“Despite the south west of WA being a biodiversity hotspot, there are no protections for newly discovered species, let alone the many hundreds, potentially thousands, of unique species that remain undiscovered and unnamed,” he said.
“Allowing the only known population of this species to be wiped out for more treeless urban sprawl is an appalling and bizarre dereliction of duty by the state government.”
The maratus yanchep.Credit: Michael Lun Photography
A Peet spokesman did not respond when WAtoday asked if it would take measures to protect the spider as the 80 hectare, 1000 lot Elavale housing estate moved closer to the ocean.
The unusual spider was discovered by wildlife photographers Nick Volpe and his partner Lucyna Kania, and their friend Reef Coakley.
“The fact we cannot protect our native short-range endemic species from potential extinction due to its discovery after ministerial approval, proves we have truly failed our fragile and unique wildlife,” said Coakley.
Volpe said there was a lack of funding Australia wide for the study of invertebrates.
“It is often very difficult to even describe new species let alone learn about their habitat requirements and how vulnerable they are,” he said.
“One only has to look at a map of Perth and see all the coastal habitat has already been cleared for development.
“We have definitely already lost species of invertebrates to extinction and the beautiful and charismatic Maratus yanchep will face a similar fate.”
Year 12 student and photographer Michael Lun took incredible first-of-their kind images of the male spider performing its courtship dance, and collected specimens for the species to be described by scientists.
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He said it was concerning the minister was not willing to even consider protecting the newly discovered species.
“The lack of consideration for protecting this species could have significant ecological consequences,” he said.
“It’s essential to advocate for the conservation of such rare and vulnerable species to maintain the balance of our ecosystems.”
