The world’s oldest international wildlife conservation organization has added the Psychedelic Earth Tiger tarantula to its list of threatened species to watch for this year.
Fauna & Flora International annually shares 10 species of plants and animals facing existential threats. In 2026, the registered charity listed the Haplocastus devamatha spider — known as the Psychedelic/LSD Earth Tiger or Indian Rainbow Tarantula — alongside nine other unique plants and animals from around the globe.
This list is comprised of the Utila spiny-tailed iguana of Honduras, Mozambique’s Temminck’s pangolin, the Saker Falcon of Central Asia and other at-risk flora and fauna of interest.
The endangered species preservation specialist says it has assembled a team to protect the arachnid and its endangered close cousin: the Cilantica kayi. For the wildlife protection initiative, Fauna and Flora will receive support from its two partners at the Conversation Leadership Programme: BirdLife International and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
The two species face “significant threats, including habitat loss and degradation due to road cutting, expansion and heavy rainfall,” Fauna and Flora explained, “as well as the illegal pet trade.”
“The team is aiming to improve conservation efforts and secure long-term protection for the two tarantulas through field surveys, community engagement and awareness initiatives.”
This spider dazzles viewers with its enchanting metallic iridescence, which shifts between blue, violet, green, and other hues depending on the light. Native to the tropical forests of Kerala in southwestern India, the Psychedelic Earth Tiger burrows deep into the soil and adapts to extreme seasonal changes, including intense heat and heavy monsoons.
Founders of Fauna and Flora — comprised of a group of British aristocrats, colonial administrators, hunters, and influential figures — established the organization in 1903. It now operates in over 40 countries.
The charitable outfit is known to have partnered with local NGOs, governments, communities, businesses, and universities on more than 100 projects. The organization’s focuses include saving endangered species through captive breeding and reintroduction programs, habitat protection and addressing global issues such as deep-sea mining and the illicit wildlife trade more broadly.
Read more: Malaysia deploys AI-integrated camera traps and drones to combat poachers
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