Overview
- The Forest Department, which announced the effort Thursday, began a conservation-status survey inside the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve to locate and count the Peacock Tarantula.
- The project targets three tasks: map its range, estimate population size, and log site-specific threats so managers can plan targeted protection.
- Officials say no reliable population estimate exists for the species, making basic counts a first step before new safeguards can be chosen or enforced.
- The spider lives in crevices of mature, old-growth trees, so even small losses from logging, firewood collection, or forest degradation can wipe out shelter; illegal capture for the pet trade adds further strain.
- The state is partnering with the Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society, and local reports say Wingham Wildlife Park in the UK will provide technical support to standardise survey methods and improve documentation.