Taking action to prevent the extinction of the critically endangered Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

$25,850

raised of

$37,500

Assassin spiders, an ancient lineage that dates back over 40 million years to the Mesozoic era, once shared the planet with dinosaurs. Their name, earned through their ruthless hunting of other spiders, reflects their predatory prowess.

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider is no ordinary arachnid. This critically endangered beast boasts a fearsome presence with a body that can stretch up to 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) and legs that span nearly 8 centimeters (around 3 inches). Its dark, rugged exterior and long, spiny limbs give it a menacing look. Hidden in the leaf litter of its remote island home, this spider is a formidable predator, striking terror into the hearts of its insect prey. But with its habitat under threat and its numbers dwindling, the survival of this eerie giant hangs in the balance.

The catastrophic bushfires of 2019/2020 raised concerns about the survival of this unique species, which is native to the north-western part of Kangaroo Island. Yet, in a surprising turn, individuals were found outside their known habitat after the fires, offering a flicker of hope for their continued existence.

Photo and video credit: Dr Jess Marsh

EPBC:

Critically Endangered

IUCN:

Critically Endangered

Threats:

Genetic Diversity
Habitat Degradation
Fire
Invasive Species

Project Location:
Kangaroo Island, SA

SA

The Project

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider (Zepyrarchaea austini) is only found in north west Kangaroo Island and was devastatingly impacted by the 2019-2020 fires, with the only site it was known from burnt at high severity. Post-fire surveys were successful in locating the species and it is now only known from two sites, around 4 km from the previously known site. These sites are in the largest remaining patch of long unburnt vegetation in north west KI and are around 2.4 km apart from each other, along the same creekline and connected by contiguous vegetation. Although there is still a lot of ground to cover and survey effort needed, we have so far been unable to detect the species elsewhere.

The potential for a fire catastrophically impacting the species is exceptionally high. In order to inform potential future conservation efforts, such as in situ or ex situ conservation, it is essential we gather information to better understand the species range and critical habitat, and the threats that are impacting it.

The proposed project team will be led by the leading expert on the Kangaroo Island Assassin spider, Dr Jess Marsh and will be supported by a highly experienced field team. In addition, Dr Michael Rix, Queensland Museum, who described the species will assist in some surveys.

Intensive field surveys of suitable habitat for the KI assassin spider will be undertaken for one month. These surveys will support previous work and provide us with a better idea of the species’ range in order to allow conservation planning and implementation and to reduce the extinction risk for the species.  

The Kangaroo Island Assassin Spider plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance by regulating other species populations. Yet, with a small, fragile population, they face significant risks from low genetic diversity, habitat loss, and the ever-present threat of fire. Preserving this ancient species is crucial to maintaining the delicate equilibrium of Kangaroo Island's ecosystem.

Partners

  • The total project fund is $52,800. Funding is in partnership with AEGN members.

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