30 new spider species found in China

Chinese scientists have discovered 30 new spider species in the depths of the Xishuangbanna tropical rain forests, situated in the southern part of Yunnan province with the Lancang (Mekong) river flowing through it.

The researchers believe that new findings constitute just a minor share of what is yet to be found in this biodiversity hotspot.

Using multiple collecting methods they have been collecting samples in an area called Huludao since 2006.

"The amazing biological diversity we have witnessed during our work on spiders in Huladao is perhaps only a part of what Xishuangbanna tropical rain forests hold," said Shuqiang Li from Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Covering only about 200 hectare of Xishuangbanna, the Huludao area has yielded a collection of approximately 700 spider species till now.

There are still around 100 new spider species to be published soon, Li said.

Xishuangbanna is well-known for its rich biodiversity and is one of the few places in China that still maintains large tracts of tropical rain forest.

The study was published in the journal ZooKeys.