Scientists find a rare species of spider in the United Kingdom. After a long search, the wolf spider, considered extinct in the region, is found.

The encounter of the wolf spider considered extinct

After two years of searching Surrey Wildlife Trust scientist and programme manager Mike Waite has found the wolf spider ( Alopecosa fabrilis Until then considered extinct locally, they found the rare spider in an area where a U.K. military base was being set up, but before that, the last time they saw a specimen of the arachnid in the country was 27 years ago, in 1993.

According to The Guardian, this species is critically endangered, but individuals can still be found in some locations in Europe, such as in the coastal dunes of Denmark and the Netherlands. Thus, Waite speculates the possibility that the species is living "quietly on the coasts of Britain."

The insistent scientist searched in areas where spiders usually hunt, so he scattered aerial photographs in empty areas of the military installation. The encounter with the animal occurred after many nights of searching without success.

The excited researcher commented, "As soon as my torch fell on it, I knew what it was.

Who are wolf spiders?

Also called the great spider fox, this arachnid measures 5 centimeters long, has a gray and brown furry body, and is a nocturnal hunter.

(Wolf spider / Image: © Surrey Wildlife Trust)

Instead of producing webs to attract their prey, they spin silk to line "beds" in their burrows during winter hibernation. These strategies and characteristics justify spider lovers' enthusiasm to see this species of animal.

According to Live Science the researcher told The Guardian, "It's a beautiful spider , if you like that sort of thing.

The conserved area

An extensive Ministry of Defence area in Surrey of thousands of hectares preserves wildlife. The Surrey Wildlife Trust cares for the unspoilt area in order to protect wildlife. The site is great for animals because it is virtually unaltered and is only visited for military training.

Rich Lowey, head of technical services for the Defense Infrastructure Organization, commented, "Overall, the site protects from intensifying agriculture and urban development, so it now provides a vital sanctuary for many of the nation's rarest and most endangered species and habitats." Thus, "many people are unaware of the size and diversity of the Defense property and itsenormous wealth of wildlife."

The encounter site with the wolf spiders is being kept confidential by the researchers for safety. However, the region supports other species of animals, such as butterflies, lizards, snakes and native birds.

Waite's next steps now is to continue exploring the survey to find out the size of the wolf spider population at the site.