• VISHAKHA SUDHAKAR PARKHI
• D.M. GAIDHANE

Abstract Spiders (Order: Araneae) are ecologically important predators and sensitive indicators of habitat disturbance. Forest ecosystems in Gadchiroli district are increasingly affected by anthropogenic activities such as logging, grazing, forest-edge expansion, and human movement, which alter vegetation structure and microhabitats. The present study evaluates the impact of habitat disturbance on spider diversity, abundance, community composition, and functional guild structure in the Mulchera forest region of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Spider sampling was carried out in three habitat categories undisturbed forest interior, forest-edge, and disturbed sites using standardized collection methods including hand-picking, sweep-netting, beating sheets, and leaf-litter extraction. Species richness, diversity indices, and guild composition were compared across habitat types. The results indicate significantly higher species richness and diversity in undisturbed forest interiors, while disturbed habitats showed reduced diversity and dominance of generalist species. Guild analysis revealed a decline in web-building spiders and litter-dwelling guilds in disturbed areas. This study highlights the sensitivity of spider assemblages to habitat disturbance and emphasizes their value as bioindicators for forest health and conservation planning in Gadchiroli district.

Keywords: Spider, Species, Diversity, Ecosystem, Habitat, Gadchiroli, Forest, Maharashtra

"Impact Of Habitat Disturbance On Spider (Araneae) Diversity In Mulchera Forest Region, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no.c296-c300, January-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601235.pdf

"Impact Of Habitat Disturbance On Spider (Araneae) Diversity In Mulchera Forest Region, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no. ppc296-c300, January-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601235.pdf