- KOREAN
- P-ISSN2287-8327
- E-ISSN2288-1220
- SCOPUS, KCI
ISSN : 2287-8327
Vol.49 No.4
Abstract
Background: The concept of Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP), introduced by IPBES in 2018, represents a significant expansion beyond the ecosystem services (ES) paradigm by acknowledging the material, regulating, and non-material dimensions of human– nature relationships. NCP emphasizes pluralistic and participatory approaches, integrating indigenous and local knowledge systems with scientific perspectives to provide a more holistic understanding of sustainability. Despite its relevance, NCP has seen limited adoption in South Korea and has been inconsistently translated in existing literature. Results: Recent empirical studies highlight NCP’s flexibility across ecological, agricultural, urban, and public health contexts, demonstrating how it captures cultural and relational values often overlooked in ES frameworks. At the policy level, NCP has been embedded into global frameworks such as the convention on biological diversity and the sustainable development goals, signaling institutional recognition of its utility for governance. However, challenges remain in operationalizing NCP, particularly regarding methodological innovations for assessing non-material contributions and building institutional mechanisms for effective integration. Comparative analysis reveals that while ES-related publications have grown rapidly, NCP remains underrepresented in the literature, with limited empirical studies, especially in the Global South. Within South Korea, only a few reports and non-peer-reviewed articles have introduced NCP. This paper proposes “자연의 인간에 대한 기여” as the most contextually appropriate Korean translation to promote consistency in terminology. Conclusions: Overall, NCP offers a transformative lens for sustainability science and governance, providing opportunities to integrate diverse knowledge systems and capture non-material dimensions of human–nature relationships. Its potential, however, depends on future methodological innovation, stronger institutional coordination, and enhanced cross-cultural engagement to support inclusive and equitable environmental decisionmaking.
Abstract
Background: The ability of protected areas worldwide to sustain biodiversity is often severely limited due to their vulnerability to persistent and intense disturbance-related drivers, such as agricultural expansion and the exploitation of ecosystem services by humans. Understanding how trees in these protected areas respond to disturbance-related drivers is crucial for determining effective conservation measures that utilize their role in ecosystem functioning. This study examined the primary disturbance-related drivers affecting the tree community assemblages and structural characteristics across five vegetation types (i.e., woodland, shrubland, savannah forest, riparian forest, and boval vegetation) in Mole National Park. Results: A total of 125 plots measuring 10 × 10 m were established in each of the five vegetation types. In total, 1,023 individuals belonging to 44 species and 19 families were sampled. Community assemblages did not differ significantly across the five vegetation types, contradicting the hypothesis of this study. Canonical correspondence analysis results showed that fire regimes, animal trampling, tree felling, and erosion were the major drivers explaining 83.02% (axes I = 46.8% and II = 36.2%) of the variability in tree community assemblages. Four species - Detarium microcarpum (10.56%), Mitragyna inermis (8.01%), Uapaca togoensis (6.8%), and Combretum adenogonium (5.6%) - were the most important taxa contributing to the dissimilarity in the tree community profile. The lower impact of fire regimes, animal trampling, and tree felling contributed to significantly higher diversity, larger stem diameter, and basal area (e.g., Tamirandus indica, 180 cm, 2.54 m2 h–2; Daniellia olivera, 140 cm, 1.54 m2 h–2; and Vitex doniana, 120 cm, 1.13 m2 h–2) in the savannah forest, while severe driver effects led to low diversity and smaller tree DBH of < 10 cm in the boval vegetation. Conclusions: The findings suggest that different vegetation types respond uniquely to various disturbance-related drivers. Therefore, the park’s vegetation types should inform the design of conservation measures.
Abstract
Background: Prey availability plays a critical role in conserving endangered bird species, influencing their habitat use, reproductive success, and survival. Eurasian Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus) are known to feed on diverse intertidal prey such as oysters, mussels, polychaetes, and adjust their diet in response to prey availability and habitat composition. On Yubu Island, previous studies reported shifts in oystercatcher foraging behavior and diet during the breeding season, but direct observation has limitations in accurately identifying prey at the taxonomic level. Recently, fecal DNA metabarcoding has emerged as a powerful approach for precise dietary analysis. This study aimed to identify the prey composition of Eurasian Oystercatchers on Yubu Island using this molecular method. Results: During the breeding seasons of 2015 and 2017, a total of 207 fecal samples were collected near breeding sites. The prey items detected in the feces belonged to 14 orders and 31 genera, including decapods, bivalves, gobies, sipunculans, and isopods. Decapods were the most frequently detected, particularly species from the family Macrophthalmidae. Other major dietary components included bivalves and sipuncula. Comparison with field surveys confirmed decapods such as Macrophthalmus abbreviatus, Macrophthalmus japonicus, and Neotrypaea japonica as the main prey species. Conclusions: Our results highlight that fecal DNA metabarcoding provides more accurate and detailed species-level prey identification than direct observation. Quantifying prey proportions also offered precise insights into oystercatcher dietary preferences. The high prevalence of decapods suggests that exposed mudflats were the primary foraging habitats, reinforcing previous findings that oystercatchers preferentially forage near breeding sites to maximize reproductive success. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of molecular dietary analysis for understanding prey selection and foraging strategies in shorebirds. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the breeding-season foraging ecology of the Eurasian Oystercatcher and support conservation efforts through improved knowledge of prey availability and habitat use.
Abstract
Background: Plant species can alter the characteristics of wetlands soils and thereby influence methane (CH4) flux and other greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, wetlands are important conduits of CH4 without plants and may emit CH4 at a higher rate when plants are present. In this study, we aimed to quantify the efficiency of Mikania micrantha, Phragmites karka, Polygonum hydropiperoides, Enhydra fluctuans, and Ipomoea aquatica plants, along with their respective traits, in mediating CH4 emissions from wetlands. Results: CH4 emissions have significantly differed amongst different plant species studied. Further, CH4 emission showed a strong and significant relationship with plant traits, soil physico-chemical, and biological properties. The average cumulative CH4 emission from all the vegetation stands (10.30 mg m–2 h–1) was significantly higher (118.08%) than that of the CH4 emission from unvegetated bare soil (4.70 mg m–2 h–1). Overall, the CH4 emission increased by 15%, 44%, and 37% under M. micrantha, P. karka, and P. hydropiperoides, respectively, compared with E. fluctuans and I. aquatica. Conclusions: Wetland plants could significantly alter the functions and services of wetlands and, cause CH4 emissions. Hence, we suggest that restoration of these wetlands with periodical eradication and proper reuse/utilization of these wetland plants would be appropriate to mitigate the CH4 emissions from the wetlands.
Abstract
Background: Desmids are sensitive bioindicators whose community composition is influenced by spatial and temporal influences. However, the interaction of these elements in interconnected tropical freshwater systems remains inadequately understood. This study examined the spatial and seasonal dynamics of desmid communities related to water quality in a shallow, interconnected reservoir-waterway system in northern Thailand to discover the main drivers of their community shifts. Results: Our findings revealed that seasonal dynamics, were the primary factors influencing both water quality and the desmid community, surpassing spatial variations across habitats. The system experienced distinct seasonal disturbances: the summer/hot-dry season triggered a pollution pulse characterized by elevated temperature, biochemical oxygen demand, turbidity, ammonium nitrogen and chlorophyll-a concentration, while the rainy season was marked by a significant surge in coliform bacteria. This seasonal disturbance directly affected the desmid community. The waterway exhibited markedly reduced density in both abundance and diversity compared to the reservoirs. The composition of the community was markedly different: the Upper Reservoir supported a stable population dominated by Staurastrum, whereas the disturbed waterway and the downstream Lower Reservoir were dominated primarily by the resilient genus Closterium. Multivariate studies (non-metric multidimensional scaling and canonical correspondence analysis) confirmed that the community shift during the rainy season was statistically significant and closely linked to indications of organic pollution (fecal coliforms), with species such as Closterium acutum var. variabile serving as major indicators of these disturbed conditions. Conclusions: This research underscores the significant influence of seasonal event-driven pollution on the ecological integrity of tropical freshwater systems. The response of the desmid community composition suggests its potential as a sensitive bioindicator for assessing ecosystem health. Our results underscore the critical need for watershed management strategies adapted to address the distinct environmental pressures present during both the hot-dry and rainy seasons to preserve the biodiversity of these vital aquatic ecosystems.
Abstract
Background: Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) are the largest lizard species in the world, with only a few in Indonesia. While much of the global attention and conservation efforts have focused on populations within Komodo National Park, Flores Island supports the largest landmass of its remaining habitat outside the park. The conservation condition in Flores differs from those of Komodo, Rinca, Padar, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami Islands due to the existence of both conservation and non-conservation areas, diverse landscapes, and land use changes caused by humans. These characteristics make Flores ecologically important and irreplaceable for sustaining genetically and ecologically distinct populations of Komodo dragons. This study aims to evaluate the sustainability of Komodo dragon habitats in Flores using Landsat 7/ETM+ imagery from 2000 to 2020, which then became the basis for the patch-generating land use simulation model until 2050 based on two analysed scenarios, namely the business as usual scenario and the optimistic scenario. The year 2050 was chosen as the final baseline in this study to correspond with the timeline of Indonesia’s Long-term Strategy for Low Carbon and Climate Resilience. The results of this model will then be analysed for landscape quality by evaluating and integrating them using four landscape indices (i.e., land cover, number of patches, effective mesh size, and like adjacencies). Results: The results of this study show that habitat fragmentation is still a major problem despite the increase in habitat area in both scenarios. Concerns about population isolation and decreased genetic exchange arise due to the large number of small patches and low spatial connectivity on Flores Island, especially in non-conservation areas. Although the optimistic scenario offers better outcomes for landscape cohesion, particularly for savanna and mangrove habitats, monsoon forests remain spatially disjointed. Conclusions: The study highlights the problem of fragmented habitats for Komodo dragons on Flores. Improving connectivity and maintaining genetic exchange is crucial, particularly in non-conservation areas. The study suggests that conservation efforts should concentrate on landscape cohesion and the ecological integrity of all habitats, particularly monsoon forests.
Abstract
Background: Forests are crucial for maintaining carbon balance, as they function both as carbon sources and as sinks that absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, thereby helping to mitigate climate change. Forest ecosystems store over 80% of all terrestrial above ground carbon and more than 70% of soil carbon. A systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data. A total of 50 plots, each with 400 m2 (20 m × 20 m), were established along eight lines transect to estimate the carbon stock of the forest. Litter, herb, and grass samples were collected from the four corners and the center of each main sample plot using subplots measuring 2 m × 2 m (4 m2). The collected samples were weighed in the field to determine their fresh weight, and a 100 g composite sub-sample was taken from each plot for further analysis. The soil samples were collected from four corners and the center of each plot at a depth of 30 cm. All the collected plant species were identified in Debre Markos University Biology Department Herbarium Room. Results: The mean above ground biomass and carbon stock stored in tree species per plot were 712.51 and 334.88 ton ha–1, respectively. The mean biomass and carbon stock in the litter carbon stock of Jiga Forest were 2.68 ton ha–1 and 1.26 ton ha–1, respectively. The mean soil organic carbon of Jiga forest was 248.06 ton ha–1. Conclusions: The carbon stock assessment of Jiga Forest exhibits a high mean above ground biomass and carbon stock due to its rich species composition and the presence of mature, large diameter trees.
Abstract
Background: Ecosystems above the natural treeline are considered alpine ecosystems. However, geomorphology and microclimate are important components in defining alpine ecosystems. Species composition and its underlying climatic factors in high-altitude alpine ecosystem (HAAE) and high-latitude alpine ecosystems (HLAE) remain poorly studied. These ecosystems are characterized by low temperature, limited precipitation and high sensitivity to climate change. They also exhibit variation in environmental factors such as solar radiation and topography. This study aims to explore the species composition and climatic drivers of these two distinct alpine ecosystems. Data were collected from 40 plots of 100 square meters in each ecosystem, and non-metric multidimensional scaling and canonical correspondence analysis were employed to assess species composition and identify key climatic factors influencing these patterns. Results: Our results revealed notable differences between the species present in HAAE and those in HLAE. HAAE species were more sensitive to precipitation, whereas HLAE species responded more strongly to temperature. Specifically, growing season length and mean annual precipitation were critical determinants of species composition in HAAE, while mean temperature of the warmest quarter and mean annual temperature were more influential in HLAE. Conclusions: This study provides important insights into the species compositional differences between HAAE and HLAE and highlights the distinct climate drivers shaping plant species composition in these ecosystems. It suggests the need to incorporate other biotic and edaphic factors that may be important in explaining species compositional differences in these unique ecosystems.
Abstract
Background: Parasitic mistletoes infect a wide range of host plants, and when infestation density is high, they alter host resource allocation and canopy structure, thereby affecting ecosystem components including light regimes and understory vegetation. In South Korea, research has primarily focused on their bioactive properties, with limited attention to host associations or ecological traits. This study examined the host plant diversity and preference of Korthalsella japonica (Thunb.) Engl. and predicted its potential habitats to provide baseline data for conservation planning. Results: Korthalsella japonica was found on 26 host species belonging to 11 families and 18 genera, including 15 newly recorded host plants. A clear preference for warm-temperate evergreen broad-leaved trees was observed, particularly Eurya japonica Thunb. and Camellia japonica L. This pattern indicates that host selection is shaped not only by parasitic opportunism but also by physiological compatibility and the spatial structure of densely distributed evergreen assemblages. Predicted suitable habitats were primarily concentrated in gently sloping areas near streams within the lower mid-mountainous regions of Jeju Island, aligning well with actual vegetation structures and host plant distributions. Conclusions: The distribution of K. japonica reflects an intermediate level of host specificity, closely associated with warm-temperate evergreen broad-leaved forests. These findings advance understanding of the ecology of K. japonica by revealing its host diversity, habitat preferences, and key environmental determinants, and they provide valuable baseline data to guide future conservation planning and management strategies.
Abstract
Background: This study investigates the impact of flooding rate and bank type on plant species composition in riparian wetlands. Riparian wetlands, which are connected to rivers, provide a unique ecological environment shaped by periodic flooding and water flow, supporting diverse flora and fauna. The flooding rate directly influences plant community structure; flood-tolerant species dominate frequently flooded areas, whereas other species thrive in less frequently flooded zones. Bank type affects soil moisture distribution, influencing plant composition and growth. Soil characteristics were analyzed, and vegetation was surveyed across the upper, middle, and lower sections of banks at 30 sites along the Han River in Korea. Results: The study found that the upper sections of banks where water flows down from the land maintained higher soil moisture content, favoring the dominance of moisture-tolerant species such as Phragmites australis and Humulus japonicus, which consequently reduced species diversity. In contrast, the upper sections of banks with levees that restricted water flow exhibited relatively lower soil moisture content, reducing the prevalence of dominant species such as H. japonicus and P. australis and thereby promoting higher species diversity. Most environmental factors showed no significant differences between the two bank types, except for soil moisture content in the upper section and soil organic matter content and pH in the lower section, which exhibited statistically significant variations (p < 0.05). Soil moisture content, pH, soil organic content, and soil texture were identified through redundancy analysis as key environmental variables influencing plant distribution, with each species responding uniquely to the hydrological and soil conditions shaped by flooding rate and bank type. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for effective levee design and wetland management strategies to promote biodiversity and maintain ecological balance in floodplain ecosystems.