October 30, 2015
Population of UK’s
largest spider, the fen raft spider, is increasing steadily thanks to a highly
successful translocation project, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
(RSPB) has revealed.
The increase in
numbers of these spiders has been pegged as a success by Strumpshaw Fen nature
reserve – a feat that was achieved in just three years after the spiders were
first released in the reserve in 2012. According to officials at the reserve,
they have already spotted over 480 nursery webs this season (July-October),
compared with 184 in 2014.
Efforts of RSPB
and Strumpshaw Fen nature reserve officials have helped spiders achieve a more
secure position as a UK species and this is due to the excellent condition of
the habitat and management of the grazing marshes at the nature reserve says
Tim Strudwick, RSPB Site Manager at Strumpshaw Fen nature reserve.
The fen raft
spider is a striking creature with a dark body and cream stripes down the side;
they are very large and females can sometimes reach up to the size of the palm
of a hand and prefer ditches and pools in chalky wetlands.
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