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- P-ISSN2765-2203
- E-ISSN2765-2211
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Abstract
This study analyzed research trends in the field of ecological research. Data were collected based on a keyword search of the SCI, SSCI, and A&HCI databases from January 2002 to September 2022. The seven keywords, including biodiversity, ecology, ecotourism, species, climate change, ecosystem, restoration, wildlife, were recommended by ecological research experts. Word clouds were created for each of the searched keywords, and topic map analysis was performed. Topic map analysis using biodiversity, climate change, ecology, ecosystem, and restoration each generated 10 topics; topic maps analysis using the ecotourism keyword generated 5 topics; and topic map analysis using the wildlife keyword generated 4 topics. Each topic contained six keywords.
Abstract
The intricate relationship between species and their ecosystems has been a focal point of ecological research for decades. With the advent of big data and artificial intelligence, we are now able to explore this relationship with unprecedented depth and precision. This review delves into the transformative role of these technologies in ecological research, emphasizing their potential to enhance our understanding of species-ecosystem linkages.
Abstract
This study surveyed the changes in the proportion of Ecological and Natural Map (ENM) grades in Korea, the distribution ratio of ENM 1st-grade areas by region, and the current status of regional public appeals for the five-year period from 2017 to 2021. The nationwide changes in ENM grades revealed an increase in 1st-grade, 3rd-grade, and separately managed areas but a decrease in the ratio of 2nd-grade areas. Nationwide, Gangwon had the highest distribution ratio of 1st-grade areas, at 46.77%, while Gwangju had the lowest, at 0.05%. In the five-year study period, 383 appeals concerning ENM grades were received and processed. Gangwon had the greatest number of appeals, with 96, while Sejong had the fewest, with 1. A significant correlation was observed between the distribution ratio of 1st-grade areas and public appeals.
Abstract
We analyzed data of endangered mammals in the 1st grade zone of the Ecological and Natural Map of Korea that were obtained through 202 field surveys over six years. Five endangered mammal species were identified including otters, long-tailed gorals, martens, leopard cats, and flying squirrels. The total number of habitat traces collected was 918, of which 897 traces (97.7%) were excrement types. The total surveyed distance was 697.7 km and there were 2,184 grids of 250×250 m each. Of these grids, 441 or 20.2% were confirmed as habitats of endangered mammals. Moreover, we analyzed results of repeated surveys in the same area by converting them into individual one-time surveys, accounting for 23.1% of the total area. The flying squirrel showed a low correlation with the frequency of field surveys but showed many habitats in a specific season. Leopard cats and martens were correlated with the frequency of field surveys. Results of analysis confirm that the grid method used for establishing the Ecological and Natural Map is unsuitable for the habitat division of flying squirrels, otters, leopard cats, and martens, and it does not reflect the actual habitats of these four species. Therefore, we propose that the concept of the habitat grid of species must be reevaluated and improved, specifically for endangered mammals.
Abstract
Polyphylla laticollis manchurica Semenov, 1900, is a critically endangered species in the Republic of Korea and is strictly protected as a Class I endangered species. Although this beetle species faces a threat of extinction, its ecological understanding is limited. Previous studies conducted on this species in the Republic of Korea have focused only on its taxonomy and mitochondrial genome sequences. Herein, we report an observation of the mating of adults of P. l. manchurica in June 2021, during an ongoing study on Korean beetles. This incidence was reported around light sources from newly constructed townhouses near Geumgang River. Larval habitats were observed along the river between April 2022 and March 2023. Particularly, two larvae were found inside the plant debris, and three were found under the roots of reeds. This study provides key information on the mating ecology of P. l. manchurica that can assist conservation efforts of this critically endangered species.
Abstract
The Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus; family Charadriidae; genus Charadrius) is a small bird that moves from continent to continent depending on the season. On the Kentish Plovers, phylogenetic studies have been widely conducted to classify different species or subspecies and to determine the time of speciation. However, the perspectives on the interspecific or intraspecific relationships in the phylogenetic analysis of Kentish Plovers remain debatable. Here, we reviewed the differences between the Kentish and Snowy Plovers (C. nivosus) in terms of their morphology, ecology, and genetic information. Particularly, their differences in genetic information can be well demonstrated; however, the intraspecies differences in the populations that live in different environments can relatively be poorly explained. We suggest that not only genetic features but also morphological, ecological, and behavioral traits are important when comparing the Kentish Plovers with other species, such as the Snowy Plovers, in phylogenetic studies. Furthermore, we suggest that phylogenetic studies on the subspecies of the Kentish and Snowy Plovers should be conducted for their better identification.
Abstract
The Tibetan Plateau is home to the only alpine crane species, the black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis). Conservation efforts are severely hampered by a lack of knowledge on the spatial distribution and breeding habitats of this species. The ecological niche modeling framework used to predict the spatial distribution of this species, based on the maximum entropy and occurrence record data, allowed us to generate a species-specific spatial distribution map in Ladakh, Trans-Himalaya, India. The model was created by assimilating species occurrence data from 486 geographical sites with 24 topographic and bioclimatic variables. Fourteen variables helped forecast the distribution of black-necked cranes by 96.2%. The area under the curve score for the model training data was high (0.98), indicating the accuracy and predictive performance of the model. Of the total study area, the areas with high and moderate habitat suitability for black-necked cranes were anticipated to be 8,156 km2 and 6,759 km2, respectively. The area with high habitat suitability within the protected areas was 5,335 km2. The spatial distribution predicted using our model showed that the majority of speculated conservation areas bordered the existing protected areas of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. Hence, we believe, that by increasing the current study area, we can account for these gaps in conservation areas, more effectively.
