Hansoo Lee

Bacillus manliponensis sp. nov., a new member of the Bacillus cereus group isolated from foreshore tidal flat sediment

A Gram-positive, endospore-forming, new Bacillus species, strain BL4-6T, was isolated from tidal flat sediment of the Yellow Sea. Strain BL4-6T is a straight rod, with motility by peritrichate flagella. The cell wall contains meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the major respiratory quinone is menaquinone-7. The major fatty acids are iso-C15:0 and summed feature 3 (containing C16:1 ω7c/iso-C15:0 2OH, and/or iso-C15:0 2OH/C16:1 ω7c). Cells are catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. The G+C content of the genomic DNA is 38.0 mol%. Based on a comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate belongs to the genus Bacillus, forms a clade with the Bacillus cereus group, and is closely related to Bacillus mycoides (98.5%), Bacillus cereus (98.5%), Bacillus anthracis (98.4%), Bacillus thuringiensis (98.4%), Bacillus weihenstephanensis (98.1%), and Bacillus pseudomycoides (97.5%). The isolate showed less than 85% similarity of the gyrA gene sequence and below 95% similarity of the rpoB gene sequence to the members of this group. DNA-DNA relatedness between strain BL4-6T and B. cereus group was found to be in a range of 22.8–42.3%, and thus BL4-6T represents a unique species. On the basis of these studies, strain BL4-6T (=KCTC 13319T =JCM 15802T) is proposed to represent the type strain of a novel species, Bacillus manliponensis sp. nov.

Are declining populations of wild geese in China ‘prisoners’ of their natural habitats?

While wild goose populations wintering in North America and Europe are mostly flourishing by exploiting farmland, those in China (which seem confined to natural wetlands) are generally declining. Telemetry devices were attached to 67 wintering wild geese of five different species at three important wetlands in the Yangtze River Floodplain (YRF), China to determine habitat use. 50 individuals of three declining species were almost entirely diurnally confined to natural wetlands; 17 individuals from two species showing stable trends used wetlands 83% and 90% of the time, otherwise resorting to farmland. These results confirm earlier studies linking declines among Chinese wintering geese to natural habitat loss and degradation affecting food supply. These results also contribute to explaining the poor conservation status of Chinese wintering geese compared to the same and other goose species wintering in adjacent Korea and Japan, western Europe and North America, which feed almost entirely on agricultural land, liberating them from winter population limitation.

Distribution, breeding status, and conservation of the black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) in South Korea

This study was conducted to determine the distribution and breeding status of the black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) for conservation and management purposes in South Korea. Breeding and stopover sites of the black-faced spoonbill were mainly in uninhibited islets off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula; wintering sites were observed on Jeju Island. Between April and July 2013, we observed 638 black-faced spoonbill nests along the west coast of the Korean Peninsula. Most of the nests were observed in the Gyeonggi Bay area, on Kujido Islet, Bido Islet, Namdong retaining basin, Youdo Islet, Suhaam Islet, Seomando Islet, and Maedo Islet, which were major breeding sites for these birds. It is essential to understand the distribution, breeding status, ecology, and habitat patterns of the black-faced spoonbill, based on existing data, for the conservation and management of this species. Long-term ecological research on the population dynamics of the black-faced spoonbill is needed to implement a successful conservation strategy.

Could Changes in the Agricultural Landscape of Northeastern China Have Influenced the Long-Distance Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5Nx Viruses?

In the last few years, several reassortant subtypes of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAI H5Nx) have emerged in East Asia. These new viruses, mostly of subtype H5N1, H5N2, H5N6, and H5N8 belonging to clade 2.3.4.4, have been found in several Asian countries and have caused outbreaks in poultry in China, South Korea, and Vietnam. HPAI H5Nx also have spread over considerable distances with the introduction of viruses belonging to the same 2.3.4.4 clade in the U.S. (2014–2015) and in Europe (2014–2015 and 2016–2017). In this paper, we examine the emergence and spread of these new viruses in Asia in relation to published datasets on HPAI H5Nx distribution, movement of migratory waterfowl, avian influenza risk models, and land-use change analyses. More specifically, we show that between 2000 and 2015, vast areas of northeast China have been newly planted with rice paddy fields (3.21 million ha in Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning) in areas connected to other parts of Asia through migratory pathways of wild waterfowl. We hypothesize that recent land use changes in northeast China have affected the spatial distribution of wild waterfowl, their stopover areas, and the wild-domestic interface, thereby altering transmission dynamics of avian influenza viruses across flyways. Detailed studies of the habitat use by wild migratory birds, of the extent of the wild–domestic interface, and of the circulation of avian influenza viruses in those new planted areas may help to shed more light on this hypothesis, and on the possible impact of those changes on the long-distance patterns of avian influenza transmission.

Movements and Home-range of Mallards by GPS-Mobile based Telementary (WT-200) in Korea 1a

청둥오리는 대표적인 한국내 월동 수조류로 넓은 농경지를 월동지로 이용한다. 한국의 중부지역에 위치한 만경강 하류지역에서 청둥오리 월동 행동권 및 월동지에서 이동거리를 파악하고자 하였다. 2011-2013년 월동기에 Cannon-net 을 이용하여 포획된 청둥오리 7개체에 GPS-이동통신 시스템을 기반으로 하는 야생동물위치추적장치(WT-200)를 부착 하였다. 청둥오리 행동권 분석은 GIS용 SHP 파일과 ArcGIS 9.0 Animal Movement Extension을 이용하였으며, 커널밀 도측정법(Kernel Density Estimation : KDE)과 최소볼록다각형법(Minimum Convex Polygon Method : MCP)을 이용 하여 분석하였다. 청둥오리 행동권은 최소볼록다각형법(MCP)에 의해서 118.8 km2(SD=70.1, n=7) 이었으며, 커널밀도 측정법(KDE)으로는 60.0km2(KDE 90%), 23.0km2(KDE 70%) and 11.6km2(KDE 50%)이었다. 야생동물위치추적장치 (WT-200) 부착지점으로부터 이동거리는 평균 19.4km이었으며, 최대이동거리는 33.2km, 최소이동거리는 9.4km이었다. GPS좌표가 획득된 정점간 거리는 평균 0.8km이었으며, 정점간 이동거리는 최소 6.5km에서 최대 19.7km이었다. 청둥오 리는 월동기 동안 매우 짧은 거리를 이동하였으며, 월동지에서 수계 의존성이 매우 높은 경향을 보였다.

Analysis of the Summer Season Home Range of Domestic Feral Cats (Felis catus) - Focused on the Surroundings of Rural and Suburban Areas -

Abstract In order to analyze the home range of feral cats residing in the surroundings of rural and suburban areas, we collected coordination information data from five feral cats. As a result of such research, 100% MCP was defined as minimum 31,500 and maximum 351,900, and 95% KR was defined as minimum 9,400 and maximum 502,800, 75% KR was defined as minimum 3,600 and maximum 126,900, and 50% MCP was defined as minimum 1,800 and maximum 51,700. The home range of feral cats was also analyzed during daytime and nighttime, and all five individuals showed a wider home range during the nighttime than daytime. The analysis of gender shows that the average home range of female feral cats is larger than the average of males. Meanwhile, the results of information data with wide-open areas such as farm land and terrace land on the river showed that the analyzed value was increased generally, and showed variable values depending on the gender and size of each individual feral cat.

Low Survival Rates of Swan Geese (Anser cygnoides) Estimated from Neck-Collar Resighting and Telemetry

Abstract. Waterbird survival rates are a key component of demographic modeling used for effective conservation of long-lived threatened species. The Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) is globally threatened and the most vulnerable goose species endemic to East Asia due to its small and rapidly declining population. To address a current knowledge gap in demographic parameters of the Swan Goose, available datasets were compiled from neck-collar resighting and telemetry studies, and two different models were used to estimate their survival rates. Results of a mark-resighting model using 15 years of neck-collar data (2001–2015) provided age-dependent survival rates and season-dependent encounter rates with a constant neck-collar retention rate. Annual survival rate was 0.638 (95% CI: 0.378–0.803) for adults and 0.122 (95% CI: 0.028–0.286) for first-year juveniles. Known-fate models were applied to the single season of telemetry data (autumn 2014) and estimated a mean annual survival rate of 0.408 (95% CI: 0.152–0.670) with higher but non-significant differences for adults (0.477) vs. juveniles (0.306). Our findings indicate that Swan Goose survival rates are comparable to the lowest rates reported for European or North American goose species. Poor survival may be a key demographic parameter contributing to their declining trend. Quantitative threat assessments and associated conservation measures, such as restricting hunting, may be a key step to mitigate for their low survival rates and maintain or enhance their population.

The Using Rate of Breeding Birds by Artificial Nest Boxes Type at Orchard Area

We installed two types of artificial nest boxes, made by wood chip mixed with cement (A-type) and recycled styrofoam (B-type) at the orchard areas (Apple Research Institute) in Sobo-myeon, Gunwi-gun, Gyungbuk Province in march 2003. And then, the breeding birds using the nest boxes were recorded during the breeding season of 2003 and 2004 for finding the effectiveness of two different nest boxes. A total bred birds were five species, Great Tit (Parus major), Coal Tit (Parus ater), Varied Tit (Parus varius), Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) and Yellow-rumped Flycatcher (Ficedula zanthopygia). Sixteen pairs Great tits were bred in the nest boxes, so this species was the most dominant breeder and followed by Coal Tit three pairs, Varied Tit three pairs, Tree Sparrow two pairs and Yellow-rumped Flycatcher two pairs. The using rate of nest boxes was 28.2% (11 out of 39) and 38.5% (15 out of 39) in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Thus, the using rate was increased in 2004. Birds were using only A-type nest boxes, so the using rate of A-type was 68.0% (17 out of 25) while none of bird used B-type (0 out of 14). From this result, the breeding bird showed preference for better nest boxes (A-type) when there were abundant breeding sites.

Inhabiting Condition and Preservation of Black-faced Spoonbill around Ganghwa County

Regular monitoring on the Black-faced Spoonbill and survey on their breeding were performed in the vicinity of Ganghwa County from August 2002 till July 2003 in order to understand the inhabiting conditions of the endangered species of the bird (EN) defined by IUCN. Maximum 230 individuals of the Black-faced Spoonbill around the County were observed at the southern tidal flat of Ganghwa, which was the largest and 51 at Gyodongdo Island, 55 at Boreumdo Island while one at Seokmodo Island. No Black-faced Spoonbill was observed at Jumundo Island. For the inhabiting status of the bird as per the time of survey, 203 individuals were observed in August 2002, which was recorded as the largest of its kinds, on the other hand, only 5 individuals were found in March, which was the least. No Black-faced Spoonbill was observed from November till February of the following year. For the areas of survey, more individuals of the endangered bird were observed at the southern tidal flat of Ganghwa during the period of survey than other areas and it is because the bird took a rest at the southern tidal flat of Ganghwa and fed their foods. Breeding of the bird was verified at Yudo Island, Seokdo Island, Bido Island and Suribongdol Island and the breeding status as per each island is 100 individuals at Yudo Island, 10 at Seokdo Island, 8 at Bido Island and 5 at Suribongdol Island. On the other hand, the Black-faced Spoonbill found at the southern tidal flat of Ganghwa fed their foods at the nearby rice paddy during May and June. Heavy rainfall in 2007 and the pressure on developing the area surrounding Ganghwdo Island may force the endangered birds to breed at the artificial island of the Incheon Songdo International City or the main inhibiting place is in danger of vanishing. In order to protect the Black-faced Spoonbill, therefore, development and use of not only the tidal flat but also the rice paddy that is the wetland with fresh water and shallow tidal flat should be minimized. Also, converting to the eco-friendly development plan of the reclaimed land and collecting information to restore the inhabiting place of Black-faced Spoonbill is essential.

Avifauna of southern coast of Ganghwado, Seokmodo and Gyodongdo.

Abstract In June and September of 2009, a total of 11,590 individuals (sum of maximum individuals by each species) of 68 species of 31 families and 12 orders were found in the southern coast of Ganghwado (island), Seokmodo (island) and Gyodongdo (island). Dominant species included, in decreasing order of, Larus crassirostris (29.18%, 3,382 individuals), Larus saundersi (10.52%, 1,219 individuals), Egretta garzetta (9.19%, 1,065 individuals), Egretta alba modesta (9.01%, 1,044 individuals) and Numenius madagascariensis (8.57%, 993 individuals). In June of 2009 (1st survey), the study recorded a total of 4,915 individuals of 50 species, and in September of 2009 (2nd survey), a total of 8,246 individuals of 45 species were recorded. The number of birds was relatively low in the 1st survey, but its species diversity (H′) of 2.35 and species richness (Da) of 4.76 were higher than those of the 2nd survey, with the H’ of 2.22 and Da of 4.87. Furthermore, depending on the region, Seokmodo (island) recorded the highest species diversity (37 species) in the 1st survey, with H’ of 2.57 and Da of 5.59, and in the 2nd survey, Gyodongdo (island) recorded the highest species diversity of 36 species, at H’ of 2.46 and Da of 4.79. In this study, Egretta eulophote and Platalea minor, natural mouments numbers 361 and 205-1, as well as 1st grade endangered species, along with 13 government protected species, were found.