Current status
The medicinal leech has been recorded in 24 European countries in recent years, but is very scarce in France and Belgium. There are probably no more than 20 isolated populations of the medicinal leech remaining in the UK. Existing sites are widely scattered and may be found in Kent, Dorset, Cumbria, Anglesey, east Norfolk, Argyll and Islay. The wide distribution may be due to 19th and early 20th century trade in this species, and the release of imported leeches may have supplemented British populations. The largest remaining population, at Lydd, is thought to number several thousand.
The medicinal leech is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention, Appendix II of CITES and Annex V of the Habitats Directive. It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and as Rare in the GB Red List. It is protected under Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Loss of ponds through water abstraction, natural vegetational succession and infilling.
Loss of stock-grazed ponds.
Current action
To increase the availability of breeding habitat, a new pond was dug by the FA and CCW in 1995 adjacent to an existing population in Newborough Forest, Anglesey.
12 sites have been designated as SSSIs.
The leech is included in SNH`s species action programme; all of its known sites are being visited, populations assessed and site-specific management guidelines are being developed.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain populations at not less than 87 sites
Maintain the current geographical range
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Consider encouragement for sympathetic land-use around all occupied ponds including the use of financial incentives. (ACTION: LAs, MAFF, NRA, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Site safeguard and management
Consider designating additional SSSIs for the species where this is necessary to secure appropriate management. (ACTION: CCW)
Seek to secure favourable management for the species at all occupied sites, including ensuring that suitable hosts are available. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Where appropriate, consider the creation of new pond habitat within 200 metres of existing sites. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
If appropriate, develop and implement a policy on translocation of leeches to new sites. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Species management and protection
Retain on Schedule 5 of the WCA 1981 and issue licences for non-damaging activities only. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Advisory
Provide management advice to owners or managers of leech ponds. (ACTION: CCW, NE, NRA, RPBs, SNH)
Future Research and Monitoring
Survey to identify the population status at all known and likely leech sites by the year 2000. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Encourage regular monitoring of extant sites and identify any further threats to the species. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Promote further research on the ecological requirements of this species to identify habitat requirements and the most appropriate methods for re-introduction or translocation. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Communications and Publicity
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p161)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species