Discovery of a New Spider Raises Concern for Preservation

NEW SPECIES: Researchers in Israel calls for preservation of the habitat of the newly discovered spider Cerbalus aravensis. (Yael Olek/The University of Haifa)

Scientists from Israel’s Haifa University at Oranim have discovered a new species of spider in the Sands of Samar in the Israeli territory of the southern Arava region.

The spider, named Cerbalus aravensis, has a leg span of up to 14 cm (5.5 in.). The spiders are active at night and during hot months, and live in underground dens that they construct. They glue sand particles together to make “lifting doors” for the dens.

Scientists are yet to perform a full analysis of the spider’s biology and estimate its population. Due to the sands being rezoned for agriculture and sand quarries, the spider’s habitat is endangered.

Dr. Uri Shanas, head of the research team, said the Israel Land Administration’s plan to renew mining projects in the Sands of Samar will impact the spider, and called for preservation of the area.

“The new discovery shows how much we still have to investigate, and that there are likely to be many more species that are unknown to us. If we do not preserve the few habitats that remain for these species, they will become extinct before we can even discover them,” he said in a press release.