Reproduction of Hirudo orientalis in Laboratory and natural Conditions

The medicinal leech is included in Azerbaijan's "Red Book". For this reason, research has been conducted to increase leeches to protect the hirudofauna of our country. Three methods were used to breed it in the laboratory. The laboratory research was conducted at the Institute of Zoology. Studies have been conducted in natural conditions At the Mingachevir Scientific-Experimental Laboratory. In laboratory conditions, leeches were fed once a month, while those selected for reproduction were fed twice a month with the blood, spleen, and liver of large livestock. Based on our research, we can conclude that the optimal temperature range for the survival of Hirudo orientalis in laboratory conditions is 20–25°C.