On the diversity of leeches (Annelida: Hirudina) in the fresh waters of Kurdistan province, Iran

Abstract

Lotic and lentic environments, including basins, throughout Kurdistan province, Iran, were surveyed for the presence of leeches from June 2009 until June 2010. In view of the geographical location of Iran, a very rich fauna of leeches should be expected. For each of the species collected, the new locality records are given, followed by the global pattern of distribution. In addition, taxonomic notes are provided for some species. In total seven species of leeches were found in this region. All species repeated in the present paper are new and found in the fresh water fauna of Kurdistan, Iran.