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[Newsletter No.36] Two Endemic Viperidae Species Identified in Korea
CBD-CHM Newsletter Vol. 36
Two Endemic Viperidae Species Identified in Korea
The National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR), under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE), announced that it has identified two endemic Viperidae species for the first time among snakes inhabiting Korea. The discovery was made through genetic and morphological analyses of Gloydius ussuriensis1) populations found across inland and island regions nationwide.
The study was conducted as part of the Research on Genetic Diversity of Animal Resources and analyzed 513 specimens collected from inland areas and islands across the country over an eight-year period beginning in 2018. Researchers conducted comprehensive genetic analyses alongside comparative morphological assessments.
Based on distinct genetic structures and morphological characteristics, the research team classified the populations inhabiting Baengnyeongdo Island and Jeju Island as separate endemic species. These were formally named Gloydius ussuriensis baengnyeongensis and Gloydius ussuriensis jejuensis, respectively.
The results showed that the inland, Jeju Island, and Baengnyeongdo Island populations are genetically distinct. Morphologically, the Baengnyeongdo population exhibits a longer body and tail and a higher number of ventral scales2) than the inland population, while the Jeju Island population shows a relatively lower number of ventral scales.
Previously, all three Viperidae species known to inhabit Korea were also found outside the country, and no endemic reptile species had been scientifically confirmed. This study therefore represents the first scientific identification of endemic reptile species in Korea, marking a significant milestone in national biodiversity research.
Nearly 30 reptile species, including snakes, lizards, and turtles, are known to occur on the Korean Peninsula. Excluding the two newly identified endemic Viperidae species, only one endemic reptile species, Plestiodon coreensis (found in North Korea), has been recorded to date.
The findings will be published in the February 2026 issue of the Journal of Species Research and are expected to be included in the National Species List of Korea.
1)
The smallest of the three Viperidae species occurring in Korea (Gloydius brevicaudus, Gloydius ussuriensis, and Gloydius saxatilis), with a broad distribution across China, Russia, and the Korean Peninsula
2)
Gloydius ussuriensis: mean 148 (range 143-156); Gloydius ussuriensis baengnyeongensis: mean 152 (range 148–162); and Gloydius ussuriensis jejuensis: mean 143 (range 138–150)
