The horseshoe whip snakes spreading across the island are non-venomous but can reach nearly two metres in length. The best method of controlling them is via traps, which use live mice as bait. These mice are placed in a separate compartment to keep them safe, and require regular feeding and watering. It’s important to note, however, that there are no known examples anywhere in the world of the eradication of an invasive snake population from an area larger than one hectare.
Therefore, instead of investing in mass trapping, IbizaPreservation’s project, Protegim Ses Sargantanes (“Let’s protect our lizards” in Catalán) focuses on safeguarding individual populations of lizards in specific places. These include protected areas with high biodiversity value, such as Ses Salines Natural Park and Ses Feixes wetlands, farmlands where lizards act as a natural pest control, and urban areas through the placement of sanctuaries in hotel gardens.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Podarcis pityusensis, as the species is called, is endemic to Ibiza and Formentera and has been present on the islands since before the first humans arrived 4,000 years ago.
• Due to the scarcity of resources, it has adapted to become omnivorous, its diet now including vegetation such as pollen, nectar, seeds and small fruits. As such, it plays a key role in the local ecosystem as a seed disperser.
• Besides inhabiting Ibiza and Formentera, the Ibiza wall lizard is also found on more than 40 nearby islets.
• They can vary hugely in colour. Those that inhabit the islets near Santa Eulalia are distinctive due to the reddish or orange colour on their bellies, while those found on the Ses Bledes archipelago off the west coast of Ibiza are almost black.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
• If you see a snake, call 112 or use the Línea Verde app to report it.
• If you own land, place traps to help stop the spread of snakes.
• Volunteer with local organisations such as GEN-GOB or Amics de la Terra to help distribute and maintain traps.
• Prevent the accidental introduction of snakes or other invasive species by avoiding the importation of non-native plants or trees and favouring autochthonous varieties.
Find out more about IbizaPreservation’s work by going to ibizapreservation.org or following the foundation on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn or X.
