slider individuals can be a persistent problem for reeve’s turtle(M. reevesii) as they are competing species. In conclusion, in-situ conservation method should be considered for protecting the endangered turtle and their habitat.

This study investigated the occurrence and morphological characteristics of Polyphylla laticollis manchurica adults in the Miho River, Cheongju, from June to August 2024. Surveys were conducted at five sites along a 14 km stretch from upstream of Palgyeol Bridge to downstream of Oksan Bridge, including three sites along the main river and two sites in tributaries. No P. laticollis manchurica adults were found at the tributary sites. A total of 107 adults were recorded at site C and D, with peak occurrence observed between June 20 and August 4, 2024. The first occurrence date was recorded in June 20, the peak occurrence on July 5, and the last observation on August 4. The morphological measurements of the adults attracted by light trap were as follows: body length 33.38±1.68 mm; body width 16.02±1.00 mm; and body weight 1.45±0.32 g. The sex ratio (male : female) was 7.14 : 2.86. While no significant differences were observed in body length and width between males and females, females were significantly heavier during the third survey period. Most adults attracted to artificial light were males, and several dead individuals were found near streetlights and bridge. This study provides fundamental data on the occurrence period, habitat distribution, and phototactic behavior of P. l. manchurica, contributing to a better ecological understanding and conservation efforts for this endangered species.

전 세계적으로 보전 성과 및 효과평가 필요성, 신뢰도 높은 지표 측정 방법 등이 강조되고 있다. 식물체 높이는 재도입 등 보전이입 및 생태계 복원 시 중요한 지표로 활용된다. 정확한 모집단 추정을 위한 세밀한 표본 설계는 연구 진행에 앞서 가장 중요한 과정 중 하나이다. 이 연구는 멸종위기 야생생물 백양더부살이의 전국 분포, 개체군 현황, 생장 및 번식 특성, 식물체 높이의 지역 개체군 내 또는 개체군 간 변이를 파악하고, 보전·복원사업 효과평가에 필요한 효율적이고도 신뢰도 높은 생장 지표(즉, 식물체 높이) 모니터링 기반을 구축하고자 수행되었다. 백양더부살이 는 탐색한 전국 16곳 중 7곳에서 확인되었으며, 정읍 1지역 개체군이 국내 최대 규모 개체군이었다(N = 636). 이중 3개 지역(정읍 2지역, 제주 1지역)에 대해 식물체 높이 전수조사를 수행한 결과(N = 947), 높이의 범위는 3-50 cm였고 중앙값은 20 cm였다. 제주 지역 개체군의 평균 높이(22.1 ± 6.7 cm)는 가장 컸고, 무리(clump)당 개체수(중앙값 = 5)도 가장 많았다. 전수조사 자료를 바탕으로 표본추출 강도별 두 가지 방법(1. 집락표본추출, 2. 이단표본추출)으로 부트스트랩 복원추출을 수행한 결과, 집락표본추출 결과가 변동성, 정확도, 정밀도 측면에서 우수했으며, 무리를 표본추 출단위로 하고 표본추출 강도를 60% 이상으로 할 때 신뢰도 높은 모집단 추정이 가능했다. 이 연구는 멸종위기 야생생 물 보전·복원사업 이전에 충분한 기초정보 수집과 명확한 표본 설계를 통한 모니터링 체계 구축의 중요성을 강조한다.

In this study, 41 individuals in 7 locations within CP, MG, UC, and DN map sheets were observed. The MG map sheet had the highest number (n=13) of individuals, while the CP-3 site on the CP map sheet had the lowest number (n=1) of individuals. Land use analysis indicated that the MG site with the highest number of individuals had a high percentage (70.56%) of forest land areas with a small percentage (12.63%) of farmland areas. The CP-3 site with the lowest number of individuals had a small percentage (26.47%) of farmland areas. It also had the highest percentage (32.13%) of residential and commercial areas, covering 19,616 m2. Measurement results of the physical habitat environment for B. karubei indicated a mean substrate of -2.1 (Φm), an average water depth of 63.0 cm, and a flow velocity of 0.2 m s-1. The association rule analysis for co-occurring species revealed that Semisulcospira coreana, Ecdyonurus kibunensis, and Goera japonica had the highest associations among lotic species, while Limnodrilus gotoi and Calopteryx japonica demonstrated the highest association among lentic species.

This study aimed to provide foundational data for the conservation and improvement of the habitat of an endangered species, Viola websteri, in South Korea, by identifying the environmental characteristics of its habitat and determining main environmental factors influencing its population size. To achieve this, this study conducted literature reviews, field surveys of study sites, and spatial analyses based on previous research results, collecting data for 32 environmental attributes related to V. websteri. These collected data were utilized for factor analysis and path analysis, leading to the identification of environmental factors affecting population size based on scientific analysis processes and results. Additionally, this study examined correlations between population size and environmental factors, focusing on aspects related to amount of light, organic matter, tree height, tree cover, shrub cover, and soil humidity, all of which were found to influence the population size of V. websteri. The population size showed a negative correlation with the amount of light. However, it showed positive correlations with organic matter, tree height, tree cover, shrub cover, and soil humidity. Furthermore, the path analysis model indicated a strong positive correlation between fruiting rate and individual height of V. websteri. Overall, these results suggest that high cover of tree and shrub layers can create an environment that suppresses the herbaceous layer, allowing adequate light penetration, sufficient soil humidity, and organic matter, which can promote both growth and fruiting rates of V. websteri.

본 연구는 부산시 영도구 중리산에 위치하는 환경부 지정 멸종위기야생생물Ⅱ급 칠보치마의 자생지 환경특성과 식물상을 조사하여 자생지 보전을 위한 기초자료를 제공하고자 수행되었다. 칠보치마 자생지에 분포하는 관속식물은 69과 164속 216종 1아종 21변종 6품종 1교잡종으로 총 245분류군이 확인되었다. 칠보치마는 주로 해발고도 35~72m, 경사는 10~15°의 범위에 분포하였고, 사면향은 주로 북사면에서 나타났다. 주변 식생은 전형적인 부산시 해안림 곰솔군 락의 식생구조 특성을 보였다. 토양 체적함수율은 칠보치마 출현지역이 평균 체적함수율 23.6%으로 비출현지 14.6%보 다 높았다. 토양 공극률 또한 출현지역 51.7%, 비출현지역 49.1%로 출현지역이 높았다. 토양산도는 평균 4.97로 산성이 었고, 총질소·유효인산·양이온치환용량·치환성 양이온함량(K, Ca, Mg)이 낮은 수준이었는데 토양 내 무기양분이 적은 척박한 토양이라 볼 수 있었다. 본 연구 결과는 칠보치마 개체군 동태를 파악하고 장기적인 보전전략을 수립함에 있어 중요한 역할을 할 것으로 기대된다.