동해안과 남해안 일대 하구습지의 식물군락 분포 특성 = Characteristics of Plant Communities Distribution in the Estuarine Wetlands along the East and South Coasts of Korea

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study was conducted to investigate the distribution patterns and ecologicalcharacteristics of plant communities in estuarine wetland in South Korea. A total of288 estuarine wetlands were surveyed, revealing that vegetated areas accountedfor 38.3 km2, while non-vegetated areas, predominantly water bodies (133.2 km2),covered 143.8 km2. The high proportion of water areas in estuarine wetlands(approximately 70%) contrasts with the 50.8% recorded in inland wetlands,reflecting the challenging conditions for plant establishment due to the continuousmixing of fresh and saline waters. A total of 167 plant communities were identified,with reed (Phragmites australis) communities occupying the largest area (26.0 km2).
The analysis of habitat preferences revealed that the majority of the plantcommunities were categorized as obligate wetland plants (47 species) and facultativewetland plants (12 species), with halophytes playing a significant role in maintainingbiodiversity in these ecosystems. Comparative analysis between the East and Southcoasts showed significant differences in the distribution of wetland and halophyticplant communities, suggesting that the distinct geomorphological and ecologicalconditions of each region strongly influence plant community structures. Theseresearch results will provide a scientific basis for the conservation and managementof estuarine wetland ecosystems.