Predictive distribution modeling reveals habitat suitability for Hirudo verbana in Sicily, indicating key conservation areas within the Natura 2000 network.
Key Points
Presence probability for medicinal leech significantly declines with increasing terrestrial human footprint, indicating strong sensitivity to human impact.
The study integrates field occurrence data and environmental variables in a species distribution modeling framework over the past four decades.
Key habitat predictors were identified, with species highly associated with lentic environments and areas of dense vegetation.
Findings support conservation strategies by identifying habitats in the Natura 2000 network and suggesting new monitoring areas.