• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.377-381
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• 2014

In this study, we report for the first time a hybridization between Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas in South Korea. On 7th May 2012, a sea turtle (Jeju sea turtle 01, JST01) was found in the east coast of Jeju Island, South Korea. The morphological characteristics of JST01 were compared with those of C. caretta and C. mydas that were frequently observed in Korean Seas. Interestingly, JST01 showed similar morphological characters such as body color, appearance of carapace, shape of upper beak, serration on marginal scute, and two claws with those of C. caretta. On the other hand, JST01 showed also similar patterns in several characteristics including the numbers of marginal, inframarginal and costal scute, smooth carapace without keel, no contact between costal scute and nuchal scute with those of C. mydas. From these results, we suggest that JST01 is one of hybrid animals bred between C. caretta and C. mydas, because JST01 has species-specific characters from both species. We anticipate that our study would be useful and have significant impact onto study inter-specific hybridization in the groups of sea turtle.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.311-318
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• 2017

Four species of sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta, Dermochelys coriacea, and Eretmochelys imbricata) have been recorded in Korean waters. However, nationwide surveys on the distribution and occurrence of each species have rarelybeen conducted in Korean waters. In this study, we comparatively analyzed the trends in occurrence of sea turtles and their morphological characteristics based on 148 reliable observations and stuffed specimen data and suggested Korean names for each species. Chelonia mydas (57 cases, 58.8%) and C. caretta (52 cases, 31.5%) were dominant species, and occupied > 90% of all observations. Most of observations of sea turtles in Korean waters were obtained through stranding (61 cases) and incidental catches (62 cases). A coastal set net was the main fishing gear for incidental catches (82%). Sea turtles were found mainly around Jeju-do and the Korea Strait from June to November. Most C. caretta found were adults, whereas most C. mydas were juveniles. Additionally, we provide detailed morphological characteristics of C. mydas (n=8) and C. caretta (n=4) using stuffed specimens. Finally, based on a literature search, we suggest appropriate Korean names, such as "Pureunbada-geobuk" for C. mydas, "Bulgeunbadageobuk" for C. caretta, "Jangsu-geobuk" for D. coriacea, and "Maeburibada-geobuk" for E. imbricate.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.201-208
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• 2014

To date, no study has reported detailed morphological characteristics of Korean sea turtles. Due to the lack of such basic information on Korean sea turtles, further related studies have been difficult in South Korea. In this report, we determined the species and the sex of the one sea turtle caught from the Yellow Sea of Korea (Taean-gun, Chungcheongnamdo) on July 17, 2013, and described its detailed morphological characteristics. The sea turtle was identified as a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) by the presence of an interprefrontal scale on the head. The turtle had three times longer length between the edge of anal scute to the anus than that between the anus to tip of the tail, and the size of a pair of claws on the flippers were distinctively different, suggesting that the turtle was a male. Finally, the assumption that the sea turtle might be sexually mature is based on its body weight (59.95 kg), the maximum straight length of the carapace (72.5 cm), and the worn serrated parts at the edge of supracaudal scutes. The loggerhead sea turtle described in this study is the first record from the Yellow Sea of Korea.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.177-181
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• 1998

Blood samples collected from green (chelonia mydas), loggerhead (caretta caretta), and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles were analyzed by radioimmunoassay to detect seasonal variations in thyroid hormones and compare levels in wild and captive individuals. Sexual dimorphism in the annual cycle of thyroxine was observed in adult Kemp's ridley. No differences were observed between immature male and female green and loggerhead sea turtles. The level of triiodothyronine was consistently low relative to thyroxine in all species investigated, and captive sea turtles exhibit higher plasms thyroid levels than do wild ones.

• 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.

• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.662-669
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• 2012

Bycatch and stranding of sea turtles from Jeju coastal water of Korea were monitered from 2008 to 2009. A total of 41 sea turtles, consisting of 12 greens (Chelonia mydas), 3 loggerheads (Caretta caretta), 1 hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and 25 unidentified species, were recorded and observed in those area. Reported stranding and bycatch reached to a peak in August. The largest number of bycatch occurred in the coastal waters around Aewol-eup located in northwest area of Jeju Island. Most of the bycatch were taken by set nets and gill nets, which prevailed over the fishing grounds in the coastal waters of the Jeju Island. It is suggested that an appropriate monitoring system be necessary to conserve endangered sea turtle species in Jeju of Korea.