New tarantula species in Cuba faces extinction threat
Scientists have discovered a new species of tarantula in Cuba, which is threatened with extinction. This spider is found only in the Viñales municipality in the west of the island.
An international team of scientists has made this discovery. Unfortunately, the species, known as Trichopelma grande, is at risk of extinction. It is found exclusively in the Viñales municipality west of the island. Research on this species continued until January 2025, revealing that it inhabits only the Viñales Nature Park area.
The first specimen of Trichopelma grande was discovered sixteen years ago, but it was not until 2024 that biologists confirmed it as a separate species. In an article published in the "Journal of Natural History," David Ortiz from Masaryk University in Brno and Elier Fonseca from the Cuban Zoological Society confirmed that Trichopelma grande does not belong to the genera Cyrtopholis or Phormictopus. Genetic and morphological analyses indicated that it is a species endemic to the Viñales park.
Trichopelma grande reaches a length of 1 inch and is the largest representative of its genus. It is characterized by dense body hair and legs covered with bristling hair. Scientists emphasize that its sting is "light," and its bite is less painful than a bee sting. This tarantula does not inhabit trees but lives on the ground and in burrows. By January 2025, only four specimens were found, all young males.
Challenges for scientists
As pointed out by "Dime Cuba" magazine, the discovery of Trichopelma grande was delayed due to the threat of this species becoming extinct on one hand, and on the other, the low financial investment in scientific research in Cuba.
The newly discovered species of tarantula from Cuba is an essential part of the region's biodiversity, and its protection is crucial for preserving the unique ecosystem of the Viñales park.
