Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica
CR

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poecilotheria_hanumavilasumica

Overview

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica, also known as the Rameshwaram ornamental, or Rameshwaram parachute spider, is a critically endangered species of tarantula.

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation in the Western Ghats of India. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions from forest clearing for agriculture and urban development. Collection pressure for the international pet trade has further reduced wild populations, while the species' slow reproductive rate hampers recovery efforts.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered tarantula inhabits the tropical evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in southern India, specifically in tree holes and bark crevices of large forest trees. The species requires intact forest canopy and is highly dependent on old-growth forest structures for shelter and prey availability.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica classified as Critically Endangered?
Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation in the Western Ghats of India. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions from forest clearing for agriculture and urban development. Collection pressure for the international pet trade has further reduced wild populations, while the species' slow reproductive rate hampers recovery efforts.
Where does Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica live?
Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica occurs in India, and Sri Lanka. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica?
The main threats to Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica are 12.1, 2.1, 5.1, and 5.1.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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