26(3)-06 KE2012-42 남상호.pdf938.2KB

• INTRODUCTION
• MATERIALS AND METHODS
• 1. Investigation spots
• 2. Investigation methods
• 1) Collection
• 2) Analysis
• RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
• 1. Butterfly species composition in Mt. Gyeryong National Park
• 2. Distribution of butterflies in Mt. Gyeryong National Park by region according to altitude
• 1) Donghaksa
• 2) Sangsin-ri
• 3) Gapsa
• 4) Sinwonsa
• 3. Monthly distribution of butterflies in Mt. Gyeryong National Park
• 1) Donghaksa
• 2) Sangsin-ri
• 3) Gapsa
• 4) Sinwonsa
• 4. Butterfly colony analysis by region and altitude
• 1) Region
• 2) Altitude
• 3) Month
• 5. Analysis of factors influencing butterfly colonies in Mt. Gyeryong National Park
• 1) Analysis of similarity according to altitude
• 2) Correlation analysis of the total number of species and individuals by altitude
• 3) Correlation analysis of species with altitude
• 6. Indicator species
• 7. Efficient management and preservation of butterflies in Mt. Gyeryong National Park

INTRODUCTION

Insects are the largest animal group, accounting for approximately 50% of the bio-diversity in the world and playing an important role in ecological functions. Such characteristics mean that insects are a biological indicator species and that they are reflected in numerous taxonomic groups and various environmental plans for habitats (Holloway, 1980; Kremen et al., 1993). For example, many single species as well as their upper taxonomic groups have been studied, including communities of dragonflies, beetles, tiger beetles, moths, butterflies, and sawflies, as well as ants living in forests, grass fields, sand dunes, open land, city areas and mining areas. However, studies of bioindicators using many different species of terrestrial insects have not received much attention. Among them, many studies regarding butterflies as biological indicator species have been conducted using statistical methods to review the correlations with various factors related to what are known as indicator species (Erhardt, 1985; Erhardt and Thomas, 1991). Recently, the distribution of butterflies and insects according to altitude has received much attention(Sanchez-Rodriguez and Baz, 1995), as altitude can provide important information such as the types of environmental factors limiting the distribution of living things for species diversity; and the richness, composition, and aspects of bio-geographical shapes.  

Lepidoptera, consisting of approximately 180,000 species around the world, is the second-largest group in Insecta, but butterflies occupy only about 11%(Schappert, 2005). The distribution of butterflies throughout the Korean Peninsula was reported account to 280 species under 5 families in total(Paek and Shin, 2010). Among them, butterflies inhabiting in Mt. Gyeryong were reported by Kim(1976) for the first time, after which 56 species and 5 families were reported by Yoon and Nam(1980). Additions were made later, bringing the total to 72 species and 5 families(Kim et al., 1993). Factors determining habitats that are suitable for butterflies include the vegetation type, humidity, and the amounts of sunshine and water. Additionally, the shape of each habitat is closely related to these factors(Joshi and Arya, 2007). Gilbert and Singer(1975) and Shapiro(1975) reported that interactions between food plants and climate could represent most distributions of Lepidoptera. In fact, this was verified as a useful model to use to determine the influence of graminivorous insects and food plants on the interaction between the species distribution as well as the influence of climate on living things(Hodkinson, 1999). Additionally, it was verified that climate can limit the distribution by directly influencing the reproduction or the outcomes of species interactions. This is true for plant resources, natural enemies and competitors(Gaston, 2003). As such, it was found that butterflies were the species most appropriate for evaluating and monitoring bio-diversity, as they are well known as an indicator species for environmental changes(Kremen, 1992; 1994). Mt. Gyeryong is located between Charyeong and Noryeong mountain range and borders the southern and northern areas of Korean Peninsula(Ko and Kang, 2005). Diverse plants from the northern boundary line of southern temperate zone and southern boundary line of northern temperate zone inhabit Mt. Gyeryong area(Yang et al., 2004; Oh and Beon, 2009). Besides, various northern and southern type of butterflies congregate at Mt. Gyeryong(Yoon and Nam, 1980). As described above, it is obvious that Mt. Gyeryong National Park is a bio-geographically important area.  

The purpose of this study is to investigate if there is difference in the composition of butterfly species according to altitude and to propose an efficient method to preserve and maintain butterflies in Mt. Gyeryong National Park by selecting specific indicator species through a statistical analysis according to survey place and altitude. 

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Investigation spots

Mt. Gyeryong is located at N 36°18´02˝~36°23´38˝ and E 127°11´60˝~127°17´86˝, bordering three cities in one province, specifically Gongju, Nonsan and Daejeon City in Chungcheongnam Province. The spots were Donghaksa, Sangsin-ri, Gapsa and Sinwonsa in Mt. Gyeryong National Park(Figure 1). 

Figure 1. Map of survey areas in Mt. Gyeryong National Park(N36°18´02˝~36°23´38˝, E 127°11´60˝~127°17´86˝)

2. Investigation methods

1) Collection

Donghaksa, Gapsa, Sinwonsa and Sangsin-ri areas in Mt. Gyeryong National Park were investigated once a month from March to October of 2011(Table 1). The collection was done by referring to the line transect method of Pollard(1977). A fixed path(trail) was divided into zones with intervals of approximately 100m using GPS. Individuals were collected while moving 5m left and right from the trail at a steady speed. After collecting them using an insect net, the species identified were released after identification, while unidentifiable species were identified in the lab. In addition, immersion specimens were made. Collections were done during 09:30~17:00 every day, counting butterflies from the beginning point to the peak(Sambulbong and Gwanumbong) at each investigation spot. 

Table 1. Investigation date and weather conditions at the sites

2) Analysis

(1) Diversity index

This was calculated using the Shannon-Weaver function (Pielou, 1966), which was influenced by the information theory of Margalef(1958). It shows the complexity of the colony, referring to the relative balance between the species diversity and the number of individuals in a colony.

(H': Diversity index, ni: Number of individuals of  ithspecies, N: Total number of individuals)
  

(2) Richness index

This is an index which shows the status of the colony in terms of the total number of individuals and species. A higher value denotes a rich species and a favorable environment. It is calculated using the formula below, with the frequently used coefficient of Margalef(1958).  

(RI: Richness Index, S: Total Species, N: Total Individuals) 

(3) Dominance index

This index stems from the perspective that a specific species can be dominant according to environmental changes and thus can be used as a clear indicator. It can be a means of measuring differences between spots by selecting two dominant species. It is calculated according to McNaughton’s dominance index(DI)(McNaughton and Wolf, 1970). If a colony has a single dominant species, the DI of the colony is 1. More species will make the DI closer to 0.

 (Pi: calculated as the portion of the ithindividuals (ni/N))

(4) Evenness index

This is expressed as the proportion of the actual value to the possible maximum value of each index. The diversity index can reach its maximum value when the species in the colony all contain the same number of individuals. The evenness index shows the evenness of the species composition in the colony. It is calculated using the formula of Pielou(1975), as shown below. 

(EI: Evenness index, S: Total Species, H': Diversity index)
 

(5) Statistical Analysis

To identify the difference in the species composition of the butterflies in Mt. Gyeryong National Park according to the altitude and to select indicator species, a correlation analysis was conducted on the number of butterfly species and individuals using SPSS 12.0K. For a frequency analysis and distribution estimation diagram, ArcGIS ver. 9.3 was used. Additionally, to analyze the similarity according to the altitude, PRIMER ver.6 was used. 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. Butterfly species composition in Mt. Gyeryong National Park

At the Donghaksa, Gapsa, Sangsin-ri, and Sinwonsa locations in Mt. Gyeryong National Park, 2,554 individuals and 80 species were identified. Among them, 74 individuals and 11 species in Hesperiidae, 74 individuals 8 species in Papilionidae, 451 individuals and 5 species in Pieridae, 207 individuals and 16 species in Lycaenidae, and 1,744 individuals and 40 species in Nymphalidae were identified. Overall, species and individuals of Nymphalidae accounted for more than 50%, whereas Hesperiidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae and Lycaenidae were found to account for less than 20%(Figure 2). In earlier research, there were 72 species of butterflies recorded in Mt. Gyeryong National Park(Kim et al., 1993). Regarding other areas, Kim and Lee(1993) reported 68 species and 5 families in study on Mt. Chilgap in Chungcheongnam province from 1991 and 1992, and 32 species and 5 families of butterflies were reported in Mt. Sorak National Park in 1994(Kwon and Byun, 1999). These studies reported relatively low numbers of species most likely due to the lower number of surveys used, such as six times in total once a month from April to September. According to Kery and Plattner(2007), there may have been times in which the researchers could not find individuals from any of the butterfly species during a visit. Such a possibility may be a reason for the differences in the number of species identified. Regarding the composition of the butterfly species by region(Table 2), at the Donghaksa location, individuals of Nymphalidae and Pieridae were greater in number compared to any other families, possibly because Libythea celtis of Nymphalidae and Artogeia melete of Pieridae were the dominant species. In Sangsin-ri, 477 individuals and 56 species were identified. Although the total number of individuals was smaller than that of the other areas, there were more species. In particular, more individuals in Hesperiidae and Papilionidae were identified. The most likely explanation is the open fields and rice fields in their area, with an abundance of nectar plants. At Gapsa, 783 individuals and 54 species were identified. More individuals in Nymphalidae were identified than in other areas. It appears that this area has a diverse range of species owing to its abundant nectar plants in green fields, such as those in Sangsin-ri. At Sinwonsa, 498 individuals and 51 species were identified. More species and individuals in Lycaenidae were identified in this area, mainly because of the wide green field near Sinwonsa. 

Figure 2. The number of species and individuals of Mt. Gyeryong National Park

Table 2. The number of butterfly species and individuals at the sites

2. Distribution of butterflies in Mt. Gyeryong National Park by region according to altitude

In this research, butterflies investigated in four investigation spots were classified according to the altitude. As shown in Figure 3, in all four spots, more species and more individuals were identified at lower altitudes, though these numbers dwindled in mid-altitude areas. This may be a result of the increase in the amount of shade in the trail area of Mt. Gyeryong National Park owing to the tree canopy as the slope becomes steeper. When shade increases as a result of the crown density, herby ground vegetation disappears. This phenomenon reduces the sunlight in the forest and influences the amount of and the quality of nectar plants for adult insects and feeding grasses for larva. It influences individual butterflies and increases the degree of local extinction of specific butterflies due to the reduction of the number of suitable habitats(Sparks et al., 1996). This results in a reduction in the number of both species and individuals. However, there can be some open spaces where the heights of the trees are shorter, especially closer to the peak. In such areas, the spaces become more open and the number of species and individuals tends to increase. As plants are exposed to higher temperatures and more sunshine, transpiration will increase, causing the moisture content of the soil to decrease(Kapos, 1989). Thus, plants may die or growth may be disturbed. This reduces the density of the leaves, increases the light arriving at the bottom part of the forest and the diversity and consequently increases the density of the understory vegetation(Faria et al., 2009) and the richness of young plants, shrubs and herbs(Harper et al., 2005). With an increase in the diversity and richness of the vegetation, butterflies can find shelter and sunlight to control their body temperature while they use nectar plants(Sparks et al., 1996). This increases both the number of species and individuals, which explains why more species and individuls were identified in high altitude areas than in mid-altitude areas.

Figure 3. The number of species and individuals at all sites by altitude

1) Donghaksa

Here, 317 individuals and 30 species were found at an altitude of 100m~200m, 305 individuals and 21 species at an altitude of 200m~300m, 58 individuals and 8 species at an altitude of 300m~400m, 58 individuals and 18 species at an altitude of 400m~500m, 8 individuals and 1 species at an altitude of 500m~600m, 15 individuals and 3 species at an altitude of 600m~700m, and 35 individuals and 15 species at an altitude of 700m~775m. According to Kwon and Park(1997), human disturbance is the major factor determining the species composition and distribution. It was assumed that fewer species were found in the lower part of the Donghaksa area, as it has more visitors than other areas. As the altitude increases, it was noted that the number of species increases in some zones. This occurs because the space becomes open or may have plenty of sunshine due to the shorter vegetation near the peak. Additionally, the slope was steeper than it was in the other areas(Figure 4). 

Figure 4. The number of species and individuals at each site by altitude

2) Sangsin-ri

At this location, 247 individuals and 36 species were found at an altitude of 100m~200m, 88 individuals and 21 species at an altitude of 200m~300m, 43 individuals and 7 species at an altitude of 300m~400m, 23 individuals and 8 species at an altitude of 400m~500m, 23 individuals and 10 species at an altitude of 500m~600m, 25 individuals and 9 species at an altitude of 600m~700m, and 28 individuals and 15 species at an altitude of 700m~775m. At lower altitudes, fields, rice fields, various types of vegetation, and nectar plants were investigated. At mid-range altitudes, many open spaces were investigated, although they had increased shade due to the crowns of trees. This is may explain why more species were identified in this area. On the other hand, fewer species were identified at Nammaetap at a high altitude due to the many visitors, although it had open space. Overall, this area showed a low slope compared to other areas(Figure 4). 

3) Gapsa

Here, 400 individuals and 35 species were found at an altitude of 100m~200m, 153 individuals and 15 species at an altitude of 200m~300m, 161 individuals and 20 species at an altitude of 300m~400m, 19 individuals and 8 species at an altitude of 400m~500m, 17 individuals and 8 species at an altitude of 500m~600m, 17 individuals and 12 species at an altitude of 600m~700m, and 16 individuals and 10 species at an altitude of 700m~775m. This area has many open slopes and various nectar plants at low altitudes. Near Sinheungam at middle altitudes, there is a wide open slope and public toilets. Many species were identified near the toilets, possibly because it is easy for butterflies to find water and nutrients there. At Geumjandi hill at a high altitude, the number of species tends to increase. This may be a result of the abundance of nectar plants at the wide open space there, which allows butterflies to prosper in terms of both species and individuals. According to Ki and Choi(2004), high altitude areas are where they take a rest, being blown by the wind(Figure 4). 

4) Sinwonsa

They were 215 individuals and 33 species found at an altitude of 100m~200m, 78 individuals and 13 species at an altitude of 200m~300m, 55 individuals and 11 species at an altitude of 300m~400m, 30 individuals and 9 species at an altitude of 400m~500m, 37 individuals and 7 species at an altitude of 500m~600m, 31 individuals and 6 species at an altitude of 600m~700m, and 52 individuals and 16 species at altitude of 700m~775m. There were many species in the Lycaenidae, Pieridae and Nymphalidae families in the green field in the Sinwonsa area, which is at a low altitude. This phenomenon arises owing to the edge effect, in which butterflies inhabiting a green field and a forest coexist, according to Ki and Choi(2004). This area had fewer open slopes than other areas; accordingly, many of Lethe Diana and Mycalesis francisca were identified which inhabit in shaded areas. According to Sparks et al.(1996), there are species that specially prefer shaded areas(Figure 4). 

3. Monthly distribution of butterflies in Mt. Gyeryong National Park

Gutierrez and Menendez(1998) reported that a seasonal survey could provide an understanding of the interactions with food plants and the evolution of life history. In other words, this can allow us to understand which environmental factors would influence the emergence of a species in a specific month more than other factors. In this article, the number of species and individuals showed a significant difference according to the month(Figure 5). 

Figure 5. The monthly number of species and individuals at all sites

1) Donghaksa

In a monthly survey, the fewest species and individuals were identified in March. Only Libythea celtis and Polygonia c-aureum had emerged from hibernation. The largest number of species and individuals was noted in June, and there were fewer species and individuals in July and August compared to June. It seems that the heavy rainfall during the year of the survey limited the emergence of many species. Additionally, there may be differences in the fruit trees and flowering plants in the areas according to the season(Young, 1982; Wolda, 1987; 1988). In May and June, Choaspes benjaminii was identified, which is designated as a climate change biological indicator species by the National Institute of Biological Resources (Figure 6). 

Figure 6. The monthly number of species and individuals at each site

2) Sangsin-ri

The highest number of species of butterflies was identified in June. This month had more species than other areas because it had fewer artificial disturbances. Additionally, Mimathyma schrenckii and Sasakia charonda, inhabiting valley or coppice forest areas, were identified(Kim, 2002). They may have tried to find shelter there from heavy rain. In July, Lycaena dispar was reported to inhabit tropically higher areas than N 37°(Kim, 2002). This species was seen colleting honey from the daisy fleabane plant(Erigeron annuus). More individuals of Sericinus montela and Anthocharis scolymus were identified in this area compared to other areas. According to Owen et al.(1972), the distribution is determined by the preference of larva on feeding plants(Figure 6). 

3) Gapsa

Although the most species were identified in May, the number of individuals identified was small. This may be an effect of the cloudy weather on the density of the population, as in the report by Luis and Llorente(1990). Fixsenia pruni, which used to tropically inhabit in middle and northern part of Korea and which was observed and reported in some areas of Chungcheongbuk province, was identified(Paek and Shin, 2010). According to Shapiro(1975), the change in the day length influences the emergence of butterfly species. Thus, there were fewer species and individuals identified in March, September and October because of the day length. Although it had artificial disturbances such as the presence of a commercial area and parking lots, like Donghaksa, Gapsa showed more species and individuals, as this area has more green fields which are wide and open compared to the other areas(Figure 6). 

4) Sinwonsa

At Sinwonsa, species and individuals were distributed more evenly than in any other area. In May, Taraka Hamada, a carnivorous species inhabiting Sasa coreana and Sasa borealis(Kim, 2002), was identified. Antigius attilia, tropically inhabiting lower hills excluding the southeast area of Gyeongsangnam province(Paek and Shin, 2010), was identified in June. Additionally, in June and July, Dichorragia nesimachus, designated as a climate change biological indicator species by the National Institute of Biological Resources of the Ministry of the Environment, was identified. Thus, Sinwonsa had more species and individuals of Lycaenidae due to the abundant nectar plants in wide open green fields in this area. This is consistent with the report of Pozo et al.(2008), which holds that this type of flight of adult butterflies serves to perform various, active activities, such as reproduction and egg-laying on nectar plants. It is likely that it makes a difference as regards species diversity and the richness of butterflies by season(Figure 6). 

4. Butterfly colony analysis by region and altitude

1) Region

The area showing the highest diversity index was Sangsin-ri, at 3.04, while the area showing the lowest diversity was Donghaksa, at 1.56. The area showing the highest evenness index was Sangsin-ri, at 0.76, and the lowest area was Donghaksa, at 1.56. The area showing the highest species richness index was Sangsin-ri, at 8.92, while the lowest area was Donghaksa, at 6.74. It was previously reported that a lower richness index and lower evenness index would the lower diversity index(Vu, 2008). When reviewing the dominance index, it was found that Libythea celtis was commonly a dominant species in all of the investigation spots. The sub-dominant species were identified as Artogeia melete and Polygonia c-aureum. While Kim and Lee(1993) reported that Artogeia melete was the dominant species, the dominant species observed in Mt. Gyeryong National Park was Libythea celtis. Artogeia melete was the sub-dominant species(Tables 3 and 4). 

Table 3. Community analysis at the sites

Table 4. Dominant species and sub-dominant species at the sites

2) Altitude

Species diversity was the highest at 700m~755m, at 2.94. It was the lowest at 300m~400m, at 1.55. Evenness was the highest at 700m~775m, at 0.84, while it was the lowest at 100m~200m, at 0.61. Richness was the highest at 100m-200m, at 8.91, and the lowest at 500m-600m, at 3.60. As reported by Sanchez-Rodriguez and Baz(1995), species richness tends to decrease as the altitude increases. The overall dominant species according to altitude was found to be Libythea celtis and Artogeia melete. The sub-dominant species were Artogeia melete at 100m~300m, Lethe Diana at 300m~400m, Artogeia melete at 400m~500m, Libythea celtis at 500m~700m, and Mycalesis francisca at 700m~summit(Tables 5 and 6). 

Table 5. Butterfly community analysis by altitude

Table 6. Dominant species and sub-dominant species by altitude

3) Month

Species diversity was the highest in May, at 2.89, and the lowest in March, at 0.65, as butterflies emerging out of hibernation as adults in March were limited to Libythea celtis and Polygonia c-aureum. Evenness was the highest in March, at 0.94, and the lowest in April, at 0.47. Richness was the highest in June, at 7.17, and the lowest in March, at 0.21. In March and April, Libythea celtis was the dominant species, at 0.65, while Polygonia c-aureum was the sub-dominant species, at 0.34. In May and June, Artogeia rapae and Artogeia melete were the dominant species, at 0.16 and 0.59, respectively, while the sub-dominant species were Mycalesis francisca at 0.13 and Colias erate at, 0.13 respectively. In July and August, dominant species were Artogeia melete at 0.37 and Libythea celtis at 0.17, while the sub-dominant species were Libythea celtis at 0.22 and Lethe Diana at 0.15, respectively. In September, Libythea celtis was the dominant species, at 0.54, while the sub-dominant species was Polygonia c-aureum, at 0.23. In October, Polygonia c-aureum was the dominant species, at 0.27, while the sub-dominant species was Pseudozizeeria maha, at 0.23(Table 7, Table 8). 

Table 7. Monthly community analysis

Table 8. Monthly dominant species and sub-dominant species

5. Analysis of factors influencing butterfly colonies in Mt. Gyeryong National Park

1) Analysis of similarity according to altitude

Using the number of species and individuals in Mt. Gyeryong National Park according to the altitude, a similarity analysis was performed. The range showing the highest degree of similarity was 400m-500m, at 65.53%, while that showing the lowest degree of similarity was 100m-700m, at 29.46%. If classifying the type of habitats considering the similarity with a standard of 50%, three groups emerge: the low-altitude group(100m, 200m and 300m), the mid-altitude group(400m, 500m and 600m), and the high-altitude group(700m)(Figure 7). In other words, each type has similar habitats. This may allow us to estimate the species with limited environmental factors and at restricted altitudes more efficiently. 

Figure 7. Similarity analysis of all sites by altitude

2) Correlation analysis of the total number of species and individuals by altitude

Sanchez-Rodriguez and Baz(1995) reported that there was a highly negative correlation between the altitude and the number of species and individuals. This article also found a highly negative correlation in the distribution of butterflies in Mt. Gyeryong National Park. Although the number of species decreased(r=-0.705, and p=0.077), it exceeded the p>0.05 level. On the other hand, the number of individuals showed a high correlation under the p<0.05 level given that r=-0.842, and p=0.018. Thus, although there was a high correlation between the number of species and individuals and altitude, the number of individuals was found to be more closely related to altitude than the number of species. This may be a result of the irregular distribution owing to the wide open slope near the mid-altitude area(Figure 8). 

Figure 8. Correlation relationship between the total number of species and individuals by altitude

3) Correlation analysis of species with altitude

When performing a correlation analysis on the species identified in Mt. Gyeryong National Park according to altitude, it was found that Polygonia c-aureum had the highest correlation, at r=-0.926 and p=0.003, while Atrophaneura alcinous also had a high correlation, at r=-0.784 and p=0.037. Not all species showed a tendency to decrease in number relative to altitude; some species were limited to a specific altitude, some species contained individuals which were not fully identified, and others showed an uneven distribution. On the other hand, the species with large individual populations and an even distribution at all altitudes showed a tendency to decrease with an increase in the altitude. Artogeia melete, whose individual population was second-largest after Libythea celtis, tended to decrease(r= -709 and p=0.075), although the p>0.05 level was exceeded. Accordingly, it can be forecasted that most of the species influenced by altitude are restricted by some environmental factors(Table 9).

Table 9. Correlation analysis of species by altitude

6. Indicator species

Kitahara et al.(2000) and Hogsden and Hutchinson (2004) reported that generalists are distributed widely and repeatedly and that specialists are distributed in a limited manner. For example, according to Fox et al.(2006), the distribution of specialists was widely extended to the north due to changes in the climate. In addition, Kim et al.(2007) and Kim(2000) reported species that were limited to a specific altitude, also finding some species limited to low and middle altitudes. Typically, species limited to a specific altitude are closely related to food plants(Merrill et al., 2008; Kim, 2000). If those species can be found at other altitudes, they can be used as indicator species for estimating the changes in the distribution due to environmental changes such as climate and habitat change(Table 10). 

Table 10. Appearance species at limited altitude

Table 10. Continued)

7. Efficient management and preservation of butterflies in Mt. Gyeryong National Park

Humpden and Nathan(2010) reported that the species diversity and richness of butterflies can be used to monitor disturbances in forested areas. Accordingly, we can learn about changes in ecology with a long-term standardized and quantitative survey. As this article chose altitude only as an environmental factor, it did not discuss the distribution of butterflies. However, if we accumulate and quantify more information about environmental factors such as the climate, microclimate and food plants, species preservation efforts can be more efficient as the range of the estimated butterfly distribution becomes wider. At low-altitude areas in the four investigation spots in this article, there were diverse species due to the plentiful nectar plants regardless of whether there were herbs or shrubs due to the wide and open slopes. Consequently, the management and the maintenance of nectar plants are needed. Additionally, several species limited to a specific altitude were identified in this research. It is supposed that these species were closely related with food plants. If they are chosen as biological indicator species appropriate for detecting changes in forested regions, more efficient bio-diversity evaluations can be made.