Numbers of rare spider which is the size of a RAT surge across UK
Experts at Chester Zoo have been instrumental in reviving the fortunes of Britain's largest spider, the fen raft spider, which can span the size of a rat or an adult human palm. Once teetering on the brink of extinction due to the loss of wetland habitats, these eight-legged giants are now flourishing once again.
Just 15 years ago, the fate of the species looked bleak as their natural environments were destroyed. However, since 2011, conservationists at Chester Zoo embarked on a remarkable project to hand rear thousands of the spiders in individual test tubes to prevent cannibalism and reintroduce them into the wild.
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The population of breeding female fen raft spiders in the UK has surged to an estimated 10,000, marking their best year yet.
A spokesperson from Chester Zoo explained: "While they may look big and scary to some, the fen raft spider is harmless and plays a vital role within healthy aquatic ecosystems. However, 15 years ago, they almost became extinct after people destroyed its wetland home."
"To help save this unique species, back in 2011, our experts set about rearing hundreds of baby spiders in individual test tubes (so they didn't eat each other! ) as part of a collaborative conservation breeding rescue programme in partnership with the RSPB.", reports Cheshire Live.
"Our team delicately hand fed tiny flies to each of the hundreds of spiderlings using tweezers, day in, day out, for weeks on end in our bio-secure breeding facility. Eventually, the young spiders grew strong enough to be returned to their natural habitat , which our partners worked to restore, and we released them in their hundreds.
"Now, almost a decade and a half later, our friends at the RSPB estimate there are 10,000 breeding females across the UK , and they're having their best year on record. We're so proud of the part we've played in this incredible conservation success story, ensuring the survival of a species that was previously on the brink of extinction."
Tim Strudwick, RSPB Mid Yare nature reserves site manager, said: "These spiders have an important role in maintaining the rich aquatic diversity found in the grazing ditches on our reserves. The females are impressive in size, but also beautiful they are truly special to see."
Despite their large size, fen raft spiders are completely harmless to humans. They can grow to be around the size of an adult human palm, and can be identified by an eye-catching white stripe that runs along their body.
As semi-aquatic predators, they play a crucial role in maintaining the marsh ecosystems where they are most commonly found. Unlike most spiders that hunt by trapping prey in webs, this efficient predator lies in wait with its front legs resting on a body of water.
Tiny hairs on their legs, known as trichobothria, detect vibrations in the water made by prey, enabling them to pounce swiftly.