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Akhil Saxena, Lucknow. A positive environmental picture has emerged from the protected forest areas of Uttar Pradesh. The picture is created not by any large wildlife population, but by the increasing diversity of microscopic but extremely important species of creatures like spiders.
A detailed study conducted by the Zoology Department of Lucknow University has made it clear that the ecosystem in the tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries of the state is not only active but is also getting strengthened towards balance.
The study's findings underline that if this microbial diversity persists in protected areas, it will prove to be a strong foundation for long-term environmental sustainability.
For the first time, documentation at this level in Uttar Pradesh has made it clear that the environmental system of the state is getting stronger from within and spiders are the sentinels of this strength.
Between 2021 and 2024, Prof. Under the leadership of Amita Kanojia, researcher Dr. Krutika Rao and her team including Dr. Jyoti Antil, Dr. Prashant Tripathi, Dr. Shivanshu Rathore and Narsingh Mani conducted a comprehensive survey in areas like Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Katarniaghat, Kaimur, Sohagibarwa, Sohailwa and Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary.
During this period, about 100 species of spiders belonging to 67 genera under 19 families were identified. During the research, a total of 543 spiders were collected and microscopically examined, which made it possible to analyze their ecological role.
According to experts, spiders are considered bio-indicator species. Their abundance in an area is evidence that insect availability, vegetation structure, moisture, wetlands and food chain are balanced there.
The presence of 22 species of Araneidae family recorded in the study, as well as rare families, shows that habitat diversity is conserved and external pressure on the natural system is relatively low.
The presence of four major patterns of spider webs – circular web, tangled or irregular web, funnel web and sheet web – suggests that their adaptation to different environmental conditions is strong.
Some species make webs in the evening, hunt insects throughout the night and destroy them in the morning, indicating the activation of natural control mechanisms. It plays an important role in keeping insect populations balanced, thereby indirectly protecting crops and vegetation.
This is how 543 spiders were discovered
Kritika told that to study spiders, she surveyed the sanctuaries in the morning and night. First of all it was seen where and in what condition the spiders were.
As if she was hunting or among webs or wood. Their photographs were taken and they were collected in a jar. The research found 543 spiders. These were brought to the university lab and examined under a microscope.
Viewed according to family and species in different jars. Six to eight eyes are found in spiders. The pattern of eyes on top of their heads revealed the family.
Rare species also found
According to the research the Araneidae family was the richest in terms of species diversity, comprising 12 genera and 22 species. Families with low species diversity such as Sparassidae (9%), Hersylidae (7%) and Pholcidae (6%) are important for maintaining ecological balance.
Some families (Corinidae, Dinopidae, Erecidae, Philodromidae, Pisauridae, Therididae and Trachelidae) contained only one species (1%), indicating that these families are either rare or found in their particular habitat.
That's why spiders are special for the environment-
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