A new and previously unknown species of spider has been discovered in Arava Region in Israel, amongst the sand dunes of the Sands of Samar, by a team of scientists from the Department of Biology in the University of Haifa-Oranim.

The spider named, Cerbalus aravensis, is being said to be the biggest spider that can be found in that particular region of Middle East. However, the researchers have revealed that these seem to be on the verge of becoming extinct.

The researchers claim that the leg of this spider could be as long as 14 cms and they have been detected to be nocturnal in nature. Also they have discovered that this spider is the most active during the hottest months and that it builds and lives in an underground den.

n addition, they cite the presence of other undiscovered species. However, no more information is known at this point of time.

The species’ existence is even more jeopardized accounting to the fact that soon mining projects could start in the area. Already the 7 square KMs of the dunes that extended in the region earlier, has now been reduced to just 3 square Kms.

Dr. Shanas said that if the “few habitats are not preserved; the remaining species could become extinct before discovery”.