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.
Removal methods Bhattacharya’s method body length frequency sustainable management conservation
Süleyman Demirel University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit
SDU-BAP 3341-D2-12
This study was supported by Süleyman Demirel University, Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (SDU-BAP 3341-D2-12). The authors are grateful to Eğirdir Fisheries Research Institute for laboratory support. We also thank Dr. Ramazan KÜÇÜKKARA and Ufuk AKÇİMEN for help in the laboratory.
SDU-BAP 3341-D2-12
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Structural Biology, Zoology, Fisheries Management |
Journal Section | Articles |
Authors | |
Project Number | SDU-BAP 3341-D2-12 |
Publication Date | December 15, 2021 |
Submission Date | March 31, 2021 |
Published in Issue | Year 2021Volume: 38 Issue: 4 |