Abstract

Although Cristaria plicata is protected as an endangered species, ecological research on this species remains insufficient. This study conducted experiments on the mobility of C. plicata. The results of the movement distance measurement showed that the mobility was higher in sand area (300.2 cm) than in mud area (69.4 cm). The difference in mobility is considered to be due to differences in the physical environment and food availability. Sand area have large changes in the physical environment and an unstable distribution of food sources, so it is thought that movement occurs to increase survival stability. The average locomotion speed was found to be slow at 6.62 cm/hr. This means that it is highly likely to be easily exposed to survival risks such as rapid water level decline. Spearman rank correlation analysis between individual size and movement distance/speed showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). That means that individual size does not directly affect movement distance or locomotion speed. The results of this study can be used as important data for securing the survival stability of C. plicata and protecting and managing its habitat environment, and can be especially useful in determining the discharge amount and rate of dams, weirs, and reservoirs.