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Microhabitat Analysis of Endangered Species (I), Cobitis choiiwith Rapid Decreases of Population by Environmental Pollution for a Habitat Replacement

Ji Yoon Kim 1 Kwang Guk An ORD ID 1

1충남대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The objectives of this research were to analyse the microhabitat of Cobitis choii which isdesignated as an endangered fish species (I) and national monument species in Korea (No. 454), andprovide valuable information of suitable replacement habitat in the future for a conservation of thepopulation with rapid decreases by environmental pollution. Sampling and microhabitat analysis inthree streams such as Baekgok, Yugu and Gap Stream, known as one of the least habitats in Korea showed that the mean number of Cobitis choii observed was 2.6. This result indicated that the richnesswas too low, so the species conservation was very urgent. Optimal physical microhabitat of thepopulation was determined as environmental conditions with > 60% sand with 1 mm particle size,optimal water depth of 20 - 60 cm in the habitats, and the optimal current velocity of < 0.4 m/s. Underthe circumstances of the microhabitat, optimal water volume (discharge) was 0 - 2 m3/s in the eachsectional analysis and this reach was mainly composed of the stream section with intermittant slowruns and pools. These microhabitats were largely disturbed by physical modifications of habitat andchemical pollutions due to direct influences of nutrient-rich water inputs from the urban area andintensive agricultural pollutants. For these reasons, optimal habitat replacement are required in thefuture for the conservation of the species.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.

This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.