Pawan Kalyan post puts spotlight on critically endangered peacock tarantula as survey begins

A scientific survey to map the population and habitat of the critically endangered Peacock Tarantula has begun in the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh.

The effort follows renewed public attention on the species after Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan highlighted it in an Instagram post, calling the Peacock Tarantula “a rare jewel of the Eastern Ghats… finally getting the attention it deserves.”

The Peacock Tarantula, or Poecilotheria metallica, is known for its striking electric-blue coloration. Endemic to a small forest patch in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, it is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Experts say the spider faces severe threats from habitat loss and its extremely restricted range, making it one of India’s most visually stunning yet least-known arachnids. The survey aims to assess current numbers and map critical habitat within the tiger reserve, providing data to guide future conservation measures for the species.