A Gujarat-based researcher Dhruv Prajapati and Mumbai-based Researcher Rajesh Sanap and team have discovered two species of spider in Maharashtra. One of the species was discovered from Thane and is also found in Aarey Milk Colony. It has been named Phintella cholkei. Another spider discovered from Thane has been named Icius tukarami, after slain policeman Tukaram Ombale, the cop who helped capture terrorist Ajmal Kasab alive.

People working in the field of wildlife conservation have welcomed the discovery. The discovery also points to the rich biodiversity found in Aarey colony and in Maharashtra.