Rameshwaram Ornamental Tarantula

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica is one of the rarest Poecilotheria in captivity, known only from a tiny area around Rameshwaram Island in Tamil Nadu, India — it is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and listed on CITES Appendix II. Only captive-bred specimens should ever be acquired, and records of provenance should be maintained by keepers. They display attractive grey and yellow patterning similar to other Poecilotheria species. Care follows the standard Poecilotheria protocol: tall arboreal enclosure with flat cork bark retreats, light misting every 2-3 days with strong cross-ventilation, and a ground-level water dish. As with all Poecilotheria, the venom is medically significant — documented bites have caused severe systemic symptoms. Approach with the same extreme caution as P. ornata or P. metallica. Keeping this species is a conservation responsibility; maintaining breeding records is strongly encouraged.