Scientist from the University of Copenhagen and  University of Cambridge  have come up with a new tool that uses for  analysis mammalian DNA extracted from haematophagous leeches.  Mammalian blood DNA survives for at least four months post feeding in haematophagous Hirudo spp. Leeches. The scientits hypothesised that most wild caught adult leeches will contain DNA traces of their last blood meal. They demonstrate the efficacy of the method, by testing it in situ using terrestrial Haemadipsa spp. leeches caught in a tropical Vietnamese rainforest setting. They demonstrate the efficacy of the method to identify cryptic, rare and newly discovered mammalian species.

Annamite striped rabbit was identified by the researchers using this method. This species was discovered only in 1996. Repeated attempts to capture it on capture camera had failed despite 2,000 hours of continuous camera trap filming.

The scientist  propose that DNA from leeches represents a quick, cost-effective and standardised way to obtain basic data on mammalian biodiversity and species occupancy, facilitating efficient use of limited conservation resources. The scientists affirm that that this technique will revolutionise the monitoring of threatened wildlife in rainforest habitats.

Details of the research appear in the latest issue of journal Current Biology.