Distribution characteristics of invasive alien amphibians and reptiles in Korean

Abstract

This study analyzed the distribution and habitat status of 1 species of amphibian and 4 species in 1 genus of reptiles among “ecosystem-disturbing species” designated by the Ministry of Environment through the National Habitat Survey of Alien Species (2015-2021). As a result, Rana catesbeiana with 415 sites, Trachemys spp. with 513 sites, Pseudemys concinna with 174 sites, Pseudemys nelsoni with 66 sites, and Mauremys sinensis with 31 sites. Of the total habitat area of R. catesbeiana, the agricultural land area accounted for 46% and the used(urbanized/dry) area accounted for 15%. Of the total habitat area of T. spp, the ratio of agricultural land areas was 35%, and the ratio of used areas was 24%. These species were found to live mainly in reservoir areas with higher natural characteristics than in urbanized and dry areas. However, M. sinensis, which were introduced in early 2000 and have a small number of habitats, mainly inhabited agricultural land areas with high naturalness, with agricultural land areas accounting for 43% and used areas accounting for 29% of the total habitat area. Accordingly, a detailed study on the ecology and artificial release of the M. sinensis is needed.

Keywords

• invasive alien species
• alien amphibians
• alien turtles
• distribution characteristics