|
Conserving spider's habitat |
|
|
|
 What is so important about conserving spiders and their habitat?
Spiders are an important and interesting part of nature playing an
important role in the food chain Their webs are wonders of natural
architecture. They have major ecological and agricultural roles as
killers of insects. Both their venom and silk are being used in medical
research (stroke treatment), pest control (insect specific pesticides)
and fibre technology (transgenic bio-silk production).
In many parts of Australia, the population of spiders are threatened
because of habitat degradation and descruction. Conserving habitat not
only saves spiders, but allows the communities of plants and animals to
live, improving biodiversity. Habitat conservation is an essential
element of maintaining sustainable ecosystems.
Remnant patches of bushland serve as important habitats for spiders in
rural areas. Grazing sheep and cattle damage vegetation and trample the
ground, destroying ground dwelling spiders and making the soil too hard
for some spiders to dig their burrows.
Many different spiders live alongside humans in our homes, amongst the
nooks and crannies of houses, sheds and gardens. They are beneficial to
have around as they serve as a natural insect control against files and
mosquitoes. People are often terrified at the sight of a spider, but
very few are dangerous or aggressive. REF 7
|
|
