The diet of Adélie penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae, is a useful indicator in understanding the ecological conditions of their habitats. The diets of Adélie penguins were studied using metabarcoding and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses of fecal DNA from seven habitats along the Ross Sea region. Using metabarcoding analysis with dual universal primers (18Sv9 and miniFish), the overall diet composition and detailed information about piscine prey were clearly elucidated. It was found that two krill species (Euphausia superba and Euphausia crystallorophias) and notothenioid fish were the most abundant in the diets of Adélie penguins. Among the notothenioid prey, Pleuragramma antarctica (56.50%) and Pagothenia borchgrevinki (18.21%) were the two most abundant species. qPCR analysis showed a significant geographic difference in the composition of main prey. Penguins inhabiting outbound parts of the Ross Sea (Capes Adare (CA) and Duke of York Island (DY)) mainly preyed on E. superba, without any significant changes in prey composition. By contrast, those inhabiting the inbound parts of the Ross Sea (Edmonson Point (EP) and Inexpressible Island (II)) preyed on E. crystallorophias and notothenioid fish rather than E. superba. Compared with the outbound habitats, prey compositions for penguins inhabiting the inbound regions were significantly different year to year, which was presumably due to the food availability based on the annual environmental and meteorological conditions of the coastal region along with the inbound parts of the Ross Sea.

Cheorwon-gun is an important wintering area for the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis). Although eco-tourism has been recently proposed as a means to stimulate the local economy, it may have adverse effects on the crane. We believe a science-based conservation plan is needed to mitigate these negative effects. To this end, our study had three objectives: (1) to analyze the red-crowned crane habitat and its suitability in Cheorwon-gun, using field surveys and habitat modeling; (2) to check the feasibility of alternative habitat patches across demilitarized zones (DMZs); and (3) to propose a conceptual diagram that minimizes habitat loss during development activities. We aim to quantify habitat suitability, the farmland area needed to support existing crane populations in wintertime, disturbance caused by human activities, and vehicular spatial patterns. These data could be used in spatial planning. The framework of this study and the process of making a conceptual diagram could be applied to other areas where there is a conflict between development and habitat conservation.

The human-induced disturbances in Antarctica have caused changes in the structure and function of ecosystems. The Cape Hallett station was established in 1957 and abandoned in 1973. The station was built inside a penguin colony, and during its operation, many penguins were deported. Herein, we compared the number of breeding pairs across different time periods after station decommission and environmental remediation. The station occupied 4.77 ha within the Adélie penguin breeding area, and 349 nests were identified inside the station border in 1960. In 1983, the station’s territory decreased to 4.2 ha; meanwhile, 1683 breeding pairs were counted in the old station area. The past station area re-inhabited by Adélie penguins had 6175 nests in 2019. We assumed that recolonization might be particularly related to artificial mounds. The results of the present study confirm the recolonization of Adélie penguins at Cape Hallett for the first time, with visual analysis of spatial-temporal changes. Additionally, we suggest that reconstruction of the artificial or enhanced habitat may be required for successful restoration. Furthermore, continuous species monitoring with specific notes are needed with management interventions to protect Antarctic ecosystems, as well as the Ross Sea region MPA.

Conservation measures or management guidelines must be based on species’ ecological data. The home range of the target species was studied to understand its spatial ecology, in order to protect it. The Siberian flying squirrel is the only flying squirrel species present and is considered as a protected species in South Korea. In this study, we investigated the home range, habitat use, and daily movement of Siberian flying squirrels from February 2015 to June 2016 at Mt. Baekwoon, Gangwon Province, South Korea. We tracked 21 flying squirrels using radio transmitters and analyzed the home range of 12 individuals. Flying squirrels appeared to have an overall mean home range of 18.92 ± 14.80 ha with a core area of 3.54 ha ± 3.88 ha. Movement activity peaked between 18:00–19:00 with the longest distance traveled, coinciding with sunset. In addition, we observed the preference of Siberian flying squirrels to the old deciduous forest with dense crowns. The results of the present study indicate that it is important to manage their habitat; for instance, preserving an appropriate size of mature deciduous forest is essential for Siberian flying squirrels. While our study provides needed baseline information on the spatial activity of the species, further research on topics such as the national distribution, behavior, and population dynamics of Siberian flying squirrels is needed in South Korea.