When did spider derby or fighting start? Kuya Kim answers

Spider derby has long been a known game between the arachnids, but when exactly did it start?

On Monday’s “24 Oras,” Kuya Kim said it started in the 16th century and grew popular among those in Kagoshima, Japan. They called it Kumo Gassen.

Derby is the spiders’ own version of humans’ boxing. To start, two are placed on each end of a stick then they would meet in the middle to fight. The first one to fall loses.

While one is eventually going to fall, spiders actually have tight grips which allows them to hang for long periods of time. This is because of their 620,000 hairs, which have triangle-shaped tips called setules.

Although derby is common, veterinarian Dr. Esteven Roledo from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said this is actually prohibited.

This is based on Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

“Pinagbabawal yung collection ng wildlife without a permit from DENR. Spiders are also considered as wildlife regardless kung endangered siya or hindi. Ayon sa batas, hindi inaallow ang spider derby.”

("Collection of wildlife is prohibited without a permit from the DENR. Spiders are also considered as wildlife regardless if they're endangered or not. According to law, spider derby is not allowed." -Franchesca Viernes/NB, GMA News