The role of the Baekdudaegan (Korean Peninsula) as a major glacial refugium for plant species: A priority for conservation

Abstract

The main Korean mountain range [the so-called “Baekdudaegan” (BDDG)] is thought to have served as a glacial refugium, mainly for the boreal and temperate flora of northeastern Asia. To test this hypothesis, we have critically reviewed (i) the genetic literature focused on plants for which Korean populations have been studied or Korean endemic plants, and (ii) palaeoecological studies with data from the Korean Peninsula and/or from neighboring regions. Consistent with this hypothesis, Korean populations showed higher intrapopulation genetic diversity (and, in some cases, with latitudinal decreases of genetic variation), harbored ancestral haplotypes, and/or exhibited significant amounts of unique haplotypes/alleles. Palaeoecological data support the genetic studies, indicating that the BDDG sustained an assemblage of boreal and temperate forests at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Given its floristic, biogeographic, and cultural value (it is regarded as a “holy mountain system” in Korea), the BDDG merits high priority for conservation. In order to guarantee the preservation of the BDDG, we suggest enlarging the current BDDG Mountains Reserve in South Korea, whereas in North Korea the accelerated deforestation should be stopped and new protected areas should be set up. Cooperation between the two Koreas is also needed, and may constitute an important step towards more ambitious initiatives such as the creation of the “Ecological Corridor of Northeast Asia”.