Invasive species are of global conservation concern. South Korea is also facing the same challenge, especially, due to the growing pet trade. Herein, we report Pelomedusa cf. olivacea (Schweigger, 1812) from the wild in South Korea, where it has been imported as a pet. This is the first record of Pelomedusa in the Asian continent. In October 2019, we found an individual of this species beside Hongje Stream in Seoul. We recommend immediate control measures and strict monitoring of the pet trade to avoid the introduction of more invasive species.
Despite having some limitations, the use of skeletochronology—age determination by counting lines of arrested growth (LAGs)—in amphibians is increasing. The main limitation of using skeletochronology is identifying the innermost visible line (IVL) and counting the exact number of LAGs. Thus, we tested its applicability to Kaloula borealis, a class II endangered amphibian in South Korea. We reared juveniles in the lab to investigate the process of bone formation. This confirmed the development of one LAG each year. Hence, our study validates skeletochronology for the age determination of this species and recommends it for others that show similar growth patterns. Furthermore, the comparison of threshold diameters with the IVL of wild individuals confirmed no LAG1 resorption. The average age of males and females in this population was 2.75 ± 1.05 and 3.64 ± 3 years, respectively. We estimated sexual maturity at 2 years with rapid growth up to that stage in both sexes. We found a female-dominated sexual size dimorphism. This study offers accurate information on the life history traits and age structure of K. borealis that may help to evaluate population dynamics in other areas, identify vulnerable life stages and sites, assess the causes of population decline, and set conservation priorities.
The complete mitochondrial genome of
Pseudemys peninsularis
in Korea was sequenced and characterized. The mitochondrial genome is constituted of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and two ribosomal RNA genes) and a noncoding region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 13 protein-coding gene sequences showed that
P. peninsularis
has closer relationship with
Chrysemys picta
than
Trachemys scripta elegans.
This is the first case for a complete mitochondrial genome from
P. peninsularis
, which will provide information for biogeographical studies and management plans for invasive species.
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