Size and structure of the Mediterranean medicinal leech, Hirudo verbana populations inhabiting wetlands around Lake Eğirdir, Turkey

Abstract

In the present study size and structure of the Mediterranean medicinal leech (Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820) populations inhabiting wetlands around Lake Eğirdir (Turkey) were investigated. Population size was estimated by removal methods, age classes were estimated for the first time in leeches (Hirudinea) using “Modal Progression Analysis” of body length frequencies using Bhattacharya's method. The population size and biomass of medicinal leeches around Lake Eğirdir were estimated to be 1,562,696 ± 805,613 leeches and 467.26 ± 172.91 kg, respectively. Three age classes were identified; the age group of 0+ was dominant with 78.6%. While 89.9% of the individuals weighed less than 1 g, whereas the broodstock was estimated to represent only 7%. Body weight, body length and condition factor were found to be 0.52 ± 1.19 g, 4.5 ± 2.4 cm and 0.620 ± 0.123, respectively. This study reveals that the population size of H. verbana in the wetlands around Lake Eğirdir is relatively well preserved and there is no significant threat to the sustainability of the exploitation of the medicinal leech populations. It is concluded that the stability of the lake's water budget, the variety and abundance of the host in the undamaged wetlands, the socioeconomic structure of the leech collectors, the sales policies, and the effective activities of conservation and control units might affect conservation status of the medicinal leech populations inhabiting wetlands around Lake Eğirdir.

First report of leech parasitism in freshwater turtles for Turkish wetlands

“…These habitats are characterized as shallow and partially isolated from the lake and are covered by dense macrophytes. The fauna of these wetlands includes various aquatic, amphibian, and terrestrial animal species, such as freshwater turtles, waterfowls, frogs, snails, fish, wild boar, horse, donkey, dogs, wild cats, water vole, leeches, and others (Ceylan 2016).…”

What Is Need To Be Known About Medicinal Leeches And Hirudotherapy?: A Comprehensive Review

“…Leeches belonging to the genus Macrobdella are found in in North America), Richardsonianus in Australia, Whitmania and Hirudinaria in Asia (4,18,19). Medicinal leeches live in freshwater wetlands, i.e., shallow water rich in aquatic plants (20,21). They feed by sucking the blood of mammals, fish, amphibians, and birds (10,22,23).…”

“…). Authorized institutions that use leech therapy is responsible for the increase demand for leeches and this to over-collection, illegal utilization, and bio-smuggling attempts, which pose severe threats to the sustainability of the leech populations (10,12,21). In addition to the increasing demand for leeches, degradation of natural habitats and reduction of pastoral farming, an essential source of food for leeches, have led to a significant decline in leech populations (30)(31)(32).…”