ISSN : 1229-3857(Print)
ISSN : 2288-131X(Online)
ISSN : 2288-131X(Online)
Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology Vol.39 No.4 pp.364-376
DOI : https://doi.org/10.13047/KJEE.2025.39.4.364
DOI : https://doi.org/10.13047/KJEE.2025.39.4.364
Determining Conservation Priorities for Endangered Plant Habitats Using ALS LiDAR and Thematic Information
Abstract
Endangered wild plant species have already become extinct due to various environmental factors and anthropogenic interference, and the remaining wild plant species are also under threat. To establish conservation measures for endangered wild plant species, it is essential to obtain data on various factors affecting their natural habitat, and the on-site conditions must be accurately reflected. In this study, we developed a GIS-based analysis method to determine conservation priorities for 253 Dispensia lapponica varb obovate habitats around Baengnokdam Crater of M t. Halla. Data analysis was conducted using airborne laser scanning (ALS) data, drone images, and public thematic information. A statistical analysis was performed to determine conservation priorities for Dispensia lapponica var. obovata habitats by applying an independent analysis method to nine factors consisting of three topographical factors, five environmental factors, and a disaster risk factor that affect the survival of the species. The analyzed factor-by-factor status data was scored through a weighted scoring model (WSM) based on the weighting ratio of various factors that affect the survival of Dispensia lapponica varb obovate, which was determined after consulting with three relevant experts, and the conservation priority for 253 species’ habitats was finally determined. Using the nine factors and their respective weights in a GIS-based analysis, we assessed the conservation priorities of Dispensia lapponica var. obovate habitats around Baengnokdam Crater on Mt. Halla. The results showed that a significant number of high-risk habitats were clustered on the northern slopes, particularly among the densely populated areas on the northern and northwestern slopes. Furthermore, multiple adjacent habitats of Dispensia lapponica var. obovata exhibited similar risk scores and conservation priorities, indicating that topographic characteristics significantly influence the species' natural habitat. The results of this study demonstrate applicability to high-altitude endangered plant habitats in terrain that are difficult to access using conventional field survey methods. By integrating high-quality spatial data, such as aerial and drone LiDAR, with relevant thematic information, the GIS-based methodology is expected to be useful for developing conservation strategies for threatened flora by providing high-precision data for the conservation of hard-to-access endangered plant species