A checklist of the spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) of Tierberg Long Term Ecological Research site, Prince Albert, Western Cape, South Africa

Surveys undertaken at Tierberg Karoo Research Centre, now known as Tierberg Long Term Ecological Research site near Prince Albert in the Western Cape, are reported on here. The plains landscape is characterised by circular biogenic patches 15–20 m in diameter, known as “heuweltjies”. These are over-dispersed at a density of 2.2/ha and overlie the subterranean nest of the termite Microhodotermes viator. The first annotated species list of spiders sampled from 1988 to 1990 is presented. A total of 103 species from 76 genera and 32 families were recorded. The most species-rich families are the Gnaphosidae (25 spp.), Salticidae (8 spp.), Lycosidae (7 spp.) and Zodariidae (6 spp.). The conservation status and level of endemicity based on their known distribution are provided for each species, as well as termite associations. Seven species are recognised as new