Rediscovery of the endangered spider tarantula Poecilotheria Formosa from Sri Lankamalleswara reserve forest - Southern Andhra Pradesh - India
Keywords:
Poecilotheria formosa, sri lankamalleswara reserve forest, kadapa, andhra pradeshAbstract
Poecilotheria formosa is a species of tarantula, commonly known as the saleem ornamental, beautiful parachute spider or finely formed parachute spider. The genus Formosa is known to occur only in India and Sri Lanka. The genus is represented by 8 species in India and 7 in Sri Lanka. Since August 2013 onwards, we are carrying out a detailed biodiversity inventory of the Sri Lankamalleswara reserve forest (Area- 464.42 km2 (179.31 sq mi) & 14°36′N 78°53′E), Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. During one of our biodiversity surveys, we sighted a dead specimen of Theraphosid spider in Nethyapujakona, forest complex (14°28′-14.47°N) of Sri Lankamalleswara reserve forest on 16th June 2017 and we sighted a live same specimen in Siddavotam north beat (Kadapa Range), Nethyapujakona forest, part of Sri Lankamalleswara reserve forest on 19th July 2017. Poecilotheria formosa is ranked by the IUCN as Critically Endangered (IUCN 2008). Further research with reference to ecology, threats, and conservation of biodiversity in the area is in progress. So far, many rare species recorded in this area, the present record reveal that the area is very rich in biodiversity and there is an urgent need to adopt conservation policies.
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