Mammals of Korea: a review of their taxonomy, distribution and conservation status Author Jo, Yeong-Seok Author Baccus, John T. Author Koprowski, John L. text Zootaxa 2018 2018-11-19 4522 1 1 216 journal article 27944 10.11646/zootaxa.4522.1.1 58e0c7c5-75ec-4b1b-beb0-d01527f710f9 1175-5326 2610198 C24EFA8A-A5A0-4B06-A0A9-632F542B9529 Balaenoptera edeni Anderson, 1879 —Bryde’s Whale Balaenoptera edeni Anderson, 1879 p.551 ; Type locality- Burma ; Kim et al ., 2000 p.58 ; Kim, 2004 p.221 . Range: Since the first observation of Bryde’s whale in the East Sea in 1994 ( Kim 2004 ), four individuals were observed in Korean waters: one at Incheon in 2005, another from Ulsan in 2010 and the other two on Jeju Island in 2004 and 2009 , respectively. The species also occurs in the southern and western seas near Korea ( Fig. 77 ). Also, forensic research showed that Bryde’s whales were illegally traded at Korean markets in Busan ( Moon & Ku 2000 ). Remarks: The taxonomic status of the species remains debated whether 1 species, 2 species ( B. edeni & brdei complex and B. omurai ), or 3 species complex ( B. edeni , B. brydei , and B. omurai ) ( Mead & Brownell 2005 ). However, based on the distribution of the species in Korean waters, we consider B. edeni is the appropriate classification because the debate is based on size dimorphism ( Mead & Brownell 2005 ). Conservation status: The South Korean government designated the species a Protected Marine Species in 2007. CITES lists B. edeni (and B. omurai ) under Appendix I. Based on our information, North Korea is not involved in the conservation of this whale.