Super-sized spiders that can grow as large as rats and eat fish are making a comeback in the UK after near-extinction. According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), fen raft spiders may become a more regular sight in the future. Historically, these spiders lived in wetlands around the UK, but many of these areas were drained during the industrial revolution.
The species almost disappeared entirely in the 20th century. But following years of conservation work by the RSPB and Chester Zoo, the spiders are said to be thriving. At their lowest numbers, the fen raft spiders were only known to exist in three areas in the UK in 2010.
Now it is thought there are around 10,000 breeding females across the country. And the RSPB says the spider is on track for its best year on record in Norfolk and Suffolk, where almost half the breeding females live. Speaking to ITV , Tim Strudwick - the reserves manager for the RSPB in the mid-Yare valley in Norfolk - said: "We just don’t know how far they are going to spread and that’s what’s exciting - seeing which bits of habitat they take over next.
" He added: "The fen raft spider is one of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and we are proud of the role our reserves and teams have played in its recovery. "These spiders have an important role in maintaining the rich aquatic diversity found in the grazing ditches on our reserves. The females are impressive in size, but also beautiful – they are truly special to see.
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