The importance of the Mujechineup wetland for biodiversity: an evaluation of habitat quality and ecosystem service value

Abstract

Wetlands are important multifunctional systems that provide various ecological services for animal populations, particularly with regard to regulation and support. The biodiversity of wetlands is threatened by human activities that cause habitat fragmentation and destruction. The international community needs to make efforts to measure habitat quality and recognize the value of biodiversity. This study aimed to evaluate the value of Nannophya koreana habitat restoration in the Mujechineup wetland. First, through a literature review, this study estimated the expected ecosystem service value of the Mujechineup wetland compared to existing wetlands. The Mujechineup wetland's ecosystem service value ranged from a minimum of $109,296.00 (SD $32,752.00) to a maximum of $679,457.14 (SD $4,611,730.90). Second, we quantified the habitat quality of the Mujechineup wetland in Ulsan for biodiversity measurements using the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs (InVEST). The analysis showed that there was a difference in the quality of the habitat depending on the spatial unit. Samdong-myeon was processed for 2 min with a mean value of 0.094. Ulju-gun was processed for 1 h 14 min with a mean value of 0.146. In addition, as a result of the field survey, the ratio of Hemiptera, Odonata and Coleoptera (HOC) groups in the Mujechineup wetland where Nannophya koreana lives was more than 50%, but the ratio of predators was approximately 10% on average. Third, this study investigated the willingness to pay to restore the habitat of Nannophya koreana, which lives in the Mujechineup wetland. The average amount that people would be willing to pay annually for the restoration of the Mujechineup wetland was $33,652. The study found that awareness of the importance of Nannophya koreana and the need for restoration of its habitat environment was high. These findings can be used to recognize the value of the Mujechineup wetland as a habitat for Nannophya koreana and to communicate its importance.