IUCN COMMISSION GROUP

IUCN SSC Spider and Scorpion Specialist Group

Overview and description

Description:: Spiders and Scorpions are the best - known groups of a remarkably diverse class of arthropods, the arachnids. They are ubiquitous in terrestrial ecosystems, thriving in some of the harshest ...
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Spiders and Scorpions are the best - known groups of a remarkably diverse class of arthropods, the arachnids. They are ubiquitous in terrestrial ecosystems, thriving in some of the harshest environments on earth, from the top of Mount Everest to the deepest caves, from the Arctic tundra to sandy deserts. Despite their global range and crucial role in ecosystems, most species are understudied and the risks for their survival are widely unknown. The aim of this group is to protect all arachnids, as well as their habitats around the world.

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Group leadership

Ms Melissa BUSHELL

Co-Chair

Mr Sergio HENRIQUES

Co-Chair Red List Authority Coordinator

I am the co-chair of the Spider and Scorpion Specialist Group, and I am the Invertebrate Conservation Coordinator of the Global Center for Species Survival at Indianapolis Zoo.

More about the Specialist Group

It is the goal of this group to protect all arachnids around the globe, including their habitats as well. For that reason, we focus on:

Conducting assessments, planning and making decisions about the conservation of arachnids in collaboration with other IUCN task forces, specialist groups, and the Invertebrate Conservation Committee.
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Identify integrated plans and mobilize resources to ...

Specialist Group work

The priority is to assess, plan and act towards arachnid conservation in collaboration with the other IUCN Task Forces, Specialist Groups and the Invertebrate Conservation Committee. Identifying gaps in expertise by taxa and/or region and engaging with the global network of experts.