In recent days, there has been talk of a large species of spider coming back from extinction as its numbers start to increase. The RSPB has confirmed that there are spiders which can grow up to the size of rats and the population is growing thanks to conservation efforts. The fen raft spider spent centuries in wetlands in the UK but with the Industrial Revolution resulting in many of the species’ habitats being drained, they almost went extinct in the 20th century, ITV News reports.
Now, the species is said to be “thriving in the UK” after years of conservation work by the charity and Chester Zoo. Fen raft spiders starting to appear on the Dyke networks of the Lower Waveney Valley. This one was battling the wind even on this sheltered Dyke line.
@suffolkwildlife @WaveneyCott @BBCCountryfile @HeritageFundM_E @SWTCarltonMarsh pic.twitter.com/pbMh8oGC2W In 2010, the spider was only known to be found in three areas of the UK but now, 10,000 breeding females are estimated to exist across the UK, reports ITV News.
In Norfolk and Suffolk, the spider is expected to have its best year on record, the RSPB said, as nearly half of the breeding females are thought to be there. A project which allowed the fen raft spider to breed was formed in 2010 and it meant that the young spiders could be introduced to suitable habitats. Cantley Marshes, which are RSPB-owned, became the new habitat for the spiders when they were released in 2012.
The spiders spread to other surrounding areas near.