Goliath birdeater tarantulas are the world largest spiders by mass, found in South American rainforests. Collection for the pet trade from wild populations is a welfare concern for a species with complex environmental requirements.
Goliath birdeater tarantulas captured from the wild for the pet trade experience transport stress under conditions that rarely meet their specific environmental requirements. Mortality during transport and in early captivity from inappropriate conditions is common. While the sentience of spiders is uncertain, the scale of welfare harm from inappropriate captive conditions warrants consideration. Captive-bred individuals from specialist breeders represent a preferable welfare outcome.