• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.251-258
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• 2023

Invasive species are introduced for various purposes, such as pets and food, and the trade of reptiles among them has continuously increased due to their unusual or rare external character traits. As their imports increase, the number of exotic reptiles in the wild is also increasing, and most of the recently discovered exotic turtles have been found near urban areas. Therefore, this study aims to report the current status of exotic turtles inhabiting the Jungnang Stream in downtown Seoul, Republic of Korea. As a result of the survey, seven species of exotic turtles were identified: Chrysemys picta picta, Pseudemys concinna, P. nelsoni, Trachemys scripta elegans, T. s. scripta, T. s. troostii, and Mauremys sinensis. One native turtle species was found: Pelodiscus maackii. Six species are designated as "ecosystem disturbance species" in the Republic of Korea. The dominant species was P. concinna, and C. p. picta, which is still traded in pet shops, was also found. The results have confirmed the current status of exotic turtles in urban rivers, and it was determined that the results show that they are continuously entering the wild.