Canazas-Teran, A., G. Meza, B. Mestas, A. Morales, A. Oceguera-Figueroa, A. Catenazzi, R. von May & R. Santa-Cruz

Leeches (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae: Maiabdella batracophila and Helobdella sp.) associated with Andean water frogs (Anura: Telmatobiidae: Telmatobius) in southern Peru. pp. 94-103.

Abstract. Andean water frogs (Telmatobius spp.) are among the most threatened amphibians in the Andes and belong to categories of greatest concern according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. We report the presence of leeches Maiabdella batracophila and Helobdella sp. attached to the skin of three species of Andean water frogs T. arequipensis (Helobdella sp.), T. jelskii and T. marmoratus (M. batracophila), in five different areas in the southern Peruvian Andes between 3,892–4,638 m a.s.l. This report adds to a growing list of synergistic threats to Andean frogs, such as chytrid fungus, habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change.

Key words. Ectoparasite, high elevation, Hirudinea, parasitism.