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This is why Chester Zoo is calling wasp spider found in Cheshire a 'climate refugee'
Experts say the find shows the species is moving north as climate change shifts habitats.
- Chester Zoo announced yesterday the first recorded sighting of a wasp spider in Cheshire, discovered during a biodiversity survey of the zoo's 205-hectare estate and nicknamed Wendy by staff.
- Wasp spiders are migrating north as their southern European ranges warm too quickly for adaptation, prompting experts to label the species a 'climate refugee' as local biodiversity faces shifting climates.
- Estate Biodiversity Assistant Rosie Cooper spotted the "big, stripey, brightly-coloured" spider while surveying plants; the British Arachnological Society and RECORD subsequently confirmed the discovery.
- Conservationists confirmed the discovery underscores the need to "make space for nature," as the estate provides critical habitats including wet meadows and grasslands supporting diverse wildlife.
- Scott Wilson, head of field programmes at Chester Zoo, said Wendy's arrival reflects a broader trend: "They are moving because of human activity, and we need to make space for them.
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12 Articles
The species was first found in Cheshire County, on the grounds of the Chester Zoo. Moving north of the wasp spider is linked to rising temperatures and climate change.
·Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Rare wasp spider spotted in Chester Zoo as experts issue ' ...
·Chadderton, United Kingdom
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Daily Mirror+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Rare wasp spider spotted in UK county for first time as experts issue warning
Staff at Chester Zoo have nicknamed the spider "Wendy" and say it has been noticed in Cheshire following the rising temperatures during our scorching summer
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution73% Center
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources are Center
73% Center
C 73%
R 18%
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