Insights into the distribution of Freshwater Leeches (Annelida, Clitellata, Hirudinea) in Southwestern Tunisia

Ichrak Khaled; Issam Saidi

doi:10.56027/JOASD.242024

Auteurs-es

Ichrak Khaled Laboratory of Biotechnology and Biomonitoring of the Environment and Oasis Ecosystems (LBBEEO), Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa, Tunisia
Issam Saidi

DOI :

https://doi.org/10.56027/JOASD.242024

Mots-clés :

Leech, Distribution, Southwestern, Tunisia

Résumé

The study aims to highlight the diversity of leech species living in southwestern
Tunisia. Our study highlights the prevalence of Limnatis nilotica, which
represents 63.01% of the leech population, while the less frequently observed
species include Erpobdella johanssni (25.31%) and Batracobdella argila
(10.75%). These species thrive in watersheds, rivers, water sources and
swamps. Interestingly, This study reveals a poverty of leech diversity in the
south-west of Tunisia compared to the north, which favors conditions conducive
to the development of leeches

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