Hirudobdella antipodum
Encyclopedia
Hirudobdella antipodum is a terrestrial leech
endemic to the Open Bay Islands
in New Zealand. The introduction of the weka
(Gallirallus australis) from the mainland in the 1900s is believed to be the cause of decline in numbers of the leech.
Leech
Leeches are segmented worms that belong to the phylum Annelida and comprise the subclass Hirudinea. Like other oligochaetes such as earthworms, leeches share a clitellum and are hermaphrodites. Nevertheless, they differ from other oligochaetes in significant ways...
endemic to the Open Bay Islands
Open Bay Islands
The Open Bay Islands are located off the south-west coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The group comprises two main islands Taumaka and Popotai plus several smaller islets and rocks. They lie approximately offshore from the Okuru River mouth, near Haast and are owned by Poutini Ngai...
in New Zealand. The introduction of the weka
Weka
The Weka or woodhen is a flightless bird species of the rail family. It is endemic to New Zealand, where four subspecies are recognized. Weka are sturdy brown birds, about the size of a chicken. As omnivores, they feed mainly on invertebrates and fruit...
(Gallirallus australis) from the mainland in the 1900s is believed to be the cause of decline in numbers of the leech.