GENETIC AND NON-GENETIC FACTORS AFFECTING PREVALENCE OF LEECHES ON FRESHWATER TORTOISES FROM DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL ZONES

Freshwater tortoise species has experienced population decline due to the prevalence of leeches in their natural habitats. Understanding factors responsible for its prevalence is imperative for effective, evidence-based planning in the eradication of the ectoparasite.  Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting leech prevalence in freshwater tortoises were investigated using infection prevalence, infection rate and frequency. Sampling was done on a monthly basis in 2024 and seasonally in 2025. Tortoise samples were manually collected and transported to the laboratory for identification and sex determination and leech’s isolation. Packed cell volume (PCV), carapace and plastron colour were also determined.  Effect of species on carapace and plastron colour were significant on leech prevalence with an indication that Pelusios spp. had a higher (p˂0.05) estimate (83.02%) compared to the leech prevalence (81.09%) in Testudo spp. Location affected leech prevalence with highest prevalence (69.34%) recorded in freshwater swamp compared to lowland forest (30.64%). Age and sex significantly (p<0.05) affected the prevalence of leech infection. Its prevalence in freshwater tortoises may be influenced by carapace and plastron colour, species, sex and location. The infection prevalence in tortoise was 72.50%, with an intensity of 4.21 and abundance of 1.63, all of which were higher in females. The parasitic leech was found to be relatively in good condition and it preferred to parasitize predominantly on female individuals of both tortoise species. Thus, farmers’ sensitization, public enlightenment, and advocacy on leech control require urgent attention.