거제도 사철검은재나무(Symplocos nakaharae (Hayata) Masam.) 자생지 현황 보고를 통한 보전전략 제시 = Status Report and Conservation Strategies for Native Habitat of Symplocos nakaharae (Hayata) Masam. in Geoje Island

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The aim of this study was to gather foundational data regarding the biotic and abiotic elements present in the native habitat of the recently identified Symplocos nakaharae (Hayata) Masam., a rare evergreen tree species with limited distribution on Geoje Island, and to devise effective protection and management strategies based on these data. S. nakaharae is found in temperate evergreen-deciduous broadleaf forests at elevations between 30 and 60 m above sea level. The S. nakaharae forests exhibited rock exposures of 3-30%, soil exposures of 70-95%, and slopes of 5-8° in the survey site. In the survey site, a total of 88 vascular plant taxa were identified, consisting of 48 families, 74 genera, 76 species, 1 subspecies, 7 varieties, and 4 variants. The site was dominated by Pinus thunbergii Parl. and Quercus serrata Murray in the canopy layer. In the life-form distribution of the study area, phanerophytes (MM, N, M) accounted for 71.6% of all species, with no annual plants present. The well-developed vertical structure indicates a mature forest ecosystem. Among shrub species, light-demanding shrubs comprised 71.4%, reflecting the influence of forest roads. The native population survey results indicated that S. nakaharae occupied an area of 11,092 m², with a total of 577 individuals identified and a population density of 0.05 individuals/m². Of these, 47 individuals (8.15%) were found as stump sprouts, indicating human-induced damage to the original stems. Only three trees out of the total number of individuals flowered, resulting in a low flowering rate of 0.52%. The diameter class distribution demonstrated an inverted J-shaped distribution, with the highest frequency of 291 individuals (50.4%) observed in the less than 1.0㎝ size class. The population's extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) were calculated as 4㎢ each. Anthropogenic disturbance was observed in the habitat, which was adjacent to roadsides and forest roads. An IUCN Red List assessment was conducted using IUCN Red List Criteria B, C, and D. With only three mature individuals, the species was classified as Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(ⅲ)+2ab(ⅲ);C2a(ⅰ,ⅱ);D. This study confirmed the high conservation value of S. nakaharae as a newly discovered rare plant species with a locally restricted distribution. Given its limited domestic distribution, this research provides scientific evidence for establishing comprehensive conservation strategies, including continuous monitoring of population dynamics, designation of protected areas, and development of both in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs.