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Timothée L'Angevin
Published on
Nov 10 2024 at 5:48 p.m
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The information is frightening, and yet it is excellent news for biodiversity. The raft spiderthreatened with extinction in the United Kingdom, is thriving among our British neighbors, reaching today around 10,000 breeding females across the country, as explained by Chester Zoo, near Liverpool, in a press release published on 1 November 2024.
Hundreds of babies fed by hand
This animal, also called the marsh dolomede, or Dolomedes fimbriatus from its Latin name, benefited from a breeding program within the zoo. In partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the largest organization for the protection of animals in Europe, the latter decided to save this species, whose habitat, the marshes, continues to be destroyed by the actions human.
In 2011, zoo experts raised hundreds of baby spiders in individual test tubes.
Our team delicately hand-fed each of the hundreds of spiders using forceps, day after day, for weeks in our bio-secure breeding facility.
The young spiders grew strong enough to be returned to their natural habitat. Several hundred individuals were released 10 years ago.
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The size of a palm
Today, scientists estimate that their population is thriving. “These spiders play an important role in maintaining the rich aquatic diversity of the pastures on our reserves,” says Tim Strudwick, site manager for the RSPB Mid Yare nature reserve. The females are impressive in their size, but also in their beauty, they are truly special to see! »
The raft spider can reach a wingspan of 7 to 8 cm (the size of a human palm) and is recognizable by its white stripe which runs along its body. She is able to walk on water and dive to hunt her prey.
Be aware, however, that despite their large size, swamp spiders are completely harmless to humans. And they don't even enter houses, since they only live in marshes.
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