The dramatic decrease in the potential habitats of Japanese tree frog (Hyla japonica) due to reduction and fragmentation in habitats area by urbanization in Incheon

초록

The connectivity between the landscape patches is important to maintaining for preserving population Japanese tree frog (Hyla japonica) that uses different habitats depending on the stage of life cycle. We investigated the change in potential habitats of H. japonica due to area reduction and fragmentation by urbanization to (1) separation of habitats types and land use by stage of life cycle, (2) specify validate land use factors that affect the population, (3) determine factor that prevents habitats connection, and (4) compare change of land use pattern and potential habitats area from 1975 to present in Incheon. The results of land use classification according to stage of life cycle of H. japonica were selected as paddy fields and inland wetlands, upland fields and broad-leaved forest. The results of the analysis of land use factor affecting the population of H. japonica, development areas and paddy fields were significantly negative. The results of obstruction factor between habitats were selected as development area like roads and industrial area. As a result of the comparison, connected potential habitats of H. japonica was reduced from 82% to 34% due to fragmentation and reduction by urbanization in Incheon. These results of the study suggest preserving the connectivity between different types habitats for animal is important as urban development.