Distribution Status of Ecosystem-disturbing Species in Protected Wetland Areas

This study aims to provide foundational data for the systematic conservation and management of protected wetland areas by identifying the distribution status of ecosystem-disturbing species. The study utilized the results of the intensive survey on the protected wetland areas from 2006 to 2023. These surveys, conducted under the Wetland Conservation Act, aimed to provide baseline data for the designation, basic planning, and conservation planning of wetlands. During the study period, we surveyed to 25 protected wetland areas designated by the Ministry of Environment. Twenty-five wetlands were categorized into 13 mountain wetlands, one artificial wetland, eight riverine wetlands, and three lacus wetlands. Ecosystem-disturbing species were found in 23 of the 25 surveyed areas, with the exception of the remote mountainous wetlands of Jangdo wetland and Sumeunmulbaengdui. In mountain wetlands, 13 species were the least, and in riverine wetlands, 21 species were the most identified among the four wetland types. The wetlands with the most ecosystem-disturbing species were identified as Nakdong river estuary, Damyang riverine wetland, and Hwapocheon wetland, with 14 species identified, and only one species was identified as Moojechineup, 1100 altitude wetland, and Mulyeongari-oreum. Two species that appeared more in mountain wetlands than in riverine wetlands is <i>Hypochaeris radicata</i> and <i>Rumex acetosella</i>, and <i>Rumex acetosella</i> was identified in six mountain wetlands and four riverine wetlands. <i>Hypochaeris radicata</i> were identified in three mountain wetlands and one riverine wetland. Except for the species are distributed regionally, it was confirmed that many ecosystem-disturbing species appeared in riverine wetlands that were relatively accessible to humans. This study analyzed the distribution status of ecosystem-disturbing species in protected wetland areas in Korea by wetland type, and the results are expected to be useful for future protected wetland areas management and conservation measures.