Leeches in the mountains!

[johnw]

Have just completed (March 12) a Grose River circuit (Govett's Leap/Acacia Flat/Grose River/Burra Korain/Victoria Falls) with a group of fourteen, was AMAZED that there were so few leeches - it was warm, humid, several days after heavy rain, the creeks were full - and yet the whole group probably saw less than a dozen over three days! I couldn't believe it. Where were they? I've camped at Acacia 7 or 8 years ago and the place was swarming with leeches. Any ideas where they have gone for their holidays?

I must say, though, the mosquitos at Acacia (no where else) were as bad as I've ever seen, - you couldn't sit outside for any length of time at dusk, we had to retreat to the tent pretty early!

On another note, walking through the Blue Gum Forest is as fantastic as ever - but where are the blue gum saplings? The understory is now so choked with both native and non-native, I can't imagine any sapling getting a start on life. Is this an issue other people are aware of? Do National Parks need to be planting? All thoughts and comments welcomed.

skibug

I was down there for a 3 day trip a few weeks back at the end of February, as a NPWS volunteer doing remote area bush regeneration along the Grose River downstream of BGF. Only had one leech, on the way down from Perrys when we stopped briefly for a break. I came home covered in itchy mossie bites though, so not only Acacia Flat, but we did notice that they favoured particular spots (most notably our camp site ). Those things were ferocious, despite plenty of repellent. There actually are some blue gum saplings starting to spring up, though not in great numbers and you have to go looking for them, but I'm hoping that more will appear over time. The recovery of the forest since the 2006 fire is remarkable, but the loss of many trees and animals in the fire will be long remembered. The weeds are another story, with an ongoing battle against blackberry among others. If anyone is interested in volunteering for this work, please let me know and I would be happy to pass on the relevant contact details, although most activity slows down now and recommences in spring.

[wildwalks]

Strange - there numbers have dropped suddenly in the Berowra valley as well, since this latest down pour. A walk that 2 months ago would see 15-20 leaches on me (a peak), now attracts 1 or 2 if I am 'lucky'. I have noticed this sudden drop in past years as well - but interesting that it seems to align with the BM as well.
I wonder if it is a sudden peak that we experienced and now back to 'normal' levels
Looks like a PHD thesis there for someone

Matt

[Den]

I posted to this list but not sure what happened to it, will try again.

When I worked in the timber mills up north NSW as a snigger the leeches were huge and numerous.
We used to coat lightly the outside of our boots with diesel which seemed to keep them at bay.
My first week there I wold knock off for smoko and take my boots off and pour the blood and leeches out of them, used to get huge pussy sores from the leeches until my body got used to them.

I also buy pantyhose, the biggest pairs on the market, you stretch the legs out and cover your whole computer tower, best dust screen you will find.

Jack.

[Webguy]

A month or so ago we did a quick golden stairs, to the railways and up the stairs and did not see a single leach.

A few weeks ago did the walk from Mt Vic falls right through to BGF and up Lockley Pylon etc, did not see a single leach.

My preferred status really.

[Vern]

I think when the original post was made the weather was wet and warm. Perfect for leeches. IAnd the leeches were found in large numbers where previously I had seen none. It seems now that the leeches have dried out and walkers can return without further fear of the dreaded creature that causes endless scratching

[mayj]

Hi, I’m undertaking a research degree in New Castle University. I’m currently having a research on the leeches. Can anyone tell me where is the best place in Sydney or surrounding to find the leeches? Thanks

[wildwalks]

Hi Mayj
It seems leeches are more quiet at the moment. But on warm day sections of the great north walk in Berowra Valley National Park are good places. There are a few sections of the walk outside the actual NP, where the collection would be legal. Eg walking in from Hornsby or thornleigh station
Happy hunting

Matt

[wildwalks]

I am curious. What is the research on??

[colinm]

I didn't realise killing leeches in a NP was illegal ... I guess I'll have to turn myself in? What about killing privet or willow? Law is so strange sometimes.

[FatCanyoner]

It is illegal to remove any flora or fauna without the appropriate approval...
As for killing leeches, I just say I'm hunting and it's all okay! ;-P

[wildwalks]

I just say I'm hunting and it's all okay! ;-P

Don't forget you need to complete you open book 30 multiple choice exam before you can shoot any leeches in NP. A true blood sport.

I a still curious about the research they are going. There is very little know about leeches, be good to understand more about them, and the role they play in our bush.

Matt

[FatCanyoner]

A true blood sport.

GOLD!!!

There is very little know about leeches, be good to understand more about them, and the role they play in our bush.

Totally agree. As much as I hate the bites, I think they are the most amazing creatures. Up close the shiny skin with the racing stripe down the side is most attractive. Their ability to sniff out food, and move large distances without limbs, is incredible. And the fact that a leech full of blood can be popped, physically explode, yet not die, is just mind-boggling! Hopefully they respond with more info about what they are studying!

[wildwalks]

Apparently some leeches, after sucking your blood stream dry, can go and live underground for a year on the one meal. Crazy stuff.

Matt

[corvus]

As I see it leeches provide food for Birds ,Lizards and Ants
corvus

[ULWalkingPhil]

I don't like them. There one creature I wish never existed on earth. I suffer big time from there bites. I get a nasty reaction to them.

[corvus]

My most recent experience with Leeches was a few weeks back,after a Heart Procedure and subsequent Blood thinning drugs ,15 Leech bites and I looked like I had been shot ,fortunatly this walk was Hut based and I was able to stem the flow hate to think of the state of my silk liner or SB if I had been Tent based
corvus

[ULWalkingPhil]

16 leech bites on my foot a couple weeks back, taken me hours to stop the bleeding, than the pain and itch set in, two weeks later I still have marks all over my feet. On the 2nd day after receiving the leech bites one of my feet, the left swelled for a day. It had 14 bites on it out of the 16.

This was in an area I've visited for over 25 years, the first time I've ever seen leeches there. Never again will I be so unprepared for leeches again.
Every bite mark by the next day went into a nasty itchy lump and my foot swelled so bad.

I will not hesitate one bit in killing them.

[jobell]

The idea of the stockings is interesting. If I know they are around though I find that a bit of insect repellent on my ankles goes a long way, and if they are bad, I tuck my pants into my socks. On the whole leeches don't bother me too much, which is lucky given the run ins I've had with the critters. Last year I was walking in the Conondale National Park up in the Sunshine Coast hinterland about this time of year, and in some areas the ground was just crawling with leeches. They ended up on the outside of the tent inner during the night, seeking an entry. Suffice to say they got flicked away before I was prepared to make an exit. I've also had a good reaction to a bite from one on Fraser Island where I ended up with a nasty infection. And late last year I was doing some volunteering track clearing on the Hume and Hovell Track just north of Tumut, and again, it was fairly cold so I don't think any of the working party expected to be set upon the way we were! I ended up with one somewhere rather sensitive, which I'd rather not have to experience again.

[Rob Gosford]

And for leech heaven, I would suggest a section of the Great North Walk between Somersby shop and the Ourimbah Creek Valley. Walking through there one day, a big mossy rock looked like it had hair on it. It was hundreds of tiny, thin leeches. As I walked past, the heads of the leeches would swing around and follow me.....

coincidence reading this post. did the Somersby Store to Ourimbah Creek trackhead hike just last saturday thru Palm Grove nature reserve (12klms return). was prepared for LEECHES before i left, after reading up on LEECHES in that area of the GNW. i saw or experienced NOT ONE ! perhaps it was the drought over the past few months in this region ? what i did to prepare for LEECHES was, when i got to the back of "Illawong's" rear paddock - before you start to head down the ridge into the jungle - i had a spray bottle with me with a (beforehand) made up mixture of half a bottle of Saxa Table Salt (750g bottle) with warm water, shaken not stirred. very potent. Then at Illawong, i sprayed my exposed legs below knee, socks and shoes LIBERALLY - very wet. then did top up sprays every now and then. not one LEECH ! and i did a lot of standing around down there in the rainforest photographing and recording sounds. Salt water spray is the answer........