Gwangneung Forest Research Articles

생태적 자연미학의 관점에서 본 광릉숲: 특별한 숲체험의 공간으로 거듭나야

생태적 자연미학의 관점에서 본 광릉숲: 특별한 숲체험의 공간으로 거듭나야

Enhancing Arthropod Pitfall Trapping Efficacy with Quinone Sulfate: A Faunistic Study in Gwangneung Forest

Enhancing Arthropod Pitfall Trapping Efficacy with Quinone Sulfate: A Faunistic Study in Gwangneung Forest

Diversity and species distribution of lichens in Gwangneung Forest

Gwangneung Forest is a forest area that has been in existence for more than 550 years with a long history of natural and artificial forests in harmony. Lichens are not only a single organism but also a group of basic organisms formed from a stable symbiotic association between a fungus and algae and/or cyanobacteria. They are closely associated with forests and have formed an axis through Gwangneung Forest. From 2016 to 2021, a survey was conducted to investigate the lichen flora distribution by species, focusing on the viewing area within the Korea National Arboretum and the undisclosed research area centered in the Suribong Peak area. As a result of collecting and identifying 246 specimens, 68 species of lichens were identified in 11 orders, 22 families, and 39 genera. The tree with the largest number of lichens was Koelreuteria paniculata , followed by Sophora japonica , Ginkgo biloba , and Malus sieboldii . In trees belonging to Aceraceae , crustose lichens rather than foliose lichens were mainly found. Through this survey, three unreported species were discovered: Lepraria cupressicola , Leprocaulon nicholsiae , and Graphis pinicola . Lepraria cupressicola and Leprocaulon nicholsiae were distributed throughout the arboretum viewing area and Graphis pinicola was identified only in one viewing area.

Influences of Forest Type and Fragmentation by a Road on Beetle Communities in the Gwangneung Forest, South Korea

The effects of forest type and fragmentation of forests by a road on the beetle community were investigated in the Gwangneung Forest, South Korea. Beetles were collected monthly using pitfall traps and by sweeping at 16 sites (eight in coniferous forests and eight in deciduous forests) for one year from April 1993 to April 1994, excluding winter. A total of 17,616 beetles belonging to 271 species from 39 families were collected. Among them, Synuchus cycloderus was the dominant species, with 14,060 individuals accounting for 80% of the total population. The influence of forest type (coniferous and deciduous) or sampling region (fragmented by a road) on species richness (number of species) was observed. We found that species richness was substantially different depending on the sampling method and taxa used. Beetles collected using pitfall traps responded more sensitively to habitat types than those collected by sweeping. Four dominant families differently responded to forest fragmentation and forest types. Carabidae was influenced by forest fragmentation, whereas Staphylinidae and Curculionidae were influenced by forest types. Chrysomelidae was not influenced.

Historical review and occurrence records of Callipogon relictus Semenov, 1899 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) in Gwangneung Forest, South Korea with suggestions for species conservation.

Biodiversity has been declining and extinction rates have been exponentially increasing because of land use changes, invasion of exotic species, nutrient enrichment and climate change. In this scenario, many international networks such as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature have been making efforts to raise conservation awareness and preserve species and their habitats in many countries. The relict longhorn beetle Callipogon relictus Semenov, 1899 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is the largest coleopteran species in the Palearctic region and has a unique distribution compared to its congeneric species. Callipogon relictus has been protected by two Korean laws since it was designated as a Korean Natural Monument and an Endangered Species in 1968 and 2012, respectively. To improve the conservation of this species, ecological and biological data were obtained from studies performed during the last 12 years on its populations in Gwangneung Forest, the fourth UNESCO biosphere reserve in South Korea. Previously scattered distribution records of C. relictus from South Korea from 1932 to 2007 are therefore summarized and ecological features of adults observed during fields studies performed from 2008 to 2019 are presented. Based on the summarized data, we suggest different management measures and conservation efforts to maintain the size of C. relictus populations in South Korea, which can also be further used in the restoration of other endangered insects.

Machine Learning for Tree Species Classification Using Sentinel-2 Spectral Information, Crown Texture, and Environmental Variables

The most recent forest-type map of the Korean Peninsula was produced in 1910. That of South Korea alone was produced since 1972; however, the forest type information of North Korea, which is an inaccessible region, is not known due to the separation after the Korean War. In this study, we developed a model to classify the five dominant tree species in North Korea (Korean red pine, Korean pine, Japanese larch, needle fir, and Oak) using satellite data and machine-learning techniques. The model was applied to the Gwangneung Forest area in South Korea; the Mt. Baekdu area of China, which borders North Korea; and to Goseong-gun, at the border of South Korea and North Korea, to evaluate the model’s applicability to North Korea. Eighty-three percent accuracy was achieved in the classification of the Gwangneung Forest area. In classifying forest types in the Mt. Baekdu area and Goseong-gun, even higher accuracies of 91% and 90% were achieved, respectively. These results confirm the model’s regional applicability. To expand the model for application to North Korea, a new model was developed by integrating training data from the three study areas. The integrated model’s classification of forest types in Goseong-gun (South Korea) was relatively accurate (80%); thus, the model was utilized to produce a map of the predicted dominant tree species in Goseong-gun (North Korea).

First Report of Buchwaldoboletus lignicola (Boletaceae), a Potentially Endangered Basidiomycete Species, in South Korea

During the 2014 survey of the mushroom flora of Gwangneung forest in South Korea, we collected two specimens of boletoid mushroom growing on a felled tree of Pinus koraiensis. These specimens were characterized by a light brown to reddish-brown pileus with appressed tomentum, pore surface bluing instantly when bruised, golden-yellow mycelium at the base of stipe, and lignicolous habitat. Both specimens were identified as Buchwaldoboletus lignicola, a rare basidiomycete, based on morphological characteristics and sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS; fungal barcode). Here, we describe these specimens and provide the first report of this genus in South Korea.

A review of host plants of Callipogon (Eoxenus) relictus Semenov (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Prioninae), a Korea natural monument, with a new host, Quercus aliena Blume

Abstract A comprehensive checklist identifying host plants of phytophagous insects are essential in protecting forest ecosystems from major insect pests. We investigated host plants of Callipogon (Eoxenus) relictus Semenov (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Prioninae), an insect categorized as a natural monument in South Korea. Field surveys in Gwangneung forest led us to newly recognize the oriental white oak, Quercus aliena Blume (Fagaceae), as a host plant of C. (E.) relictus. Based on this result and a literature search, we provide an updated list of host plants of C. (E.) relictus in the present study. In addition, we also discussed about microorganisms (mushrooms) and habitats in Gwangneung forest (South Korea) and Ussurisky Nature Reserve (Russia) that are relevant to C. (E.) relictus.

Survey research on the habitation and biological information of Callipogonrelictus Semenov in Gwangneung forest, Korea and Ussurisky nature reserve, Russia (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Prioninae).

An investigation on the habitation of Callipogonrelictus Semenov, 1899 in Gwangneung forest was carried out, where the Korea National Arboretum is located. In an investigation spanning the last eleven years (2007–2017), 22 emergence holes, nine pupal chambers, six adults, and two larvae of C.relictus were identified. In this study, biological information about habitation of C.relictus is provided by comparing and combining the results of this investigation with a survey conducted in Ussurisky Nature Reserve, Russia, in 2015. The distribution is also reviewed to include the Korean Peninsula and a new location of South Korea is added to the distribution for C.relictus.

Floristic composition and species richness of soil seed bank in three abandoned rice paddies along a seral gradient in Gwangneung Forest Biosphere Reserve, South Korea

BackgroundWe sought to understand the relationship between the seed bank and vegetation in abandoned rice paddies in South Korea, in order to guide management of these sites. We investigated the floristic composition and species richness of the soil seed bank and ground vegetation in former paddies along three seral gradients (wet meadow, young forest, and mature forest) in Gwangneung Forest Biosphere Reserve.ResultsSeed bank samples contained 59 species, of which the dominant families were Cyperaceae, Gramineae, and Polygonaceae. Species richness and seedling density (59 taxa and 19,121 germinants from all samples) were high. Carex spp. (11, 921 germinants) were the dominant taxa. The species composition in the seed bank changed gradually as the land transitioned from wet meadow to mature forest. Sørensen’s index of similarity between above- and below-ground vegetation was 29.3% for wet meadow, 10.8% for young forest, and 2.1% for mature forest. Germinant density also declined, with 10, 256 germinants for wet meadow, 6445 germinants for young forest, and 2420 germinants for mature forest.ConclusionsChanges in aboveground environment and life history traits such as amphicarpic plants, likely affect the composition of soil seed bank species. Abandoned paddy fields may be good sites for restoration of wetland forest and conservation of wetland habitat. Some intervention may be required to promote the recovery of a natural species assemblage.

Community Characteristics and Biological Quality Assessment on Benthic Macroinvertebrates of Bongseonsa Stream in Gwangneung Forest, South Korea

Community Characteristics and Biological Quality Assessment on Benthic Macroinvertebrates of Bongseonsa Stream in Gwangneung Forest, South Korea

Discovery of Leluthia honshuensis Belokobylskij & Maeto (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as a Larval Ectoparasitoid of the Asian longhorned beetle in South Korea

Leluthia honshuensis Belokobylskij & Maeto, 2006 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was found as an ectoparasitoid of the first- and second-instar larvae of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora grabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Gwangneung forest, Pocheon, Republic of Korea. This discovery was made during the investigation for parasitoids of ALB in 2016. We report here the first known host of Leluthia as the ALB. In addition, a diagnosis and detailed photographs of L. honshuensis are given. Images of the holotype specimen are also provided for comparison.

Morphological characteristics and DNA barcode of Leptaulax koreanus Nomura, Kon, Johki & Lee (Coleoptera, Passalidae), an endemic species of Korea

Leptaulax koreanus (Nomura, Kon, Johki & Lee), an endemic species of Korea, inhabits only in the Gwangneung Forest in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do. It was reported as a new species in 1993 by Nomura et al. In this study, its external morphological features were investigated and described, and its DNA barcode was obtained and presented as part of the basic research for the conservation of this species.

Fungal communities in a Korean red pine stand, Gwangneung Forest, Korea

For the seasonal changes of fungi (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) diversity, we performed a biweekly survey of macrofungi on defined plot in a Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora) stand (Gwangneung Forest, Pochen-si, Korea) from April 2014 to December 2014. The plot was surveyed 18 times. We also investigated the diversity of the soil fungi community during four seasons using pyrosequencing method. The collected macrofungi (25 specimens) were classified into one phylum, one class, four orders, 10 families, 13 genera, and 17 species; the soil fungal communities were classified into two phyla, 15 classes, 43 orders, 91 families, and 124 genera (49,937 sequence reads), designated as 124 genus-level operational taxonomic units. Using macrofungal collection data, environmental factor data (n = 10), and pyrosequencing data, we evaluated changes in fungal diversity with seasons and soil layers. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination revealed distinct clusters of genus-level operational taxonomic units assemblage with season. Two environmental factors (exchangeable K and C/N ratio) were found to be significantly associated with soil fungi communities in the Korean red pine stand. This study will lead to a better understanding of relationships between Korean red pine stand stands and soil fungal communities.

The Fish Community and Habitat Analysis in the Bongseonsa Stream within Gwangneung Forest, South Korea

The Fish Community and Habitat Analysis in the Bongseonsa Stream within Gwangneung Forest, South Korea

Response of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) to forest gaps formed by a typhoon in a red pine forest at Gwangneung Forest, Republic of Korea

In Korea, damaging typhoons related to climate change have increased steadily since the 1990s. Red pine (Pinus densiflora) forests in Gwangneung Forest were greatly disturbed by typhoon Kompasu in 2010. A survey was carried out to clarify differences in ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) communities between forest gaps and undamaged forests. Ground beetles were sampled using pitfall traps from early May to late October 2011. Vegetation changes, litter layer, organic matter layer, and soil conditions were also measured. A total of 1035 ground beetles of 32 species were collected. Contrary to our expectation, species richness, abundance, and community structure of the ground beetles in forest gaps were similar to those in undamaged forests. Species richness and abundance of habitat type were also similar. However, species diversity and estimated species richness in forest gaps were significantly higher than in undamaged forests. These findings suggest that forest gaps formed by a typhoon did not lead to great change in ground beetle communities.

Studies on seasonal dynamics of soil-higher fungal communities in Mongolian oak-dominant Gwangneung forest in Korea.

We surveyed macrofungi biweekly at defined plots from April to December in 2014, in the Mongolian oak-dominant forest, Gwangneung Forest, Pochen-si, Korea, and analyzed a soilhigher fungal diversity during four seasons (represented by April, August, October, and December). Based on morphological observation of collected specimens, the collected macrofungi were classified into 2 phyla 3 classes 7 orders, 14 families, 21 genera, and 33 species (36 specimens). DNA-based community analyses indicated that soil-higher fungi were classified into 2 phyla, 18 classes, 49 orders, 101 families, and 155 genera (83,360 sequence reads), defined herein as 155 genus-level operational taxonomic units (GOTUs). In the present study, we evaluated and discussed the fungal diversity in seasonal dynamics and soil layers based on collected macrofungi and pyrosequencing data while considering environmental parameters (pH, exchangeable K, T-P, NH 4 (+) , NO 3 (-) , OM, WR, TOC, and T-N). Moreover, principal components analysis (PCA) showed distinct clusters of the GOTU assemblage associated with the seasons.

Effect of military activity on butterfly (Lepidoptera) communities in Korea: Conservation and maintenance of red listed species

Military training areas are increasingly recognized as areas of high biodiversity and habitats for many wild organisms, including threatened or endangered species. However, the information on the ecological value of military training areas is limited because it is difficult access these sites. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of military activity on butterfly communities. The survey was carried out in a military training area (MTA) at Inje-gun near the demilitarized zone (DMZ), Inje forest (IJF) a secondary forest and Gwangneung forest (GWF) an old growth forest, from April to October 2008 to 2011. IJF and GWF were selected in order to determine the characteristics of a butterfly community differed in a MTA. Butterfly communities differ greatly among sites. Estimated species richness and species diversity were significantly higher in MTA compared to GWF. Grassland species were abundant in MTA and forest interior species in GWF. Species richness and abundance of red listed species, especially grassland species, were greatest in MTA, but absent in GWF. Military activities were beneficial for red listed grassland species because they maintained an open habitat, which is rare elsewhere in current Korea. This study indicates that MTAs are important in terms of conservation and in providing a refuge for red listed grassland species.

Diversity and density of butterfly communities in urban green areas: an analytical approach using GIS.

Urbanization is one of the leading causes of habitat loss, habitat degradation, and fragmentation. Urban development negatively affects biodiversity. We clarified changes in butterfly communities due to urbanization in urban green areas. Intotal, 59 species and 1,465 individuals of butterflies were observed in the four urban green areas -Namsan Park(NS), Ewha Womans University (EW), Bukseoul Dream Forest (BD), and Hongneung Forest (HF) -anda natural forest, Gwangneung Forest (GF). The categories of land use around the study sites were determined based on GIS data. Species richness and density of niche breadth and habitat type in the four urban green areas differed mostly from those in GF. Estimated species richness and species diversity (H')in the four urban green areas were significantly lower than those in GF. Species richness and density of forest interior species and specialist species were positively correlated with paddy, field, and forest, whereas those of forest interior species and specialists were negatively correlated with urban area and road. Species composition and community structure of butterflies in the four urban were differed from those in GF. Theseresults suggest that decreases in paddy, field, and forest associated with the increased urban area and road negatively influenced species composition and changed butterfly communities.

Empirical test of the influence of global warming and forest disturbance on ant fauna at the Gwangneung Forest Long Term Ecological Research site, South Korea

This study examined the effects of forest disturbance and climate change on the ant fauna at the Long Term Ecological Research site in Gwangneung Forest, Korea in 2003 and 2012. After forest disturbance, the occurrence and abundance of ants belonging to the functional groups of forest ground forager and soil and litter dweller are predicted to decrease, while the occurrence and abundance of ants belonging to the open land forager and forest vegetation forager functional groups are predicted to increase. In terms of the effects of climate change, if the optimum temperature of the ants is lower than the annual average temperature in the survey area, the occurrence and abundance of the ants are predicted to decrease and vice versa. Ant surveys were carried out using pitfall traps. Changes in the dominant species, occurrence, and abundance mostly corresponded to the predictions for forest disturbance, but did not match the prediction for an increase in temperature.