Abstract

GUERRA-SERRUDO, Fernando; ALIAGA-ROSSEL, Enzo  and  HERRERA-SALAZAR, Natalie. Tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae) from Bolivia and their conservation. Ecología en Bolivia [online]. 2023, vol.58, n.1, pp.37-60.  Epub Apr 31, 2023. ISSN 1605-2528.

Knowledge of the fauna in general in Bolivia is still limited, and research efforts are mainly focused on vertebrates, however, invertebrates make up 90% of the fauna, and despite this, knowledge is deficient. Within the arachnids, the Theraphosidae family, commonly called in Bolivia as Apasankas or globally as Tarantulas. This first contribution of the Theraphosidae of Bolivia includes field surveys at sites with information gaps, and the addition of new species. In this study, 33 species of tarantulas have been identified, including the addition of two new genera for the country. Tarantulas are generalist terrestrial predators that provide ecosystem services; They are sensitive to changes in the environment, specialists in habitat and due to their vagility, they can be considered as indicator species of the ecosystem's health. Therefore, it is not surprising that, due to the diversity of habitats, new records are found in each survey. The consequences of climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, pesticide use, illegal pet trade, and other factors pose serious threats to many species. It is important to continue with studies on this group, giving emphasis to those species that are threatened by illegal trade. Of the tarantulas registered for Bolivia, 45% (n=15) of the species are offered on different internet pages, 53% have high demand, 27% medium and 20% low demand.

Keywords : Apasankas; Migalas; Qampu kusi-kusi; Terrestrial arthropods.

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