Abies nephrolepis is a climate-vulnerable species that inhabits high mountains in the Baekdu–Daegan range and is distributed along the southern limit line in South Korea, making it suitable for climate change research. This study aimed to observe spatial distribution changes according to scenarios using species distribution models for Abies nephrolepis, analyze the relationship between various environmental factors and Abies nephrolepis density, and contribute to the future conservation and management of subalpine coniferous forests. We conducted a field survey to identify the growth environment of Abies nephrolepis and observed potentially suitable habitats for Abies nephrolepis based on location information obtained through the survey. We also analyzed the relationship between the density of Abies nephrolepis and various environmental factors using multiple linear regression models. Based on the field survey results, most Abies nephrolepis natural habitats in South Korea showed an unstable form. Vulnerability analysis examining the influence of climate change showed that most of these habitats would be affected. We found that various biological factors were significantly related to the density of Abies nephrolepis (diameter at breast height, DBH ≥ 6 cm) and young tree density (stems/ha). We confirmed that species diversity and rock exposure variables had a relatively high impact. Clarifying the relationship between the density of Abies nephrolepis and various environmental factors can provide new insights for setting future restoration directions.

The correlation between climate change and pine tree dieback must be understood to implement a proactive forest management system. In this study, an ensemble model combining random forest, the generalized boosting model, and the generalized linear model was used to analyze the topographical and environmental characteristics of pine trees suffering from dieback in the Wangpicheon Ecosystem and Landscape Conservation Area, and the areas in which pine trees are at risk of dieback were evaluated to promote efficient pine forest management. The results showed that pine trees suffering from dieback in the conservation area were mainly located on ridges, were age class 6 or older, or were in areas with a low topographic wetness index south of the conservation area. An evaluation of the risk of dieback among pine trees was performed based on the results of two ensemble models. An area of 365 ha accounting for 6.8% of the total area was identified as requiring “caution” with respect to the risk of dieback of coniferous forests and mixed forests. The developed methodology is expected to provide valuable information for the implementation of an appropriate management system for the protection of pine and mixed forests from the negative effects of climate change.

Abies nephrolepis and Picea jezoensis are native Pinaceae trees distributed in high mountainous regions of Northeast Asia (typically above ~1000 m a.s.l. on the Korean peninsula, northeastern China, Sakhalin, and the Russian Far East) and southern boreal forests, vulnerable to climate change and human disturbances, necessitating accurate habitat identification for effective conservation. While protected areas (PAs) are essential, merely expanding existing ones often fail to protect populations under human pressure and climate change. Using species distribution models with current and projected climate data, we mapped potential habitats across Northeast Asia. Spatial clustering analyses integrated with PA and land cover data helped identify optimal sites and priorities for new conservation areas. Ensemble species distribution models indicated extensive suitable habitats, especially in southern Sikhote-Alin, influenced by maritime-continental climates. Specific climate variables strongly affected habitat suitability for both species. The Kamchatka peninsula consistently emerged as an optimal habitat under future climate scenarios. Our study highlights essential environmental characteristics shaping the habitats of these species, reinforcing the importance of strategically enhancing existing PAs, and establishing new ones. These insights inform proactive conservation strategies for current and future challenges, by focusing on climate refugia and future habitat stability.

This study examined short-term vegetation responses across operational restoration-intensity levels in areas affected by the 2022 Uljin wildfire, Korea. Using 104 vegetation relevés from 52 fixed plots surveyed in 2024 and 2025, we analyzed species- and community-level vegetation patterns based on phytosociological data. Species-level attributes were assessed using species richness, diversity, evenness, importance values, life-form composition, habitat-affinity composition, and alien plant occurrence, while community-level patterns were evaluated using Bray–Curtis-based multivariate analyses, SIMPER, and indicator species analysis. A total of 159 vascular plant species was recorded across the two survey years. Species richness generally increased or was maintained, whereas diversity, evenness, and dominance patterns varied among operational restoration-intensity levels. Annual and alien plant occurrence generally decreased, while perennial and some forest-associated species increased. Community composition differed among operational restoration-intensity levels, with species compositional and dominance changes tending to be more pronounced in levels involving greater restoration intervention. These findings indicate that short-term vegetation patterns differed among operational restoration-intensity levels, while temporal effects between the two survey years were comparatively limited.