Biodiversity: more than 10% of spiders threatened in France according to a new census

Louise Sallé 06:48, 07 April 2023

Where have the spiders gone? Even if they are not appreciated, spiders are very useful to us... They protect us from diseases carried by mosquitoes, such as dengue, Zika or chikungunya. But according to the French Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, our favorite enemies are threatened.

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Natural insecticides that protect us

These beasts - although sometimes frightening - play a key role in the preservation of ecosystems. These are effective insecticides. "In France, we have more than 1,600 species!" says Christine Rollard, biologist and arachnologist at the National Museum of Natural History.

"So, compared to other European countries, we have very diverse species of mountain, Mediterranean, Atlantic origins...", she lists "And with the impacts that there may be now, we realize that populations are decreasing".

Pollution and global warming

Spiders are thus threatened by humans, who degrade their habitat, especially in grasslands. They are also vulnerable to urban pollution and agricultural pollution via pesticides.

They also fear global warming, which particularly affects mountain species. Even tarantulas are concerned! Like the "tarantula of the Luberon", an endemic species that exists only in France, classified as "critically endangered".

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"You have to learn to live with these roommates!"

The situation could also worsen because of the "bad reputation" we attribute to them. "They suffer from a lack of studies compared to many other zoological groups," says Christine Rollard. "And in our homes, we must learn to have roommates, to promote a normal regulation of biodiversity," she explains.

To save spiders, the most effective solution is to strengthen the protection of their natural environment.