• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.124-138
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• 2007

In order to characterize the current status and distribution of reptiles currently inhabiting the Republic of Korea, the results of survey data were analyzed in this study. The results of this analysis showed that the reptiles were distributed into two orders, seven families, and 21 species, with the exception of six marine reptiles, including Dermochelys coriacea schlegelii, Chelonia mydas japonica, Caretta caretta, Hydrophis melanocephalus, Hydrophis cyanocinctus, and Pelamis platrrus. Also, the taxonomic revisions of several species were suggested, although this would be ill-advised before further studies can be conducted regarding the current status of marine reptiles in the region.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.247-258
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• 2021

To understand restoration and conservation projects conducted in Korea for endangered freshwater fishes and amphibians/reptiles, information about Request for Protocols-related studies on restoration, breeding, and release were collected. Trends of studies were visualized via word clouds and VOSviewer program using a text mining technique. Analysis of restoration projects for endangered freshwater fishes elucidated that most research studies conducted to date were focused on genetics and release through captive breeding that could be classified into captive breeding and habitat environments. As for research projects related to amphibians/reptiles, monitoring projects had the highest number, followed by genetic, translocation, and monitoring studies. In addition, restoration projects for amphibians/reptiles included a large number of post-capture translocation projects. Thus, many projects were confirmed by public institutions rather than by the Ministry of Environment. Network analysis revealed that it was largely classified into capture, translocation, and Kaloula borealis. Based on these results, limitations, achievements, and challenges associated with projects conducted thus far are highlighted. Research directions for future restoration and conservation of endangered freshwater fishes and amphibians/reptiles in South Korea are also suggested.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.106-114
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• 2020

The development of transportation and the expansion of the pet market has become the main causes of the increase in the cross-border migration of non-native species. Moreover, recent sales over the Internet were a factor that has promoted pet trades. While the import of non-native species has been steadily increasing in the Republic of Korea, it is not clear how these imported species are traded and how large the trade is. Considering that most of the non-native species found in the wild are the results of release by humans understanding the present situation of pet trades can identify potential non-native species that can enter the wild. This study surveyed the number of species, frequency, and prices of non-native amphibians and reptiles sold in 25 online pet shops from January 22 to February 10, 2019. The results of the survey showed that a total of 677 species of non-native amphibians and reptiles were sold, and the Squamata group accounted for the largest part of them at 65.4% (443 species). The number of non-native amphibians and reptiles sold in online pet shops in 2019 was 2.1 times larger than the 325 species officially imported in 2015. The non-native amphibians and reptiles sold in most pet shops were Litoria caerulea (21 shops) and Correlophus ciliatus (24 shops). The lowest price for non-native amphibians and reptiles was 3,000 won, and the highest price was 100 million won for Rhacodactylus leachianus of Squamata. Among the non-native amphibians and reptiles sold in online pet shops, 11 species were found in the wild and were sold at relatively low prices. We confirmed that Mauremys reevesii, an endangered species class II and natural monument no. 453, and American bullfrogs (albino), an ecosystem disturbing species, were being sold in online pet shops. Moreover, 21.6% of the 677 non-native amphibians and reptiles sold in online pet shops were species designated as CITES. The results of this study can be the important reference data for understanding the status of non-native amphibians and reptiles that are imported and sold in Korea and evaluating and predicting the potential for them to enter the wild.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 2007

This study was carried out to investigate the herpeto-fauna at Hallasan National Park. We conducted a survey at 1100 Resting places, Eoseungsaengak, Donnaeko, Eorimok, Yeongsil, Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak from April, 2006 to January, 2007. A series of four families and 5 species of amphibians and 4 families and 8 species of reptiles were observed. Amphiesma vibakari ruthveni, Takydromus wolteri, Scincella vandenburghi, Coluber spinalis and Hynobius quelpartensis which are rarely appearing inland but they were frequently observed by this survey. Also, we observed Sibynophis chinensis that only inhabits Jeju island with in Korea. Jeju island has both southern and northern boundary lines for amphibians and reptiles. Amphibians and reptiles in Jeju island have a different from those inland and valuable information for biogeograpy due to dissimilar climate and isolation from continental for a long time. It is not certain whether some amphibians and reptiles, Bufo gargarizans, Rana rugosa, R. plancyi, Elaphe rufodorsata and Takydromus amurensis, inhabit Jeju island, as recorded in previous literatures, so the research on current status of them has to be carried out immediately.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.229-236
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• 2010

We conducted field surveys of amphibians and reptiles over a two-year period in 16 lagoons along the eastern coastline of South Korea, and determined the habitat characteristics correlated with the number of amphibian and reptilian species and individuals. We documented 11 amphibian species and 8 reptilian species. The dominant amphibian species was the black-spotted pond frog (Rana nigromaculata), and the dominant reptilian species was the red-eared turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans), an invasive species. Among the 14 habitat characteristics, connectivity to mountainous area significantly affected the number of amphibian and reptilian individuals. Other factors, including emerged plant cover, salinity, pH, the number of birds for amphibians and connectivity to agricultural land, lagoon perimeter length for reptiles also influenced the number of species or individuals of them. Our results demonstrate that these lagoons are home to more amphibians and reptiles than has been previously known. To effectively conserve herpetofauna in the lagoon ecosystem, lagoons as well as surrounding wetlands, grasslands, and mountainous areas should be protected.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.146-154
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• 2009

To suggest effective ways of the management of reptiles in Korea national parks, we applied PIT (passive integrated transponder) tag and radio telemetry research methods in the monitoring of reptiles in Odaesan and Woraksan national parks. We implanted PIT tags into 137 snakes (six species) captured in both the national parks between March 2006 and October 2008 and also radio-tracked two Korean rat snakes (Elaphe schrenckii anomala) from September 2007 to November 2008 in the Woraksan national park. Of total 137 snakes which we had inserted the PIT tag, 17 snakes (12.40%) were recaptured. Based on the PIT tag data of the recapture, we successfully obtained the annual growth rate of Korean cat snakes (Elaphe dione) and Red-tongue pit-viper (Gloydius ussuriensis). Home range of the Korean rat snakes based on the data of radiotracking was estimated as 389,600$m^2$ (MCP: Minimum convex polygon) and 471,800$m^2$ (Kernel 95%) for males and 162,500$m^2$ and 208,700$m^2$ for females. These results suggest that if we apply PIT tag and radio telemetry research methods to manage reptiles in Korea national parks, it could greatly increase our understanding about their basic ecology and as the result, it could allow us to develop better management and conservation ways of reptiles in Korea national parks.

• Journal of the korean veterinary medical association
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• v.46 no.11
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• pp.995-1000
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• 2010

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2007

Fauna of Shinpo nuclear powerplant site were surveyed during Feb 27-Mar 4, 2003 as a part of ecological environmental survey. This area is well dominated by coniferous trees (Pinus densiflora) ranging 15-50 years. In the shoreline black pine (Pinus thungergii) is the dominant species and was planted for wind protection. Around Shinpo areas inside 50 km in radius was found 33 mammal species (3 orders, 15 families), and amphibian-reptiles 6 species (2 orders, 3 families) were recorded. Natural monument in the areas were estimated 6 species of mammals and one species of reptiles. Although the habitat of Shinpo area is deteriorated due to deforestation, illegal hunting, etc. the fauna seems to be rich in species. Despite the sudden halt of KEDO project the conservation efforts and continuous monitoring are required considering a continuation of the project.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.188-191
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• 2018

To know if deforestation practice affects the distribution and abundance of herpetofauna in Mt. Gariwang, South Korea, we conducted field surveys over 12 times both at deforested (n=9 sites) and un-touched (control, n=12 sites) forest areas from March to October, 2017. Each survey site was approximately $100m\;long{\times}20m$ wide area, which in the middle of the site, mountain road presented. During each survey, we recorded the species and the number of amphibians and reptiles which identified. To compare environments between the two areas, we analyzed eight environmental variables, extracted from digital sources. Overall, we found one amphibian and four reptile species at deforested area, while each five amphibian and reptile species at un-touched area. The number of amphibian species significantly tended to be smaller at deforested area. The number of the survey sites where amphibians found and the number of amphibian individuals showed the same trend. For reptiles, although the number of reptile individuals showed some increases, all variables investigated were not significantly changed by deforestation practice. Our results imply that deforestation practice negatively affects amphibians, but effects of that on reptiles are not evident.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.46-53
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to provide a database for the reduction of road-kills in the Odaesan National Park. To accomplish this task, investigations were conducted on the road-kills that occurred in the period from 2003 to 2007. The results of investigations are as follows: 427 road-kill cases were reported during the period, and the road-kill victims turned out to be mostly small mammals. Among mammals and reptiles the road-kill occurrence rate of squirrels and garters was higher than that of other species, and in the case of birds, the road-kill occurrence rate of yellow-throated bunting was the highest. The road-kill accidents of mammals and reptiles took place more frequently during the summer and autumn, while those of birds during the spring and summer. The increase of road-kill occurrence rate was found to be related to the activity and breeding period of wild animals, as well as to the increase of vehicles. The occurrence rate of road-kills was also found to be influenced by the type of land use on the roadside. Furthermore, the occurrence rate increased significantly when the roads passed through dry fields.