The Science Life Animals

Leeches expose wildlife’s whereabouts and may aid conservation efforts

DNA extracted from the parasitic worms’ blood meals lets scientists track where animals roam

photo of a brown leech on a leaf

Ecologists are using bloodthirsty leeches to evaluate the success of wildlife conservation efforts in China.

mrfiza/iStock/Getty Images Plus

By Nikk Ogasa

- More than 2 years ago

Leeches suck. Most people try to avoid them. But in the summer of 2016, park rangers in China’s Ailaoshan Nature Reserve went hunting for the little blood gluttons.