Abstract for: Should Korea’s Barn Swallows Be on the Red List of Threatened Species?: Population Dynamics Combined with Ecological Changes

The barn swallow (Hirundorustica) is the most wide spread species of swallows in the world. It is even evaluated as a “Least Concern (LC)” on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. Unlike the global trends, nonetheless, Korea has lost ninety-nine percent of its population over the last two decades. Nowadays Korea’s barn swallow is near endangered and threatened with extinction. Applying system dynamics tools, this study hopes to divulge why these dramatic changes in the barn swallow population have occurred in Korea. Specifically, it explores structural characteristics of the barn swallow population changes and attempts to develop alternative policy guidelines. Following the introductory explanation, Chapter II explains the behavioral patterns of the barn swallow, focusing on feeding and breeding. In order to survey the historical trends of the barn swallow population, it analyzes major ecological changes in Korea, covering mostly unfavorable habitats of the barn swallow. In Chapter III, top priority is given to devising systems thinking models of the homing instinct, and clarifying major impact factors. Next, Chapter IV presents simulated findings derived from stock-flow modeling works. Here, policy options are tested with the prototype models and their derivatives. Finally, a series of policy alternatives are proposed in the conclusion.