A New Tarantula Species Was Discovered In The Chiricahua Mountains, But Its Natural Habitat Is Threatened By Climate Change

Since the spiders are used to the cooler and more humid mountaintops, they, along with organisms that have adapted to a similar environment, will likely go extinct.

According to Brent Hendrixson, a co-lead study author and professor at Millsaps College, the spiders are also threatened by increased development, destructive recreational activities, and wildfires.

Additionally, the tarantulas’ rarity, docile nature, and bright coloring may make them vulnerable targets for the exotic pet trade.

“We must consider the impact that unethical collectors might have on these spiders when determining the threats to this species and the implications for its conservation.”

The Chiricahua Mountains are also home to another species of tarantula, Aphonopelma chiricahua, named after the region. Before the new discovery of A. jacobii, it was thought to be the only tarantula species living in the mountains.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal ZooKeys.