Source : The Star, Malaysia, 07 Apr '05
By : Jane Ritikos
  

In addition, it also wants studies to be conducted on other reptiles and insects to identify those that are under threat of extinction so that they can be protected.

Minister Datuk Seri Adenan Satem said the ministry would include the species of tarantulas, which were considered unique, endangered and endemic to certain parts in the country, in the schedule in the Protection of Wildlife Act 1972.

Adenan said the species were namely the Coremiocnemis spp – which comprises a species that has yet to be described and believed to be endemic to Fraser’s Hill and the Coremiocnemis valida that is endemic to Cameron Highlands; the trap-door spider called Liphistius malayanus; and the rarest and largest species of tarantulas – the Cyriopogapus thorelli.

“Once you declare them as protected species there will be control on their movement. I am in favour of protecting these unique species of spiders to prohibit their trade.

“Later, we might ask that they be placed under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species,” he said after being briefed by independent researcher Stephen Hogg.

Adenan said the Department of Wildlife and National Parks would work closely with Hogg and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to determine where all the other nine species of tarantulas were endemic to and if they needed to be protected.

Hogg had recently highlighted that unique species of tarantulas in the country were being sold by international traders as they were not protected under the law.

The WWF consultant said tarantula species believed to be found only in Malaysia were being sold through websites claiming they could be legally and easily obtained.

He said the Coremiocnemis spp was under threat as they was internationally sought after.

Hogg revealed that the Cyriopogapus thorelli, which measures about 23cm in length, was a major prize for collectors while the Liphistius malayanus, which has remained unchanged since four million years ago, was also being exported.