The rare Nelson cave spider is making a comeback: The population of this huge arachnid is gradually increasing
Our eight-legged friend, the Nelson cave spider, is making a big comeback in terms of numbers.
You and the Nelson cave spider (Spelungula cavernicola) have more in common than you might think. Just like yourself, the Nelson cave spider likes “solitude and a bit of peace and quiet”, according to scientists, and you can’t argue with that.
OK, the similarities probably end there, but you’ve got to start somewhere.
Anyway, the aforementioned arachnid, which has leg spans of up to 13 cm and bodies measuring around 3 cm, lives on New Zealand’s South Island, and is listed as critically endangered.
Cave spiders ‘don’t like large creatures such as humans’
However, despite the red warning, the species has begun to thrive following a cave closure that has kept humans away. Located in “Crazy Paving Cave” near Nelson, the large yet fragile species - New Zealand’s largest native spider - was once in steep decline due to heavy visitor traffic constantly shining their flashlights on the nervous critters, disturbing breeding cycles.
And so, in 2022, authorities shut the cave to tourists after annual surveys recorded an alarming average of just eight spiders roaming the walls.
Three years later, the strategy appears to be paying off. Monitoring in 2025 revealed an average of 33 spiders alongside evidence of successful reproduction with web sacs hanging from the cave ceiling.
Senior Ranger Scott Freeman said “the cave has a low ceiling, and it’s quite small, so people get close to the spiders, which don’t like large creatures such as humans wandering round. We have proven in many parts of the country that when we remove or manage the threats, restore habitats or modify how we use or interact with nature, it comes back, and we can see that here with the spiders.”
He also hinted at the unique species’ potential to provide the key to an eight-legged mystery: “They may be the missing link between primitive and modern spiders,” he said.
DOC Ranger Sebastian Doak told Yahoo that “they sit in ambush pose, and as long as you don’t disturb them they remain pretty still. If you were to disturb them they could run pretty fast, but we’re pretty cautious not to.”
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment