South Middlesex Times

José Ramírez-Garofalo, a doctoral candidate at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, has spent the last decade studying environmental changes in the tri-state metropolitan area. His work involves tracking new species and understanding how climate change affects their geographical distribution.

Ramírez-Garofalo focuses on the Joro spider, an arachnid native to Japan now moving up the U.S. East Coast. The closest sightings to New Jersey have been documented in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He states that "Joro spiders could show up in New Jersey at any time," though it is more likely that current sightings are native orb weaver spiders.

Discussing the Joro spider's movement, he highlights its ability to disperse by using webs to drift with the wind. Although they can hitch rides on cars, this ballooning method offers a significant research opportunity.

The Joro spider is not considered dangerous to humans despite its intimidating appearance. Its movement is not directly linked to climate change but warmer temperatures may aid its persistence in new areas.

Ramírez-Garofalo conducts his research through field observations and data analysis using supervised learning algorithms. He collaborates with institutions like Rutgers and Cornell Lab of Ornithology and leads the Freshkills Biological Station in New York City, focusing on conservation efforts in temperate grasslands across former landfill sites.