Analysis of plant social network for sustainable development in Mudeungsan National Park

Abstract

In this study, the vascular flora of Mudeungsan National Park, which is recognized as an area with high ecological value, was investigated, and based on this, the plant social network was visualized and analyzed. 1,255 plots were set up to include various vegetation such as major plant communities, ridges of the summit, and main trails, and a list of all plants appearing in each plot prepared. Based on the list of all plants, a 2×2 contigency table was prepared, χ2 test was performed, and a matrix table was prepared for analysis of association between taxa. Based on the positive correlation, the plant social network structure was visualized using the Gephi 0.9.2 tool, and the network structure was analyzed. The purpose of this study was to contribute to the sustainable development of Mudeungsan National Park by applying the social network concept used in sociology to plant social and analyzing the interrelationship between plants. The results of this study will be used as basic data for restoration of habitats damaged by people's interference, which will help preserve habitats and sustainable development. In addition, continuous investigation can provide basic data to predict the response of plant communities due to climate change and foreign species inflow. In addition, continuous plant social network data accumulation can provide basic data that can predict the response of plant communities to climate change and the introduction of alien species.