A disturbingly large yet harmless spider, known as the fen raft spider, is making an extraordinary recovery in the UK. Known for its rat-like size and preference for fish-based meals, this seemingly nightmare-inducing spider is actually proving to be an incredible success story for conservation efforts.
As of 2010, the fen raft spider was on the verge of vanishing due to the significant loss of its preferred wetland habitats. However, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) highlights that this species seems to be having its best year since 2012. This resurgence is largely due to concerted efforts by ecologists who began reintroducing the spider into restored fenlands in southern England.
According to RSPB records, the number of stable fen raft spider populations in England has quadrupled, increasing from three in 2010 to twelve currently. Estimated at 3,750, the female fen raft spider population has also seen significant growth.
Despite their intimidating size, fen raft spiders pose no threat to humans. In their natural habitat, these spiders feed on insects, tadpoles, and fish. Even one of the ecologists involved in the project is a self-confessed arachnophobe. Nevertheless, Tim Strudwick, the RSPB’s reserves manager for Mid Yare Valley, Norfolk, expresses immense satisfaction at the successful recovery of the fen raft spider population.
Strudwick notes, “It is a great story to tell. Go back ten years or more and there hadn’t been many translocations of invertebrates and most of them had been failures. It’s great to see one that is really succeeding.”
Image Credits: Matt Wilkinson for RSPB Images and Jorge Fernandez Salas.
