Golden brown baboon spider relocation

8/9/2019 Golden brown baboon spider relocation

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Developing a technique for the relocation of the

Golden brown baboon spider,Augacephalus

breyeri andAugacephalus junodi.

J. Thompson, October 2010

Abstract

The species of Golden brown baboon spider, Augacephalus breyeri is threatened by human

settlement in its habitat. If the spider can be successfully relocated to another artificially created

burrow, then the survival rate of displaced spiders can be increased. To initiate research in this

direction, a rudimentary study was conducted in which specimens of Augacephalus junodi are

relocated to artificially created burrows. The burrows are created by digging a trench, placing a mould

for the burrow, and then compacting the original soil over the burrow mould. The moulds are then

removed, the chamber at the base of the burrow excavated and the spider introduced from the bottom

of the burrow. The burrow is closed off on both sides while the remainder of the trench is filled in and

compacted. The burrow is opened up and covered with a cage and monitored. It was found that the

Golden brown baboon spider readily accepts an artificial burrow in the vicinity of the original burrow,

as evidenced by it lining the opening of the burrow with web, and maintaining the burrow. This

technique would be very useful in relocating specimens that have their burrow in a threatened

position, such as in the construction site or the pathway of a road. Since the Golden brown baboon

spider is a protected arachnid, this technique should be employed to safely relocate a spider that may

be threatened.


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Introduction

1.1 Background to the research

Augacephalus breyeri (Hewitt, 1919) are rare baboon spiders that are threatened by human

development inside conserved areas as well as in non-conserved areas, particularly by the

development of new housing and roads. This is partly due to the fact that they nest in open ground-

based burrows amongst the grass polls and can not generally retreat to trees, boulders or large

barriers in the construction process. Given thatA. breyeriis found in a relatively small geographic area

in South Africa, it is imperative that the spider is not wiped out by development in non conservation

areas.

According to the SANParks discussion forum (2006), the golden-brown baboon spider,Augacephalus

junodi (Simon, 1904) occurs from north-eastern South Africa northwards to Ethiopia. Dippenaar-

Schoeman (2002), states that A. junodi occurs in the Northern and Eastern parts of South Africa,

Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Less is known about A. breyeri. Strydom (2010 pers. com)

however suggests that A. breyeri possibly only occurs within a possible 300-400km radius of

Hoedspruit.

When Golden brown baboon spiders are displaced from their burrows, they are very vulnerable and

are often killed. Gallon (2009) suggests however, that baboon spiders in general could take to human

made burrows in the vicinity of their original burrow. He states that the baboon spiders should beplaced in burrows that are at least 30cm deep and this should be done in the morning, since they

leave their burrows nocturnally. He also suggests that the new burrows are wet so as to prevent them

from collapsing. There does not seem to be documented evidence that golden brown baboon spiders

relocate easily. Male spiders are nomadic in the breeding season, but for the remainder of the time,

from juvenile to maturity, live in a burrow, and are therefore in the same risk category as the females.

A. junodi males are small (1.5cm body length) and only live for approximately 6 months after maturity

(SANParks discussion forum, 2006). They die naturally approximately 6 months after mating.

Gildenhuys (2010 pers. com) however asserts that these figures could be revised; Males liveapproximately 6 -12 months after mating if they are not eaten by the female at the time of mating.

The females only reach reproductive maturity after 15 years (Strydom, 2010 pers. com) and live up to

25 years. Gildenhuys (2010 pers. com), however states that it is possible that sexual maturity could be

reached at 3 years. The SANParks discussion forum (2006), however states that the Golden brown

baboon spider reaches sexual maturity after approximately 7-10 years. The late onset of reproduction


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poses a problem because the longer the time before reproductive maturity, the larger the number of

individuals that do not reach reproductive age.

If the correct physical conditions for the burrow can be re-created thenA. breyeriandA. junodican be

relocated successfully. The successful relocation of A. junodiwill be taken as a firm indicator thatA.

breyeri can also be successfully relocated. This means that spiders that are removed from building

sites can indeed be successfully re-introduced to the wild, ensuring the continuation of the species

amidst rapid human expansion.

1.2 Research problem

A. breyeriis a fairly rare spider and is threatened by human development in its habitat. If the spiders

first burrow is destroyed, it no longer has the safety of its own burrow and may be predated. Due to

the relatively small geographic location of A. breyeri, and the ever-increasing destruction of their

burrows through the development of roads and housing, it is important to try and establish a

successful method of relocating the spiders in the same area, but clear of the construction of roads or

houses.

1.3 Research objective

The objective of this research is to establish whether or not A. junodiwould inhabit an artificial burrow

that is created as close as possible to its original location. A. junodi, being the more common of the

two variations of Golden brown baboon spider will be used to determine the success of relocation intoartificial burrows. It will be assumed that relocation success or failure forA. junodiwould be similar for

A. breyeri, and as such, the same technique for the successful relocation ofA. junodican be used for

A. breyeri.

1.4 Conceptual framework

The idea is limited to a qualitative observation of the Golden brown baboon spiders occupation of a

burrow. The scope of this research is limited to answering the question:Wil l golden-brown baboon

spiders occupy a man-made burrow?The exact conditions of the original burrow will not be created,but rather an artificial burrow which is similar to the original burrow, but not an exact replica thereof.

If the burrow is entered, partial success will be assumed, because it is now safe from predators. If the

burrow is lined with silk, then it will be assumed that the spider has permanently occupied the hole and

a successful relocation has taken place.

The burrow will however need to be monitored over a period of time to see if it survives flooding, and if

the female reproduces.


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2. Literature review

Gallon (2002) has transferred the two species; Pterinochilusbreyeri and Pterinochilus junodi into a

new genus called Augacephalus. Both species have marginal differences, but both have prominent

radial carapace striae, hence the name Auga, meaning sun rays and kephale meaning head.

Essentially, the differences identified as species specific in this genus are as follows:

Gallon (2002), Raab (2010) and Gildenhuys (2010 pers. com)

Differences between A. breyeriand A. junodi

A. breyeri A. junodi

Carapace rounded and black with an

orange radial pattern.

Dorsum of abdomen orange/beige.

Setae on sternum and coxae are long

and emergent.

Spermathecae are flattened and

triangular.

Tibial apophysis (mating spur) on

leg1of mature males present.

Setae are either sparse or dense on

the femora of legs 1-2.

Venter on abdomen orange/beige with

a pale transverse band.

Mature males have a body length of

about 4cm.

Carapace elongated and black with a

pale yellow radial pattern.

Dorsum of abdomen dark brown.

Setae on sternum and coxae are not

emergent

Spermathecae are medially

constricted.

Tibial apophysis (mating spur) on

leg1of mature males absent.

Setae are dense on the femora of legs

1-2 and palps.

Venter on abdomen dark brown with a

pale transverse band.

Mature males have a body length of

about 1,5 cm.

Table1: Differences betweenA. breyeriandA. junodi

Very little detailed information on the burrow conditions for A. breyeriandA. junodi could be located,

or on specific relocation techniques.

The literature did however make reference to other spiders from the Theraposidae family, and how

they were maintained in captivity. According to Raab & Wendt (2005), captive spiders need to be

housed in a container that is at least 10-15cm deep. He also indicates that spiders of the subfamily


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Harpactireae in which A. breyeriand A. junodiare found, need a dry climate and that spiders need

assistance in starting a new burrow, since it takes a long time before they start or do not ever start

digging a new burrow. Gildenhuys (2010 pers. com) states that the spider digs a small burrow to

accommodate its small body size when it is a juvenile, and the burrow is expanded slowly, over a

number of years to accommodate the spiders growth. Other conditions necessary for living include

moisture to drink and a day-time temperature of 25-28C. Dippenaar-Schoeman (2002), states that the

spiders use their chelicerae, fangs and pedipalps to excavate the burrows. This method of forming a

burrow is time-consuming and damages the chelicerae (Strydom, 2010 pers. com). Dippenaar-

Schoeman also suggests that the burrows are deep in dry arid areas to avoid the extremely hot

daytime temperatures. Gildenhuys (2010 pers. com) cites surviving cold night-time temperatures as a

reason for deep burrows, as well as escaping flooding while a burrow is draining. Deep burrows are

also likely to make provision for a more temperature-stable environment to over-winter. It is important

for the spider to remain in the burrow as much as possible, for protection from predators (Gildenhuys,

2010 pers. com). A silk rim lines the outside of the burrow to warn the spider of approaching danger or

food, and also to deter the entrance of other insects.


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3. The burrow creation technique

3.1Location of specimens

A target was set to remove 10 Golden brown baboon spiders from their burrows and to relocate them.

Their original burrows of larger specimens were preserved and marked so that the spider could be

returned to its original burrow if the process was unsuccessful. Burrows in threatened sites would also

have the spiders removed. An arrangement was made with a construction company, who has an

interest in conservation, to alert the researcher to potential site clearings for new houses. Three

residential wildlife estates were also contacted and alerted to this project, in the hope that residents

would have discovered a burrow that was in a threatened position and the spider needed to be

relocated.

Finding 10 mature females was not an easy task given the time period available for this project, and

the relocation technique had to be tested with fewer than the target of 10 specimens.

3.2 Extraction of specimens from their original burrows

Mature females were extracted from their burrows in a way that minimised damage to the original

burrow, so that they could be returned to their burrow if the relocation into an artificial burrow was not

successful.

The first stage in the extraction process is to try and coax the spider out. This is done by inserting a

piece of grass into the burrow entrance, down to where the spider is, and trying to get the spider to

grasp the grass with its feet. In this way, the spider may creep up the burrow towards the entrance.

Once the spider is close to the entrance, then a flat object or two stiff pieces of wire are driven through

the soil, through the burrow diameter, below the spider, to prevent it from retreating. Further coaxing

may result in the spider climbing out of the burrow, where it can be gently captured and placed in well

aired holding container.

A further technique may be employed, when using the grass and that is pouring water down the

burrow to simulate natural flooding. The water agitates the spider and forces it to come to the entrance

if the grass does not, while not harming the spider. The burrows are very well drained, and the spider

should not be under water during this process. The water, together with the agitation with a piece of

grass may force the spider to come to the surface.

If both, water and a piece of grass fail, then the only way to remove the spider is to dig to the depth of

the burrow chamber and remove the spider without damaging the burrow entrance. To do this, the

approximate length of the burrow is measured from the centre of the burrow, in the direction of the

chamber. The length of the burrow is estimated by the depth to which the grass moves unhindered


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and the maximum horizontal extent of the burrow should not be more than the depth of the burrow.

Once the correct depth has been attained at the measured distance from the burrow, then a horizontal

excavation towards the chamber should reveal the chamber and the spider. If the spider is re-

introduced to this burrow, following a failed relocation, then the main burrow will still be intact, and she

can repair the chamber in the safety of the burrow.

3.3 Re-location of specimens

Existing burrow moulds from Khamai reptile-park were used to design a burrow that resembles the

actual burrow as closely as possible.

Below are two photographs of a mould made by staff from Khamai Reptile Park from a Golden-brown

baboon spider (probably A.junodi)burrow that was threatened by housing development on a wildlife

estate in Hoedspruit. The spider had been coaxed out of its burrow with water and by inserting a soft

piece of grass that the spider held onto.

According to Gildenhuys (2010 pers. com), spiders that are removed from their burrow and are caring

for eggs or have recently moulted, should be returned to their original burrow and other specimens

sought. Recently moulted adults can easily be injured, and females caring for eggs should not be

stressed by relocation. Recently moulted females could also be kept until their exoskeleton has

hardened and darkened sufficiently (Gildenhuys, 2010 pers. com).

(See Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 overleaf for burrow mould photographs)


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Before the first 15cm of soil is removed, an attempt to measure soil density on the surface is made

using a rudimentary soil compaction technique. This involves dropping an iron ball (shot-put ball) from

1m. The impact hole is measured and recorded. At a depth of 15cm, 30cm and 45cm, the same

technique should be employed. (See Fig. 5.)

The depth of the original burrow should determine the dimensions of the trench that one digs to house

the burrow mould. The above dimensions are typical for a fully grown adult female burrow. The

diameter of the pipe used for the burrow mould would also change according to the diameter of the

entrance of the burrow from which the spider was removed. For the purpose of this investigation, a

PVC pipe was used for the burrow of an adult female, a thick hosepipe was used for an intermediate

female and plastic fish tank air-hose piping was used for juveniles. The depth of the trench also varied.

The larger specimens had deeper burrows of up to 30 to 40cm deep, while the smaller specimens had

burrows that did not go down more than 10cm to 15cm.

The curve of the chamber also varied considerably, with the larger specimens having much more

lateral extent to the burrow, and the juveniles having little or no curve at the bottom of the burrow. The

juvenile burrows also varied considerably in diameter along the length of the burrow. The entrance to

a juvenile burrow is wider than the rest of the access burrow, while in fully grown adults, the entrance

was quite similar in diameter to the rest of the access burrow. In this technique, it is not possible to

emulate all these intricacies, but the spider may modify the tunnel in some way by removing some soil.


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Once the hole has been excavated and the density recordings taken, then the burrow can be created.

To do this, the chamber part is created using a piece of rubberized pipe that is bent into the boot

shape of the burrow. The vertical access tunnel is created using a length of plastic pipe. The

rubberized pipe is inserted into the vertical plastic pipe so that together, they form a J-shape. (See Fig.

6)

Once the trench has been excavated to a depth of approximately 45cm (for adults), then the burrow

mould is placed in position (see Fig.6), with the chamber part of the mould in contact with the partition

board. The trench is partitioned off with a board, and the burrow is created in the one half of the

trench, leaving the other half of the trench, open (See Fig.7). The soil is then systematically returned

to the burrow-side of the trench. The first layer of soil is compacted to close to the correct density over

the bottom of the burrow. Each successive layer is added and compacted until the soil reaches the

surface level of the surrounding soil. After each successive layer has been added, it is watered to

further set the soil around the burrow.

The above photographs show a different type and diameter for the chamber. This design was not used

for all the burrows. Most of the subsequent burrows were made with a single diameter pipe, and the

chamber section excavated by hand once the pipe had been removed.

After giving the burrow two days to dry, it is ready for the spider to be introduced.

Fig.5. Initial excavation and density test Fig. 6. Burrow moulds in place

Density indicator

Burrow mould

Partition board


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When the spider is due to be released, the partition board is removed, exposing the bottom area of the

burrow (See Fig.8).

A small implement such as a spoon is used to dig away soil to the rubber pipe that represents the

chamber area. The rubber pipe is then pulled out and the chamber area excavated further, till

approximately 7-8cm in diameter and approximately 10-14cm deep, for adult spiders (see Fig.9).

The dimensions of the chamber do not seem to need to be exact, as the spider will dig the chamber to

suit its body size.

Fig.7. Burrow moulds in the excavated hole. Fig.8. Partition board removed


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The plastic pipe forming the vertical access tunnel is then removed by pulling it out by hand (See

Fig.7). The burrow is now ready for the spider to be introduced (See Fig.10).

Fig.10. Releasing the spider into the chamber area of the burrow

Fig.9.Excavated chamber area at the base of the burrow


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The external entrance hole is covered with an object to prevent the spider from running out. The

spider is then coaxed into the burrow from the bottom, at the excavated chamber area (see Fig.10).

Once the spider has walked into the burrow, the partition board is then re-inserted closing off the

chamber as well (See Fig 11).

The remainder of the excavated hole is then filled, in the correct order and compacted to the

approximate correct density. The partition board in then removed and the small gap is compacted,

leaving the chamber in tact.

The cover on the entrance hole is left on and the spider cage, (see Fig. 12) is placed over the area

and weighted down with rocks to prevent animals from disturbing it. Any gaps between the soil and the

cage should be covered with soil to prevent other small insects and vertebrates from climbing in under

the cage.

Fig.11. Completed burrow with spider inside

Position of entrance hole


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3.3.2 Spider cage

A cage such as the one photographed below made from shutter-board and shade-cloth (80cm X 80cm

and 10cm high), is placed over the burrow area to prevent the spider from escaping. It is weighted to

the ground with rocks to limit the interference from other small mammals.

Fig.12. Author with the spider cage

The spider is placed in the caged area and observed over a period of days or weeks. The cages are

checked every day and notes taken about the condition of the burrow.

It is assumed that a spider has successfully relocated to a burrow if it spins a web to coat the entrance

of the burrow.


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Following the successful relocation of the spider, the spider cage is left on for at least a week to

monitor it. The spider is fed grasshoppers or crickets in this time, since it is not possible for prey to

enter the cage area. After a week, the cage is removed and the area brush-packed to allow the

disturbed vegetation to re-establish, and to conceal or block access to the entrance burrow (see Fig.

13)

The burrow should ideally be monitored over a period of a year to check if the female breeds and that

the burrow withstands flooding in periods of heavy rain.

Fig.13. Burrow relocation area brush-packed


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4. Results

Table 2: Initial relocation results

Specimen Capture date Burrow

diam.

(mm)

Condition of

spider in

captivity

Release date Time taken to line

the burrow with

web

Removal of cag

and rehabilitatio

of site

Adult (No. 1)

28 April 2010 32 Did not eat atall. (500mlcontainer)

13 May 2010 Cover on for2days.Lined in 2 days.

24 May 2010

Adult (No. 2)

05 May 2010 40 Ate two largelocusts(2000mlcontainer)

22 May 2010 *Cover on for 3days. Dug its ownlined burrowin 3 days.

04 June 2010

Mediumsized (No. 3)

25 June 2010 23 GoodDid not getfood

26 June 2010

Fed 3Grasshoppersin the burrow

Removed thecover on 27 June2010. Unknownwhen burrow waslined.

27 June 2010

Adult (No. 4)

27 June 2010 35 Ate 1 locust(2000mlcontainer

28 June 2010 Did not use acover or spidercage. Unknownwhen burrow waslined.

28 June 2010

Mediumsized (No. 5)

26 June 2010 12 Ate 1 grass-hopper in2000mlcontainer

27 June 2010 No cover onburrow entrance.Burrow lined inone day.

27 June 2010

Juvenile 1(Male)(No. 6)

27 June 2010 14 Releasedimmediatelyinto readyburrow

27 June 2010 No cover onburrow entrance.Burrow lined inone day.

27 June 2010

Juvenile 2(Female)(No. 7)

27 June 2010 12 GoodDid not getfood

28 June 2010

Fed 1 grass -hopper in theburrow

Entrance toburrow covered.Burrow lined inone day.

28 June 2010

* Spider dug its own entrance burrow in the period of three days that the burrow entrance remained covered


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4.1. Discussion of initial results

4.1.1. Adult female no 2

Fig.14 Evidence of adult females excavation ability

The surprise find with this burrow is the following:

The burrow was prepared as in the technique described above. Due to unforeseen

circumstances, the cover was left on the burrow entrance for three days. When the spider cage

was removed, a second hole was discovered. The original moulded burrow was not lined with

silk, but the second hole was lined with silk. The cage was sealed, so there was very littlepossibility of the hole belonging to another spider. When one blew air down the moulded

burrow, the silk around the other burrow vibrated, indicating that the two burrows were

connected at the bottom. One can only assume that the spider felt trapped, as it could not get

out of the entrance to the burrow and so it dug its own tunnel to the surface as a life

preservation strategy. This find was very important, because it was evidence that mature adults

Moulded burrow Spiders own excavation

Position of chamber


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can in fact dig quite successfully. It would have been interesting to have some indication of the

condition of the fangs before and after the excavation. After many days and weeks, the moulded

burrow remained un-lined. A few days after the spider cage was removed and the second

burrow discovered, the spider had spun a cover of silk over the entrance, blocking it off from the

outside. If the cover was tampered with or damaged, it was repaired by the next day.

4.1.2. Adult female no 1

Fig.15. Adult female showing the burrow lined with silk.

This spider relocation was uneventful in that the spider actually lined the entrance of the burrow

while the burrow was covered with a wooden plank. When the spider cage was removed two

days later, the burrow had been lined. The spider was fed down the burrow entrance while the

spider cage was over the burrow. This spider did not eat in captivity. It is possible that perhaps

the 500ml container in which it was housed before its release was too small. This may have had

Burrow lined with silk


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an impact on its behaviour. This was the reason why this specimen was released first. After

unsuccessfully trying to feed it for approximately two weeks, it was decided to release the spider

and hope that it would feed in the burrow. The spider was active in the burrow and regularly

maintained the entrance which was slightly damaged during inspections. The area around this

burrow was cleared too enthusiastically by willing helpers and so had to be extensively brush-

packed with thorn branches and grass to ensure that the bush re-established itself properly

around the burrow over the next two or three seasons. This spider had been seen on another

occasion earlier in the year, with juveniles clambering over her and around the burrow. The

juvenile specimens, No. 1 and No. 2 may have been the offspring of this female, as they were

found within four metres of this females burrow. It would be a very good indication of a

successful relocation if this female was able to reproduce again, in the moulded burrow.

4.1.3. Medium sized female

Fig.16. The un-maintained burrow of the medium-sized female.


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This burrow was located approximately 30m from the extraction position, which was on the edge

of a building site. The burrow was constructed at a lower elevation (approximately 4-5m) and

approximately 10m from a dry river bed. The burrow entrance was not covered, but a spider

cage was used for two days. While in captivity overnight, the spider was not fed and seemed in

excellent condition. The following day, two grasshoppers were dropped into the burrow. Two

days after relocation, another grasshopper was dropped into the burrow. The spider had not

lined the burrow after three days, and was not monitored until six weeks later. The above

photograph, taken on 05 August 2010, approximately six weeks after the introduction of the

spider to the new burrow, indicates that the burrow is not maintained and is more than likely not

inhabited.

4.1.4. Adult female

Fig.17a. The webbed burrow of the mature female.


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technique, and the burrow was completed. The entrance hole was not blocked up. The area

was brush-packed and not disturbed for six weeks.

4.1.5. Small to medium sized female

Fig.18. Relocation showing the burrow lip lined with vegetation and silk.

When attempting to extract this specimen, coaxing it out of the entrance was not successful,

and as such the technique had to be used where the specimen was dug out of its original

burrow, not keeping it in tact. The artificial burrow was prepared in the same way, on the sameday, using a pipe that was much narrower in diameter than the one the pipe that was used for

the adults (See Fig below).


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Fig.19.The plastic pipe used to create the burrows for the smaller specimens

The specimen was kept overnight and fed a small grasshopper, which it ate readily during the

night. The following day, the specimen was relocated into the artificial burrow. A cage was

placed over the burrow area, but no cover was left on the entrance hole. After one night, the

burrow entrance had been lined with leaves and sticks (see Fig.18) and a small amount of silk

towards the top of the burrow. All indications were that the young spider had accepted the

burrow. Only time would tell if the spider remained in the burrow.


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4.1.6. Small male number 1

Fig.20. Small male no. 1 relocation, showing the burrow lip lined with vegetation and silk.

The extraction of this specimen from its original burrow was successful with coaxing it out with a

piece of grass and pouring in some water into the burrow. The young spider was actually

observed at the entrance of its original burrow, before the extraction process, sitting motionless,

perhaps in search of sunlight for warmth, or for early morning prey. The burrow had been

prepared the day before, in anticipation of this specimen and so it could be released

immediately into the artificial burrow. No cover was placed on the entrance hole, and the spider

cage was placed over the burrow area. The following day, the burrow entrance had been

packed with leaves, small grass stalks and some silk.


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4.1.7. Small female number 2

Fig.21. Small female no.2 relocation, showing the burrow lip lined with vegetation and silk.

The coaxing out method for this specimen was not successful and as such, the spider had to be

dug out of its original burrow. The artificial burrow was excavated immediately and prepared.

The hole of the burrow was covered with a small rock after the specimen was released into the

burrow, but removed after the burrow was complete. A spider cage was placed on top of the

burrow area. The following day the entrance to the burrow was lined with leaves, grass stalks

and silk, indicating that the burrow had been accepted


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4.2. Six week monitoring of relocation success

A visual account of the condition of the burrows six weeks after relocation.

Fig.22. Adult Female (No. 1)



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Fig.24. Medium sized Female (No. 3)



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Fig.28. Juvenile 2, (Female) (No. 7)


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5. General discussion of results

Seven Golden brown baboon spiders (A. junodi) were subjects in this project. Of the seven

spiders that were relocated, six spiders were initially monitored on a daily basis after relocation

and one spider was monitored for the first time after six weeks.

All of the seven relocated spiders, except one seemed to accept the burrow within one to three

days. The one spider that did not initially accept the burrow seemed to have abandoned the

burrow when observed at the six week monitoring exercise. The one spider that was only

monitored after six weeks was still in the burrow, as evidenced by the condition of the silk

around the burrow entrance. These results are summarized in the table below.

Table3: Summary of the results for the relocated spiders:

Spider description

Daily

monitoring

after

relocation

Cageused

(days)

Entrancehole

covered

(days)

Days

between

capture

and

release

Days

taken to

line the

burrow

Relocation results

Adult Female.(No. 1)

Yes Yes

(+-21)

Yes

(2 )

16 2 Successful


Yes Yes

(+-14)

Yes

(3)

17 3 Successful

Medium Female.(No. 3)

Yes Yes

(2)

No 1 Unknown Unsuccessful


No No No 1 Unknown Successful

Medium Female.(No. 5)

Yes Yes

(1)

No 1 1 Successful

Juvenile 1. (Male).(No. 6)

Yes Yes

(1)

No Same day 1 Successful

Juvenile 2. (Female).

(No. 7)

Yes Yes

(1)

Yes

(1)

1 1 Successful


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6. Critique of the experimental method

6.1 Finding specimens in the short space of time allocated to this project was difficult. More

spiders should be relocated to add statistical validity to the findings of the project. The current

findings do however support the idea that Golden brown baboon spiders would successfully

inhabit a burrow created in the way described in this project.

6.2 In an attempt to look for different responses by the spiders to the new burrow, some were

covered and others were not. This reduced the number of comparable relocations by

introducing a further variable. This was however in response to the one specimen that dug its

own burrow. It was thought that the spider may have sensed that it was trapped, resulting in it

digging a new burrow.

6.3 It is difficult to compare the successes of different age and sex spiders. It would be more

scientifically sound to obtain a similar group of specimens and to compare their relocation

success. Due to the difficulty in finding specimens, a range of different age spiders had to be

used. There did not seem to be any sign of a definite lack of success in any of the age

categories. The unsuccessful relocation of one medium sized female was countered by the

success of another medium sized female.

6.4 More consistency in the monitoring process would have been preferable in order to gather

accurate data regarding exact times taken to line the burrow.

6.5 The exact orientation of the original burrow, the original burrows exact depth and

dimensions may have been useful to record and recreate. Currently there does not seem to be

any indication that the failure to take note of these data had reduced the success of the project.

Failure to breed or future abandoning, if indeed the burrows are abandoned, may be attributed

to not paying attention to these finer details. Future studies in this direction should possibly take

note of the exact details of the original burrow.


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7. Conclusions

7.1 The results of this research have definitely set the scene for further research in this area. It

can be concluded that there is a good rate of success in relocating Golden brown baboon

spiders into artificial burrows created in the manner described in the project. There are no

obvious factors that indicate that the relocated spiders have not accepted the burrows, or that

the burrows will be abandoned.

7.2 The success rate could possibly be improved on by researching the burrow conditions

further, and attempting to emulate the exact conditions of the original burrow.

7.3 The project has also highlighted the possibility that the capacity to dig in adults is not lost.

7.4 More research in this topic is needed to formalize a conclusion in this regard. The condition

of the adult fangs needs to be monitored before and after an excavation action such as the one

observed in this project, as well as possible behavioural changes post excavation action such

as inactivity and recovery.

7.5 The research has also highlighted some interesting questions regarding the application of

this technique. A question to consider is whether this technique may create the impression that

habitat with resident A. breyeri could still be developed for human habitation because the

spiders could be successfully relocated. This research simply confirms that the successful

relocation of Golden brown baboon spiders is possible, and can be listed among the other tools

for conservation. It is however up to conservation authorities to protect their habitat, using the

existing laws, and decide on a course of action and which tools of conservation should be used

for each situation, based on environmental impact assessments that have been properly carried

out. The ecological impact of relocating a few vulnerable A. junodi, 20 to 50m away from their

original burrow might need to be assessed in terms of the overall ecology of the area, due to

their relative abundance. A. breyeri, on the other hand, due to its scarcity might receive more

urgent consideration. Having a technique such as the one developed in this project is a valuable

tool to use if indeed it is found to be ecologically sound in each specific instance.


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8. References

BRAUN, R. Savanha Construction. http://www.savanhacon.com/news/brown-baboon-spider.html.

(10 April 2010).

DIPPENAAR-SCHOEMAN, A. 2002. Science in Africa. Nov. 2002.

http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2002/november/baboon.htm .(11 April 2010).

GALLON, R.C. 2002. Revision of the African genera Pterinochilus and Eucratoscelus (Araneae,

Theraphosidae, Harpactirinae)with description of two new genera. Bulletin of the British Arachnological

Society 12(5): 201-232.

GALLON, R.C. 2009. Relocation of baboon spiders. SANSA Newsletter,no.10 of 2009 p 6.

HEWITT, J. 1919. Descriptions of new South African Araneae and Solifugae. Annals of the Transvaal

Museum, vol.6, no.3, p 61-111.

RAAB, T. and WENDT. I. 2005. Theraposidae in Africa and the Middle East.

http://www.baboonspiders.de/html_en/behaviour.html .(05 April 2010).

SANParks discussion forum, posted 26 April 2006.http://www.sanparks.org/forums .(08 April 2010)

SIMON, E. 1904. Description de quelques Arachnides nouveaux faisant partie de la collection du

Musee dHistoire naturelle de Geneve. Revue Suisse Zool,vol.12, no.1, p 65-70.

Southern Cross School. 2008. An extension of the technique developed by teachers and pupils at

Southern Cross School, Hoedspruit.

WEST, R. 2008.http://www.birdspiders.com/gallery/photos.php?id=130 .(15 Feb. 2010).

Personal communications:

GILDENHUYS, P. 2010. Personal e-mail (24 May 2010).

STRYDOM, D. Khamai Reptile park, Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Personal

communication (23 Jan, 2010).
http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2002/november/baboon.htmhttp://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2002/november/baboon.htmhttp://www.baboonspiders.de/html_en/behaviour.htmlhttp://www.baboonspiders.de/html_en/behaviour.htmlhttp://www.sanparks.org/forumshttp://www.sanparks.org/forumshttp://www.sanparks.org/forumshttp://www.birdspiders.com/gallery/photos.php?id=130http://www.birdspiders.com/gallery/photos.php?id=130http://www.birdspiders.com/gallery/photos.php?id=130http://www.birdspiders.com/gallery/photos.php?id=130http://www.sanparks.org/forumshttp://www.baboonspiders.de/html_en/behaviour.htmlhttp://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2002/november/baboon.htm


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9. Further reading

Dippenaar-Schoeman, A. S. 2002. Baboon and Trapdoor spiders of Southern Africa: an identification

manual. Plant Protection Research Institute Handbook series no. 13, Agricultural Research Council,

Pretoria. 130pp

Paulsen, M. 1998. Pterinochilus junodi spiderling becomes mature male. Journal of the British

Tarantula Society14:15-22

Smith, A. M. 1990. A revision of the Theraposidae family from Africa and the Middle East. Fitzgerald

Publishing, England 142pp

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Golden brown baboon spider relocation