Abstract:
This study aimed to develop the HSI (Habitat Suitability Index) model of Cypripedium guttatum. and to verify this model by applying to the candidate sites for replacement habitat. The development of HSI and SI (Suitability Index) model was conducted based on the existing literature, field surveys, and expert opinions for information on ecological habitat characteristics. Seven variables were selected as habitat variables including mean maximum temperature in Jul.-Aug., lighting, slope, altitude, effective soil depth, soil texture, and artificial overexploitation (i.e. protected areas). HSI model was developed for C. guttaum based on these variables. This HSI model showed high applicability to selection and evaluation of replacement habitats for C. guttaum. Our findings could provide the basic information on habitat assessment to prevent the extinction of endangered C. guttatum. However, since there is a limitation that the survey data were insufficient, further field surveys should be conducted on several habitat types to improve the accuracy of the HSI model.
