Safeguard the natural balance of the Earth. Promote the conservation of endangered species in the Italian lake environment.
Restore biodiversity
Since the habitats in which these animals normally live are increasingly threatened due to the continuous exploitation of water courses (lakes and rivers), future scenarios suggest that their protection will be strongly necessary. In fact, Hirudo medicinalis is reported in the "Invertebrate Red Data Book" as an endangered species and considered a protected species at the legislative level throughout Europe (Bern Convention, CITES and by the Habitats Directive).
ILFARM, participating in one of the main EU funding programs dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity, will play a fundamental role in preserving two potentially endangered species, Hirudo medicinalis and Hirudo verbana, from extinction.
Historical overview of the population decrease
Unfortunately, the continuous exploitation and incessant trade of leeches, especially in the 19th century, led to a consequent progressive decrease in the existing populations in Europe.
Also in Italy, a significant decrease of the specimens originally present in the territory has been observed, to the extent that both the current information and the documentation relating to the number of these animals are profoundly limited.
In addition to the most popular Hirudo medicinalis, also the leech species Hirudo verbana, originally described in the Lake Maggiore (Verbania area), was very abundant in the Italian peninsula in the past. However, being very similar to Hirudo medicinalis, it was confused with the latter and therefore also marketed and exported for medicinal purposes (especially in Europe and Turkey).
The lack of ability to distinguish the two species, coupled to the abundant trade and the progressive shrinkage of their natural habitat (mainly due to anthropic causes), has seriously undermined the survival of both species. Furthermore, the absence of specific analyzes and monitoring programs has made it difficult to reconstruct their original range, therefore it is almost impossible to formulate judgments and predictions on their current state of conservation.
Due to taxonomic errors made in the past, which led to confusion and ignorance of the existence of two distinct species, the leech Hirudo verbana is not even mentioned as an endangered species in the Bern Convention, CITES and the Habitats Directive.
However, it should not be underestimated that the extinction risk for this species may be even higher than that of Hirudo medicinalis itself.
Home breeding kit
To promote awareness of these endangered animals, ILFARM provides a special kit for home breeding.
In reality, interest in leeches is growing exponentially even among individuals who wish to buy leeches as pets. ILFARM will take care of selling, together with the animals, a kit for domestic breeding including
- 2 leeches,
- necessary supplies to provide an adequate habitat,
- instructions for their proper feeding and maintenance.