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

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