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The leeches in Ranomafana National park are small, perhaps 1 inch long and perhaps 1mm in diameter. They carry no diseases, their bite is practically unnoticeable when it happens (though afterwards it will itch), and they drop off when they are full. They can be kept out by wearing tight fitting and tightly woven clothes, and tucking your trouser legs into your socks. Except for those which are persistant and crawl into your eyes or up your nose...
In some parts of the park there aren't many leeches anyway; between F trail and B trails for instance leeches are rare. If it hasn't rained for a day or two and the underbrush is (relatively) dry then there won't be many leeches anywhere.
The difference between a leech that is full of blood (my blood) on
the right
and one that is empty, on the
left.P1
However, if you are like me, someone who prefers to wear shorts when it is hot out. Or if you happen to be caught out in a bad area and there is a downpour, then beware...
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I took a leech to bed with me,
I fed it all night through,
But when by light I chanced to see,
I squashed it with my shoe.