Finding Topographical Connectivity for Sustainable Forest Ecosystem : Considering Ecological Characteristics

Abstract

For the past few decades, forest research has focused on conservation of limited natural resources and protection of ecological systems and production for future generations. Forest ecosystems, which comprise a substantial proportion of natural ecosystems, were addressed in terms of sustainability that would maintain the present forest structures and functions. However, anthropogenic activities have caused habitat loss, especially due to climate change associated with industrialization. Consequently, many previously established biodiversity conservation strategies are now being reviewed against the impacts of human activities. One of the most active strategies for maintaining sustainable ecosystems is the securing of ecological connectivity. Nowadays this strategy is used by abiotic variables such as temperature and topography as tools. Topographical variables, which are the basic physical factors of biological environment, are particularly favored as these are more stable than climate and other factors. Many researchers have studied the correlation between topography and vegetation properties and distribution using the concept of the vegetation catena, or the continuous differences observed in a vegetation community caused by changes in topography. The definitions of land forms can vary, so the methods of topographical classification are divided broadly into morphometric and generic classifications. The main objective of this study is to establish topographical connectivity by considering ecological features that sustain forest ecosystems. First, this research analyzes the correlation between topographic variables and ecological characteristics. Second, it defines more suitable topographical classifications that consider ecological characteristics, and establishes a linkage area by applying topographic characteristics against morphometric and generic topographic classifications. A sample case examines whether the Baekdudaegan protected area, which is recognized as a significant ecological axis, contains linkage areas that consider topographic characteristics. The influence of topographic characteristics on vegetation habitat conditions was determined by using correlation analysis between vegetation distribution and topographic characteristics. Both topographical classifications were related to ecological features like coniferous forests and amphibian distributions. A linkage area established by applying topographic characteristics was more effectively achieved using generic topographic classification. Comparison of the linkage area found by applying topographic characteristics to the Baekdudaegan protected area revealed that none of the linkage areas except the ridge line were included in the present boundary of the Baekdudaegan protected area. The linkage area for the lowland, in particular, was very different. This emphasizes the importance of having the protected area reflect the topographic characteristics of the lowland area. Establishment of protected areas should consider topographic characteristics, in addition to species distributions, as important criteria in order to complement low species distribution data or uncertainty. The study had some limitations, such as failure to consider the present land cover conditions. Additional topographic classification methods also should be applied. Nevertheless, the linkage area found by applying topographic characteristics shows potential for use in maintaining forest ecosystem sustainability in response to fragmentation and climate change.