Once nearly extinct due to wetland loss, the great raft spider is making a major comeback across Europe. Thanks to a breeding and reintroduction program led by England’s Chester Zoo and supported by wetland restoration, more than 10,000 breeding females have been recorded in the U.K. The giant, semiaquatic spider plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems by controlling insect populations. Conservationists see this as a model for similar recovery efforts, with successes also seen in species like beavers and European bison. adapted with permission from Earthweek.com<div></div><br>