• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.237-244
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• 2010

In this study, we evaluated the distribution, habitat characteristics, and diet of two Korean freshwater turtle species (Chinemys reevesii, Pelodiscus sinensis) and an invasive turtle species (Trachemys scripta elegans) in the area surrounding the Seomjin River and the Nam River. We surveyed basking turtles in multiple locations along a 48-km stretch of the Seomjin River and in 99 reservoirs distributed along the Seomjin and Nam rivers from June to September, 2009. We observed 8 and 6 red-eared turtles in 3 reservoirs and at 3 sites in the Seomjin River, respectively, and 33 Reeve's turtles in 9 reservoirs. There were also 28 and 16 mud turtles detected at 15 sites along the Seomjin River and in 8 reservoirs, respectively. Among the 14 biotic and abiotic habitat characteristics that might influence the abundance of freshwater turtles in reservoirs, only the distance between a reservoir and the nearest residential areas was correlated negatively with abundance. With regard to the diet, all Reeve's and red-eared turtles investigated were determined to forage on water snails. Some turtles also foraged on vegetation and aquatic invertebrates. Additionally, we found fish in the stomach of one of the Reeve's turtles, and dragonflies in the stomachs of two red-eared turtles.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.127-130
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• 1975

Histological studies on the spleen of mud turtle(Amyda sinensis) in Korea were made and the results obtained were as follows: 1. Smooth muscle cells are absent in the capsule of the spleen, although reticular, elastic and collagenous fibers are presnet as in the spleen of other mammals. 2. The trabeculs of the spleen tissue are more highly developed than those of frog and do not extend as deeply into the splenic pulp as the trabecula of mammals. 3. The structure of blood system in the spleen is found to be similar to that of mammals. Particularly, the central arteries of spleen are more highly developed, but the splenic sinus appears to be less developed than that of mammals. 4. The ratio of red pulp and white pulp in the splenic pulp appears to be 1. 5. More hemopoietic cells are seen in the spleen of turtle than in the spleen of mammals.