Chester Zoo's Fen Raft Spider Revival Success

The Fen Raft spider, a species once on the brink of extinction, has experienced a significant resurgence in the UK due to conservation efforts by Chester Zoo and the RSPB. Over the past decade, thousands of these spiders were bred and released into the wild, leading to a record number of over 10,000 breeding females, marking the largest mating season on record. These spiders, which can grow to the size of a human hand, play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems and are harmless to humans despite their intimidating size. They are semi-aquatic, capable of running on water surfaces to hunt prey such as other spiders, insects, and even small fish. The successful conservation program involved breeding the spiders in a bio-secure facility and restoring their natural wetland habitats. Though some have ventured into human homes, the spiders remain an essential part of maintaining ecological balance.