• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.659-664
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• 2010

This study investigated the distribution of spotted seals, Phoca largha, inhabiting the coast of Baekryongdo. Monitoring of spotted seals in Baekryongdo was conducted between June 2006 and November 2008, using a 5-ton fishing vessel 1hour before low tide. The monthly maximum number of observed seals was 274 in September 2006, 139 in September 2007, and 213 in August 2008. Average observed monthly counts were largest in August and September. Relatively more spotted seals were observed when there were few cloudy days and plenty of sunshine. Bycatch, stranding, and observations of spotted seals have been reported along the coast of the Korean peninsula since 2000, and spotted seals were observed four times in the western coastal region, three times in the southeastern region, and 12 times on the east coast. This suggests that spotted seals inhabiting Baekryongdo migrate to the East Sea via the West and South seas as individuals or in groups.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.314-320
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• 2023

An acanthocephalan parasite, Corynosoma strumosum, was found in the intestine of harbor seal, Phoca largha, living in the East Sea, Korea. The probosci's hook and trunk spine patterns typical of the collected worms indicated it to be C. strumosum. The body lengths measured are 4.2-5.8 (4.9) mm in males and 5.3-6.8 (5.7) mm in females. The proboscis is bent ventrally, armed with 18 longitudinal rows of 9-13 hooks in males and 20 longitudinal rows of 11-13 hooks in females. The proboscis receptacle is double-walled with the robust trapezoidal neck being unarmed. The hind-trunk is pipe-shaped with posterior parallel sides. The characteristic hind trunk spines cover the anterior third of the ventral surface. The lemnisci are equal and slightly shorter than the double-walled proboscis receptacle, which is longer than the proboscis. This species is an acanthocephalan parasite reported for the first time in Korea.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.26 no.11
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• pp.669-677
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• 2023

The spotted seal (Phoca largha) in the Yellow Sea has declined due to poaching and habitat destruction. To aid conservation efforts, Argos satellite tracking were used to monitor the movements of a free ranging spotted seal around Baengnyeongdo Island. The satellite-transmitting tag successfully attached to the seal provided 1,556 location data collected during 107 days. The seal mostly moved between two haul-out sites, Yeonbong Rock and Mulbeom Rock. From October 6th to December 12th, the seal stayed within a 7 km radius of Yeonbong Rock. However, as the signal was lost, it was not possible to identify when the seal started to migrate from Baengnyeongdo Island to winter breeding area. This study provide understanding into the habitat preferences and movement patterns of spotted seals around Baengnyeongdo Island, contributing to the conservation and management of this species. Further research with more individuals and different age groups is essential to understand their habitat preference and develop effective conservation measures for the spotted seal population in the Yellow Sea.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.322-324
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• 2014

Candidiasis caused by Candida albicans is a localized mucocutaneous disease. It occurs worldwide in various kinds of animals. A 7-year-old male spotted seal weighing 98 kg showed facial skin lesions. The present case was characterized by erythematous, thickened, and alopecic skin lesions in the periocular region and on the commissure of the lower lip. For diagnosis, skin scraping and culture of samples from the facial skin lesions were done. Colonies were cream-colored and glistening after 3 days of culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Typical yeast-like cells were observed by microscopic inspection after Gram staining. Recovery was achieved with itraconazole (1 mg/kg SID) for 7 days, repeated three times at 2-week intervals.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.215-222
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• 2007

DMZ (De-Militalized Zone) in South Korea is world heritage area by passage control of human-being for more than 50 years since 1953. Wild flora and fauna in these area have been protected from any development and/or habitat destruction. However, consideration on ecosystem and nature in the area is becoming higher, and demand for development is raising also. We have reviewed any publications, which are surveyed about ecosystem and interview local residents about wildlife inherit there. Totally 51 species have been reported inhabited DMZ belonging to 17 Families, 6 Orders, so far. National monuments in DMZ are following; Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), Musk deer (Moschus moschiferus), KOREAN goral (Nemorhaedus caudatus), flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) and spotted seal (Phoca vitalima). These results would be an essential data to establish management strategy and manuals for conserving native ecosystem, native flora and fauna in DMZ, and also using for registering world heritage area under UNESCO.