Qld: Spider hunters poison research, says scientist
An expert says research into Australia's massive, little-known bird-eating spidersis being crippled by their popularity as pets.
The hairy native tarantulas, also known as whistling spiders, can be as big as a handand are poisonous enough to kill a dog or cat.
They are snapped up by pet owners, with suppliers capturing them in the wildernessof Australia's north and west and selling them for up to $250.
But Queensland Museum senior spiders curator ROBERT RAVEN says the pet craze threatensto rob scientists of their chance to study the animals.
Researchers know little about tarantulas, and that won't improve unless they have accessto information about the animals being sold.
Dr RAVEN says removing the spiders from their natural habitat could also disturb delicateecosystems.
AAP RTV jb/sc/ld/rp
KEYWORD: SPIDERS (TOWNSVILLE)
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