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Spatial Distribution, Growth Conditions and Local Utilization for Conservation Strategy of an Endangered Species Azolla japonica

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Abstract

Aquatic plants play an important role in freshwater biodiversity, but the diversity of aquatic plants can be easily altered and is threatened by external factors. The water fern Azolla japonica has been designated as an endangered species in Korea, as it has been recently reported that natural habitats for this species are all lost. We investigated whether the species is found in Jeju, which has the warmest and stable weather in South Korea. We found four sites inhabited by populations of A. japonica. For conservation purposes, growth experiments were conducted. A. japonica showed maximum growth rate (about 12 times higher compared to the control) in the simplest treatment, distilled water with commercial soil bed treatment. However, liquid fertilizer and hoagland solution showed no statistical difference from the control. Therefore, we suggest a very simple growing method using commercial soil for A. japonica to contribute to its propagation. In addition, a new environmental governance approach is proposed, based on linking endangered species with local agricultural products for conservation and habitat restoration. Thus, we present a comprehensive and interdisciplinary method for restoring and conserving A. japonica populations.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the 2020 scientific promotion program funded by Jeju National University.

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Correspondence to Uhram Song.

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Oh, S., Kim, B.W., Kwak, S. et al. Spatial Distribution, Growth Conditions and Local Utilization for Conservation Strategy of an Endangered Species Azolla japonica. J. Plant Biol. 64, 511–519 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12374-021-09323-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12374-021-09323-4

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