One small step for leeches, one giant leap for leechkind! For the first time,
we have concrete evidence that at least one species of terrestrial leech in
Madagascar can jump. Mai’s work is important to conservation efforts
because leeches are increasingly being collected to survey vertebrate
biodiversity. By analyzing their blood meals, researchers are able to identify
other animals living alongside the leeches, ranging from wildcats to frogs to
grounddwelling birds.
Have you ever seen a leech jump? Let us know in the comments!