This is why Chester Zoo is calling wasp spider found in Cheshire a 'climate refugee'
Experts say the find shows the species is moving north as climate change shifts habitats.
- Chester Zoo announced yesterday the first recorded sighting of a wasp spider in Cheshire, discovered during a biodiversity survey of the zoo's 205-hectare estate and nicknamed Wendy by staff.
- Wasp spiders are migrating north as their southern European ranges warm too quickly for adaptation, prompting experts to label the species a 'climate refugee' as local biodiversity faces shifting climates.
- Estate Biodiversity Assistant Rosie Cooper spotted the "big, stripey, brightly-coloured" spider while surveying plants; the British Arachnological Society and RECORD subsequently confirmed the discovery.
- Conservationists confirmed the discovery underscores the need to "make space for nature," as the estate provides critical habitats including wet meadows and grasslands supporting diverse wildlife.
- Scott Wilson, head of field programmes at Chester Zoo, said Wendy's arrival reflects a broader trend: "They are moving because of human activity, and we need to make space for them.
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14 Articles
A brightly striped wasp spider has been recorded in Cheshire for the first time; Chester Zoo says the harmless species is moving north as warming reshapes where British wildlife can survive
During a recent biodiversity assessment at Chester Zoo in Cheshire, researchers made an exciting discovery—'Wendy,' a wasp spider. This is the first time this species has been documented in the area, reflecting shifts in wildlife distribution due to climate change. As southern European habitats become less viable, wasp spiders are migrating northward, revealing the transformative effects of environmental changes on British ecosystems.
The species was first found in Cheshire County, on the grounds of the Chester Zoo. Moving north of the wasp spider is linked to rising temperatures and climate change.
Rare wasp spider spotted in Chester Zoo as experts issue ' ...
Daily Mirror
Rare wasp spider spotted in UK county for first time as experts issue warning
Staff at Chester Zoo have nicknamed the spider "Wendy" and say it has been noticed in Cheshire following the rising temperatures during our scorching summer
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