- Fen Raft Spiders population grows from near extinction
- Successful breeding programs expanded spider numbers to 3,750
- RSPB efforts vital in preserving wetland habitats for the species
According to new research, the population of Britain’s most enormous spider, which is the size of a man’s hand, is increasing.
While it may horrify arachnophobes, the Fen Raft Spider’s massive population expansion is a conservation success story.
In 2010, the spider, which can create webs as large as pizzas (25cm), was on the verge of extinction in the United Kingdom.
The spiders were reduced to just three places in the UK, in Suffolk and Sussex, and only a few remained.
However, thanks to a successful breeding program, the number of breeding females has increased to 3,750 at just 12 sites in Norfolk.
Efforts to improve the creature’s habitat and the rainy weather this year are expected to have boosted the species.
The RSPB Mid Yare nature reserve site manager, Tim Strudwick, expressed his pride in the spider’s recovery.
He stated: ‘The Fen Raft Spider is one of the UK’s rarest invertebrates, and we are proud of the contribution our reserves and teams have played in its recovery.
These spiders are crucial in preserving the diverse aquatic life in our parks’ grazing ditches.
‘The females are remarkable in size and beauty; they are genuinely unique to see.’
Fen raft spiders have noticeable white or cream stripes running down the sides of their abdomen.
The spider is semi-aquatic, able to run across the water’s surface to catch its food.
They feed on other spiders, damselflies, dragonfly larvae, pond skaters, fish, and tadpoles.
While the species remains vulnerable and categorized as a Priority Species, annual spider surveys are conducted in September at these reserves in the hopes of another good reproductive season.
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He added that the spiders can be found in Strumpshaw Fen, another RSPB site in Norfolk, saying, “The spiders are only seen in the grazing marsh ditches and are fairly shy, but they are easier to see from June to September.”
‘Walking down the meadow walk gives visitors to Strumpshaw Fen the best chance of seeing the mature females and their shimmering nursery webs, so now is the optimum time to visit the reserve.
Jane Sears, an RSPB ecologist involved in Fen Raft Spider conservation, stated: “The RSPB has played an important role in the reintroduction of these spiders, which means we must continue to restore, manage, and protect the wetland habitats where the Fen Raft Spider thrives to ensure the future of not only this species but many others, too.”
