Journal of Ecology and Environment

The Ecological Society of Korea (한국생태학회)
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Chinese sea snake (Laticauda semifasciata) misidentified as slender-necked sea snake in previous published account in Korea

  • Kim, Il-Hun (Department of Biology, Kangwon National University) ;
  • Park, Jaejin (Department of Biology, Kangwon National University) ;
  • Kaplan, Robert H. (Department of Biology, Reed College) ;
  • Lee, Jong-Nam (Department of Biology, Kyungsung University) ;
  • Park, Daesik (Division of Science Education, Kangwon National University)
  • Received : 2016.07.25
  • Accepted : 2016.09.14
  • Published : 2016.10.31
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Abstract

Recent ocean warming near the Korean peninsula and our lack of knowledge of an important vertebrate group, the sea snakes, encouraged us to clarify this part of Korea's regional fauna. We re-examined photographs that had been used to report the slender-necked sea snake (Hydrophis melanocephalus) in 1995. We discovered it was misidentified. To determine the correct identity of the sea snake, we studied 13 original photographs taken at the collecting site in Sooyoung Bay, Busan-si, in 1995 and determined the snake to be Laticauda semifasciata based on enlarged ventral scales, definitive for Laticaudinae sea snakes, and internasal scales, pale blue body color, divided rostral scale, and evident "V"-shaped stripes on the body trunk, definitive for L. semifasciata. Therefore, the snake caught 30 years ago in Korean waters should be considered the first record of a Laticaudinae sea snake in Korean waters. L. semifasciata is listed as near threatened setting the stage for urgently needed studies of sea snakes in Korea and supporting those currently underway.

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