HUMAN THREAT TO TARANTULAS IN BUKIT FRASER

BUKIT FRASER (Malaysia), June 10 (Bernama) -- Tarantulas, which make up one
of the tourist attractions here, are facing extinction unless the Government
takes proactive measures.

This view comes from Bukit Fraser Development Corporation science officer
and tourist guide K. S. Durai who notes that locals sold the arachnid species
and their nests to foreign tourists at RM1,000 each.

He said the creatures were sold to enthusiasts as pets.

"I detected the decrease in the tarantula population since early this year,
while I was relaying information on their habitat to the tourists," Durai told
Bernama when met at the launch of a nature photography contest here.

He said that previously, almost 80 tarantulas could be seen in their nests
but the number was steadily decreasing.

Durai also expressed disappointment that local residents and tourists did
not heed signboards which prohibited catching spiders in the area.

"I hope the Government takes proactive measures to ensure that tarantulas in
Bukit Fraser did not become extinct," he said.
-- BERNAMA