Distribution pattern according to altitude and habitat type of the Red-tongue viper snake (Gloydius ussuriensis) in the Cheon-ma mountain

Abstract

The distribution of animals is affected by habitat selection, and habitat type and prey resource are important factors affecting their survival. This study was conducted to investigate the distribution pattern of the Red-tongue viper snake (Gloydius ussuriensis) with respect to altitude, habitat type and distribution of potential prey resource in Cheon-ma mountain, Korea. The study area of Cheon-ma mountain was separated into three altitude categories (low, middle, and high altitude) and the habitat types were categorized according to presence or absence of aquatic ecosystem and the preferred habitat in relation to altitude was determined. The distribution pattern of Red-tongue viper snakes was significantly different according to altitude and habitat type: they were mainly distributed at low altitude and in the water valleys. The distribution pattern of the Red-tongue viper snake correlated with that of amphibians. The analyses of microhabitat use of the Red-tongue viper snake and amphibians showed that their microhabitat types were not different significantly in water valleys. In conclusion, Red-tongue viper snakes were mainly distributed in the water valleys at low altitude and this is because amphibians are important as potential prey of the Red-tongue viper snake in Cheon-ma mountain.

Effects of environmental factors and intraspecific niche overlap on the body and ecological characteristics of red-tongued pit vipers (Gloydius ussuriensis)

“…The G. ussuriensis population in Korea utilize diverse food sources; their main food sources are amphibians and rodents, followed by fish, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates. On the other hand, G. intermedius only feeds on rodents 26 , 34 , 45 . According to previous research that utilized wireless tracking devices to study the G. ussuriensis population in Korea, the mean travel distance of G. ussuriensis (39.64 ± 22.11 m), which moved for 1 month (September), was longer than that of G. saxatilis (21.50 ± 23.40 m), which moved for 2 months (August and September 46 , 47 ).…”

“…For example, the main food sources of G. ussuriensis , which are amphibians (inland: 23 species, Jeju: 7 species) and rodents (inland: 19 species, Jeju: 8 species), geographically differ in terms of species diversity. Since these animals are more diverse in inland regions than in Jeju-do, there are also differences in the preferred food sources between the inland and Jeju-do populations of G. ussuriensis 26 , 27 , 35 , 49 . In the G. ussuriensis population in Jeju-do, the males have evolved to be larger than the females due to intrasex competition, as a means of increasing the frequency of mating and occupying favorable breeding grounds; these species also tend to show a higher rate of male-to-male combat behavior 21 , 50 .…”

“…In Korea, G. ussuriensis is widely distributed across the entire inland peninsula as well as in Jeju-do and other islands of various areas. It usually inhabits rivers, valleys, and agricultural land adjacent to mountainous regions at an altitude of 0–1000 m 15 , 26 , 27 . It is mainly active from April to October and hibernates from November until March of the succeeding year 25 .…”

A comparison of five Korean snake species' reproductive organ sizes, Oocatochus rufodorsatus and Rhabdophis tigrinus in Colubridae and Gloydius saxatilis, G. brevicaudus and G. ussuriensis in Viperidae

“…In Korea, 8 snake species in Colubridae, 3 in Viperidae and 3 in Elapidae have been identified (Kang and Yoon 1975). Recently, multiple studies have investigated Korean snakes, through verifying a specific species in the Korean peninsula (Lee et al 2013); determining food, habitat use and home range (Kim et al 2012b, Lee et al 2012, Do and Yoo 2014, Kim and Oh 2014; and describing mating patterns, including courtship behaviors (Kim et al 2012a). Despite such progress, the basic morphological and anatomical characteristics of Korean snakes remain poorly reported.…”

Ecology of Red-Tongue Viper (Gloydius ussuriensis) in Jeju Island, South Korea

“…In Jeju Island, its distribution is homogenous (Figure 2) and it is one of the most commonly encountered snakes. In Jeju Island, it utilizes various habitats ranging from mountain forests to low altitude areas containing swamps and marshes [26,27]. They are frequented more open microhabitats that had rocks or fallen logs that served as a refuge or basking spots.…”