Chester Zoo's Fen Raft Spider Project Achieves Record Breeding Success

Thousands of giant spiders, once near extinction, now thrive in UK wetlands thanks to conservation efforts.

Chester Zoo and the RSPB's decade-long conservation project has led to a significant increase in the Fen Raft spider population.
More than 10,000 breeding female spiders have been recorded, marking the largest mating season on record for the species.
The spiders, which can grow to the size of a human hand, play a crucial role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems in protected UK wetlands.
The Fen Raft spider, identified by its distinctive white stripe, was nearly extinct due to habitat destruction before the conservation project began.
Despite sensational media reports, these spiders are not a threat to humans and remain confined to specific wetland habitats.