LIn this study, we investigated the habitat characteristics of a Jeonju Duckjin lake in Jeonju City, Jeonbuk, in which a large group of reeve’s turtle(Mauremys reevesii)(endangered species Class II and natural monument No. 453 in Korea) was discovered. The lake where reeve’s turtle(M. reevesii) was discovered, was beside Jeonbuk National university. That lake was surrounded by lotuses, dam, and reeds. We found 12 reeve’s turtle(M. reevesii)(included with 2 juveniles), 30 red eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)(included with 4 juveniles), 22 river cooter(Pseudemys concinna)(included with 5 juveniles), and 6 Chinese stripe necked turtle(Mauremys sinensis)(included with 4 juveniles) from June to September, 2024, respectively. A number of red-eared sliders(Trachemys scripta elegans) which threaten the survival of reeve’s turtle(M. reevesii), were also found in and around the lake. Newborn turtles in this year were not observed. However, we estimated that natural breeding had sufficiently occurred since we observed many young turtles in the lake. Furthermore, the presence of young red-eared slider individuals can be a persistent problem for reeve’s turtle(M. reevesii) as they are competing species. In conclusion, in-situ conservation method should be considered for protecting the endangered turtle and their habitat.

Environmental changes play a significant role in the introduction, dispersal, and establishment of invasive species. This study aims to predict the habitat suitability of the newly invasive pest P. absoluta in South Korea by thoroughly considering key environmental factors, including climate and land cover changes. First, the MaxEnt model was developed to simulate changes in habitat suitability using global occurrence data and future climate change scenarios. Subsequently, potential risk areas (PRAs) for P. absoluta within agricultural regions were analyzed based on land cover changes. The results indicated that under all Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenario combinations, the PRA for SSP1 and SSP3 in 2055 were similar, with values of 47.85% and 48.62%, respectively. However, by 2085, these areas showed a marked decrease to 39.28% and 28.52%, respectively. These findings suggest that the PRA for P. absoluta is expected to be most critical in the near future as climate and land-use changes continue to progress. This study emphasizes the urgent need for ongoing monitoring and management to prevent further invasion and spread of P. absoluta into new regions of South Korea. Additionally, it provides scientific evidence to support the development of effective control and management strategies. By thoroughly evaluating the impact of climate and land cover changes on invasive species management, this research presents a foundational framework for predicting the spread and risks of P. absoluta under future climate scenarios.

This study conducted field surveys targeting benthic macroinvertebrates and fish in Andong Dam and Yeongsan River, with the specific aim of analyzing bluegill stomach contents. Bluegills in Andong Dam ranged from 40-220 mm, with 93.0% between 80-220 mm, while those in Yeongsan River ranged from 50-210 mm, with 71.4% between 120-210 mm. The highest feeding rates in both sites were for Chironomidae spp., with findings of 72.6% in Andong Dam and 80.4% in Yeongsan River. In Andong Dam, H. nipponensis and Baetidae sp. were also significant at 17.5% and 6.5%, respectively, while in Yeongsan River, Baetidae sp. (7.5%) and Hymenoptera sp. were the next most common at 3.8%. The EI index showed that bluegills generally avoided H. nipponensis and S. tsuchigae (-0.373 and -0.975) whereas they preferred Chironomidae spp. (0.759, 0.892) and Baetidae sp. (0.723). The parameter b values of the total length-weight relationship of bluegill were calculated as 3.452 in Andong Dam and 3.449 in the Yeongsan River, respectively. The slope values of the condition factor were 0.0067 in Andong Dam and 0.0065 in the Yeongsan River. Both values were positive, indicating that the nutritional status of bluegill was good. Aquatic insects constituted the primary food source, particularly in Yeongsan River. Feeding patterns did not significantly differ by habitat orientation groups, but Yeongsan River bluegills consumed more diverse food sources. In Andong Dam, larger bluegills likely consume food sources with larger biomass, while Yeongsan River’s diverse and abundant food sources support opportunistic feeding tailored to the water ecological environment.

세계 100대 악성 침입외래종인 유리알락하늘소(Anoplophora glabripennis)와 근연종인 노랑알락하늘소(가 칭, Anoplophora horsfieldii (Hope, 1843))가 2019년 제주도에서 처음 발견된 후 2023년까지 지속적으로 확인되었 다. 본 연구는 MaxEnt 알고리즘을 기반으로 하는 생물종 분포 모델을 이용하여 19개의 기후변화 변수에 노랑알락 하늘소(가칭) 먹이식물 5종(차나무, 팽나무, 멀구슬나무, 종가시나무, 비술나무)의 변수를 추가하여 외래해충인 노랑알락하늘소(가칭)의 현재·미래의 분포 가능지역에 대한 공간적 분포 특성을 규명하고 국가적 확산을 대응 하고자 한다. 모델 예측 정확도(AUC)는 0.983으로 출현지점을 정확하게 예측하는 비율이 매우 높다고 할 수 있다. 모델 예측 정확도의 증감에 영향을 주는 환경변수 중 먹이식물의 기여도가 70%를 상회하는 것으로 나타났다. 현재 75% 이상 분포 가능지역은 전라남도 진도군 일대와 경상북도 포항시 일대로 나타났으나 2050년에는 서해안을 따라 태안군까지 동해안을 따라 북한의 고성군까지 분포가 가능한 것으로 나타났다. 또한 75% 이상 분포 가능 면적은 현재 423㎢에서 2050년에는 9,270㎢로 약 대한민국 면적의 1/10 정도 확산될 것으로 예측된다.

This study focuses on developing diagnostic compositions, kits, and information provision methods for identifying species-specific genes in domestically residing Reticulitermes speratus and Reticulitermes kanmonensis, as well as the recently introduced Cryptotermes domesticus. The core innovation of this invention lies in the utilization of species-specific genetic markers to facilitate rapid and accurate species identification using a PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-based diagnostic technique. This approach enables swift identification of termites at quarantine stages, contributing to efficient management of imported goods and minimizing ecological and economic damages caused by termites. Through genome analysis of termites, this research has identified candidate species-specific genetic markers, developed diagnostic compositions and kits based on these markers, and proposed a rapid diagnostic method capable of determining termite species within a day, optimally within three hours. This invention provides a groundbreaking tool for termite management and research, significantly contributing to pest control and biodiversity conservation efforts.

외래생물 유입에 대응하기 위해 (환경부)국립생태원에서는 2019년부터 외래생물 신고센터를 운영하고 있으 며, 민원 신고에 대한 신속한 대응과 국민 행동요령을 안내하고 있다. 외래생물 전체 신고 건수는 2022년 140건 중 곤충 88건, 2023년 645건 중 곤충 530건으로, 1년 만에 외래생물 전체 신고 건수는 505건, 곤충 신고 건수는 442건이 증가하였다. 2022년 전체 신고 중 붉은불개미(Solenopsis lnvlcta) 의심 신고 건수가 78건로 가장 많았으며, 그 중 노랑밑드리개미 12건 등 개미과가 49건으로 확인되었다. 2023년은 전체 민원 신고 중 외래흰개미류 의심 신고가 418건으로 가장 많았고, 붉은불개미 66건 순으로 많았다. 외래흰개미류 의심 신고의 경우 대부분이 국내 에서 서식하는 흰개미(Reticulitermes speratus kyushuensis)로 190건, 붉은불개미의 경우 밑드리개미류(10건), 주름개미(8건), 권련침벌(8건) 등으로 확인되었다.

Native to southern Europe, Lepisiota frauenfeldi (Mayr, 1855) is an invasive species that has been introduced worldwide through cross-border trade. It has been documented to be distributed in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, and Indo-Malaya. This species, also known as Browsing ant, was first found around a warehouse in Gwangyang, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, and was probably introduced into the country via cargo. The external morphology and gene sequences were checked for taxonomic identification, and it was identified as Lepisiota frauenfeldi based on comparative analysis of the morphological classification key and NCBI data. This study is the first report of a newly invasive alien ant and provides basic data on the species, including external morphological and ecological features and sequencing results.

2023년에 국내에서 보고된 적이 없던 외래흰개미 3종이 각각 인천, 서울, 창원에서 발견되었다. 종 동정 결과, 인천에서 출현한 종(Coptotermes gestroi)은 Subterranean termite로 밝혀졌으며, 서울과 창원에서 출현한 종 (Cryptotermes domesticus, Incisitermes minor)은 Drywood termite로 밝혀졌다. 본래 우리나라에는 Subterranean termite 흰개미가 2종이 분포하고 있다고 보고되어 있었으나, 새로운 과 또는 속의 외래흰개미가 발견되면서 국민 들의 우려가 커지고 있다. 국내에서는 일부 외래흰개미를 법적으로 지정(유입주의 생물 2종, 관리병해충 15종)하 여 관리하고 있는데, 해당 흰개미와 그 외의 신규 흰개미의 출현으로 인한 피해가 우려되는 상황이다. 본 연구에서 는 ‘23년 유입된 3종 및 기존 법정관리 외래흰개미, 그리고 국내 유입과 위해가 우려되는 외래흰개미 5과 (Archotermopsidae, Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae, Termitidae, Termopsidae)를 조사하였으며, 이들의 생태적 특 징과 외국의 사례를 통해 외래흰개미 대비 방법에 대하여 고찰하였다.

서부마른나무흰개미(신칭)는(Incisitermes minor) 미국 서부와 멕시코 북부를 포함하여 북미 서부가 원산인 종이며 주택을 포함한 목조 구조물에 치명적인 해충이다. 국내에선 2023년 9월 외래생물신고센터를 통해 경남 창원시 진해구의 한 가정집에서 흰개미 유시충이 발견되었다는 민원 신고로 처음 확인되었다. 그 이후 주변 지역 조사 결과 민원인 주택 주변에서 군집비행하는 흰개미 유시충 및 목재 피해 흔적을 통해 군체를 발견 확인하였다. 또한, 최초발견지에서 약 1km 떨어진 한 아파트 단지의 정자 및 그 일대에서 추가 군체가 확인되었다. 본 연구에서 는 채집된 흰개미의 형태와 유전자 정보를 통해 대상종을 확인하였고, 발견 및 피해 상황 정보를 통해 향후 해당 종의 관리를 위한 기초자료를 제공하고자 한다.

We analyzed trends of ants intercepted on imported plants and lumber over the past 30 years, using data extracted from the Pest Information System (PIS). There were 1,629 cases of about 112 species (5 subfamilies, 45 genera) from planting plants such as Asparagales, Alismatales, and Saxifragales, and 2,217 cases of about 86 species (7 subfamilies, 42 genera) from lumbers such as square lumber, pellets, and solid wood. For intercepted trends by continent, Asia was the most frequently detected at 91%, followed by Europe at 1% and North America at nearly 1%. Among Asian countries, Malaysia (27%) represented the highest number of interceptions, followed closely by Indonesia at 26%.

Urbanization is a driving force of global biodiversity changes, and species that successfully adapt to city environments can become pests with the assistance of human factors. Here we present the first genomic data of Plecia longiforceps, an invasive pest exhibiting intensive outbreaks in the Seoul Metropolitan Area of Korea. HiFi and Pore-C sequencing data were used to construct a highly continuous genome assembly with a total size of 707 Mb and 8 major pseudochromosomes. Gene annotation using transcriptome data and ab initio predictions revealed significant numbers of genes related to detoxification and heat tolerance. Comparison to the Bibio marci genome showed high levels of synteny with some regions of chromosomal rearrangement. Our data will serve as an essential resource for population and functional genomic studies on dispersal and outbreaks of P. longiforceps, and facilitate research on eco-evolutionary processes of dipterans in urbanizing habitats.

The key to invasive pest management lies in preemptive action. However, most current research using species distribution models is conducted after an invasion has occurred. This study modeled the potential distribution of the globally notorious sweet potato pest, the sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius), that has not yet invaded Korea using MaxEnt. Using global occurrence data, bioclimatic variables, and topsoil characteristics, MaxEnt showed high explanatory power as both the training and test areas under the curve exceeded 0.9. Among the environmental variables used in this study, minimum temperature in the coldest month (BIO06), precipitation in the driest month (BIO14), mean diurnal range (BIO02), and bulk density (BDOD) were identified as key variables. The predicted global distribution showed high values in most countries where the species is currently present, with a significant potential invasion risk in most South American countries where C. formicarius is not yet present. In Korea, Jeju Island and the southwestern coasts of Jeollanam-do showed very high probabilities. The impact of climate change under shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios indicated an expansion along coasts as climate change progresses. By applying the 10th percentile minimum training presence rule, the potential area of occurrence was estimated at 1,439 km2 under current climate conditions and could expand up to 9,485 km2 under the SSP585 scenario. However, the model predicted that an inland invasion would not be serious. The results of this study suggest a need to focus on the risk of invasion in islands and coastal areas.

The aquarium pet trade is a source of potentially invasive crayfish species, which can be subsequently intentionally or unintentionally introduced into new environments. There were 34 species of freshwater crayfish imported into Korea for ornamental purposes. Starting with 1 species in 2008, it shows a trend of continuous increase every year with the maximum of 25 species in 2020. The number of freshwater crayfish imported into Korea for ornamental purposes was 1,172,159, with an annual average of 78,144 being imported. The population also recorded a record high in 2017 with a 38% increase in population imports compared to the previous year. Among the 34 pet crayfish imported into Korea, four species classified as high-risk and managed in the US and Europe were American crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Cherax quadricarinatus, Cherax cainii, and Cherax destructor. In addition to American crayfish (P. clarkii), 3 types of high-risk invasive crayfish are designated as legally managed species by conducting an ecological risk assessment, raising awareness among importers, retailers and consumers through awareness-raising education on freshwater crayfish, and measures for route management such as species identification and improvement of labeling methods are needed.

Invasive predators are one of the most damaging species groups to biodiversity. In the Nakdong River, the lake skygazer Chanodichthys erythropterus is a dominant species that is fiercely carnivorous and a concern for commercial fish. Although it is important to understand the ecological characteristics related to the feeding habit, studies on the diets of lake skygazer in Nakdong River have been limited to studies of gut contents. In this study, the trophic position (TP) and feeding habits of C. erythropterus were studied by calculating TPs using samples collected from 13 sites throughout the Nakdong River. Compound-specific isotopic analysis of amino acids provided reliable TPs from the muscle of Lake skygazer C. erythropterus without any isotope baseline. The results were approximately 3 to 3.6 and suggesting a carnivorous but size-dependent prey variation. In particular, the TP variability of C. erythropterus observed in the Nakdong River showed that it had a selective feeding habit compared to carnivorous fish species of relatively similar trophic levels.