Geographical Distribution of <i>Mauremys sinensis</i>, <i>Mauremys reevesii</i>, and Their Hybrids in South Korea

Abstract

The Chinese striped-necked turtle Mauremys sinensis, introduced into South Korea presumably in 2012, is considered an invasive alien species owing to its devastating impact, including hybridization with the native protected species Reeves’ turtle M. reevesii. Recently, the presence of M. sinensis has been confirmed throughout the country, and several sympatric areas with M. reevesii have been reported. Thus, field surveys were conducted at 47 sites across M. sinensis and M. reevesii habitats in South Korea to determine the extent of hybridization. Five sympatric sites were confirmed, and hybrid individuals were identified at four sites. Genetic analyses (COI and R35) of two individuals from Jeju Island confirmed maternal M. reevesii and paternal M. sinensis lineages. Hybridization presumably does not occur under natural conditions, and the hybrids likely originated from captive breeding. This study identifies for the first time the habitats of M. sinensis and its hybrids in the wild of South Korea. The management measures proposed in the current study could be of value for the conservation of the native species; however, our study did not include reproductive monitoring, and there is a need for such surveys as well as for systematic management of non-native turtles introduced into South Korea.

Keywords

• <i>Mauremys</i> spp.
• hybridization
• genetic pollution
• alert alien species