Lizards in Peril
The Hidden Cost of Ibiza's Exotic Gardens
The lizard population is facing a significant threat due to invasive species like snakes. Could you elaborate on the main causes of their decline and the challenges in addressing these threats - and are the reasons still threatening them? How serious is it?
The first sightings of ladder snakes (Hemorrhois hippocrepis) in Ibiza occurred in 2003. These snakes likely entered the island through the importation of large ornamental olive trees from the Iberian Peninsula for gardens and tourist properties. Initially, the authorities did not take action, possibly because the issue seemed minor, compounded by bureaucratic delays.
In 2015, when the local disappearance of lizard populations became evident and public concern grew, the Consell d'Eivissa, along with the Balearic Government (through COFIB), launched a project for snake eradication and control. However, by then, it was already too late. Within just twenty years of the first sightings, the horseshoe snake had spread across nearly the entire island of Eivissa and some nearby islets.
This invasion has led to the extinction of the Pitiüses lizard in more than half of the island's territory. Research has shown that the horseshoe snake has an alarming invasive potential, posing the greatest threat to the survival of the Pitiüses lizard. Environmentalist Elba Montes predicted that, unless the spread of this species was halted, the Pitiüses lizard could face extinction in a few decades.
Recently, the IUCN has classified the species as endangered.
The lizard is deeply tied to the identity of Ibiza. If it becomes extinct, what do you think will be lost culturally and symbolically for the island?
The threat of extinction for the Ibizan wall lizard is not only a severe environmental issue but also a loss of our most iconic animal. The lizard is a true symbol of the Pitiüses, representing a vital part of the island's cultural and natural heritage.
What actions are currently being taken or need to be taken to ensure the survival of the Ibizan wall lizard or is it too late? How can local, families, residents and visitors contribute to preserving this vital part of Ibiza's biodiversity?
Since 2015, various efforts have been initiated by the Consell d'Eivissa and the Balearic Government, through COFIB, to control and eradicate invasive snake species. Additionally, multiple initiatives have emerged, drawing significant public attention to the issue. One such initiative, led by biologist Antonia Maria Cirer through the Institut d'Estudis Eivissencs, established a volunteer platform.
Later, conservation groups such as GEN-GOB and Amics de la Terra joined forces, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to capture snakes annually. In 2023, IbizaPreservation also became involved with the Protegim ses Sargantanes project, which promotes snake shelters and operates its own snake capture program in natural and agricultural areas.
Despite these ongoing efforts, the spread of the invasive species has not been fully contained, and the decline of the Pitiüses lizard continues. This highlights the significant threat posed by invasive species to local biodiversity, which is part of a larger global issue. The local population can contribute by engaging with these initiatives, participating in volunteer programs, and taking care to avoid introducing new invasive species to the island.
What you can do to help
The fight to save the Ibizan wall lizard requires a community-wide effort. Here are concrete ways you can contribute to protecting these iconic creatures:
How to spot an Ibizan Lizard
The Ibizan wall lizard is small and slender, growing up to about 20 cm (8 inches) long from head to tail.
Their bodies are covered in shiny, smooth scales that can be bright green - depending on where they live. Some even have patterns like stripes or spots, making them extra unique and special. Their long tails help them balance as they climb, and their sharp claws are great for gripping walls and rocks.
Look for them sunbathing on stone walls, darting across paths, or hiding in cracks and crevices. They love warm, sunny spots and are usually out and about during the day. If you’re near a traditional Ibizan finca (country house) or walking through an olive grove, you might see them scurrying around.
Garden Choices
Choose native plants for your garden instead of importing exotic species
Consult local nurseries about indigenous alternatives to ornamental imports
If you're renovating or building, work with landscape designers who prioritise local species
Snake Control
Consider volunteering for the snake control program
If you own property in Ibiza, you can get trained to manage snake traps on your land
Managing Feral Cats
Support local TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs
If you have a holiday home, ensure your cats are properly cared for year-round
Consider getting involved in feral cat management initiatives
Report feral cat colonies to local authorities
Community Action
Join volunteer initiatives through IbizaPreservation, GEN-GOB, or Amics de la Terra
Report snake sightings to local authorities
Share information about the lizard crisis with neighbours and visitors
Support local conservation organisations through donations or volunteer work
Create lizard-friendly spaces by maintaining traditional stone walls and native vegetation
The success of lizard conservation efforts depends heavily on community involvement. One of the biggest challenges facing conservation groups is finding enough volunteers to manage snake traps and handle captured snakes. If you have time to spare and want to make a real difference in preserving Ibiza's biodiversity, please contact local conservation organisations to learn more about how you can get involved.
Remember: Every garden choice, every hour volunteered, and every action taken to control invasive species helps protect these ancient inhabitants of our island. The Ibizan wall lizard has been here for millennia – with community effort, we can ensure it survives for generations to come.
The Hidden Cost of Ibiza's Exotic Gardens
The Ibizan wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis). Image by Jordi Serapio
15/1/25
By Sophie Morrow
It’s impossible not to adore the Ibizan wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis), the vivid little creature darting across sunlit stones and racing up the walls of Ibiza and Formentera for a millenia. Endemic to these islands and found nowhere else on Earth, these cute characters have become more than just reptiles—they are the symbol of Ibiza, featured in art, ceramics, clothing and are as essential to the island as the biodiversity they help sustain.
Yet in just two decades, this ancient species has found itself on the brink of extinction, threatened by the importation of mature ornamental olive trees from mainland Spain for villa gardens by wealthy property owners. The arrival of snakes has been aided by the very features of the landscape—cracks and crevices offering perfect hideouts for laying eggs and surviving through hibernation. These invasive predators have quickly adjusted to their new environment, with lizards now comprising 56% of their diet. Now, since the first snake sightings in 2003, the snakes have colonised over half of Ibiza's territory.
The crisis has prompted an island-wide response. Conservation groups, government agencies, and volunteers have united in their efforts to save these iconic creatures. The Consell d'Eivissa and Govern Balear launched control programs in 2015, while organisations like GEN-GOB, Amics de la Terra, and IbizaPreservation's "Protegim ses Sargantanes" project work tirelessly to create safe havens for the lizards and manage snake removal. Despite these efforts, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has now listed the species as endangered.
In this interview, wildlife photographer and conservationist from Ibiza Preservation Society Jordi Serapio tells us how to spot an ibizan lizard, and the urgent need for collective action to secure their future.
Can you share a brief history of the Ibizan wall lizard and its characteristics, where it lives, what it eats behaviour, what areas of the island it lives mostly - is it the same as the ones we see running around the walls in villas and homes?
The Pitiüses wall lizard (Podarcis pitiysensis) is one of two endemic lacertids found in the Balearic Islands, alongside the Balearic wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi). This species is exclusively distributed across the islands of Eivissa and Formentera, as well as over forty surrounding small islets, including Sa Conillera, s'Espartar, s'Espadell, and es Vedrà. It inhabits a wide range of natural environments and even human-altered areas like villages and the city of Eivissa. The lizards commonly seen darting along stone walls near houses or farms are this very species.
By Sophie Morrow
The lizard population is facing a significant threat due to invasive species like snakes. Could you elaborate on the main causes of their decline and the challenges in addressing these threats - and are the reasons still threatening them? How serious is it?
The first sightings of ladder snakes (Hemorrhois hippocrepis) in Ibiza occurred in 2003. These snakes likely entered the island through the importation of large ornamental olive trees from the Iberian Peninsula for gardens and tourist properties. Initially, the authorities did not take action, possibly because the issue seemed minor, compounded by bureaucratic delays.
In 2015, when the local disappearance of lizard populations became evident and public concern grew, the Consell d'Eivissa, along with the Balearic Government (through COFIB), launched a project for snake eradication and control. However, by then, it was already too late. Within just twenty years of the first sightings, the horseshoe snake had spread across nearly the entire island of Eivissa and some nearby islets.
This invasion has led to the extinction of the Pitiüses lizard in more than half of the island's territory. Research has shown that the horseshoe snake has an alarming invasive potential, posing the greatest threat to the survival of the Pitiüses lizard. Environmentalist Elba Montes predicted that, unless the spread of this species was halted, the Pitiüses lizard could face extinction in a few decades.
Recently, the IUCN has classified the species as endangered.
The lizard is deeply tied to the identity of Ibiza. If it becomes extinct, what do you think will be lost culturally and symbolically for the island?
The threat of extinction for the Ibizan wall lizard is not only a severe environmental issue but also a loss of our most iconic animal. The lizard is a true symbol of the Pitiüses, representing a vital part of the island's cultural and natural heritage.
What actions are currently being taken or need to be taken to ensure the survival of the Ibizan wall lizard or is it too late? How can local, families, residents and visitors contribute to preserving this vital part of Ibiza's biodiversity?
Since 2015, various efforts have been initiated by the Consell d'Eivissa and the Balearic Government, through COFIB, to control and eradicate invasive snake species. Additionally, multiple initiatives have emerged, drawing significant public attention to the issue. One such initiative, led by biologist Antonia Maria Cirer through the Institut d'Estudis Eivissencs, established a volunteer platform.
Later, conservation groups such as GEN-GOB and Amics de la Terra joined forces, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to capture snakes annually. In 2023, IbizaPreservation also became involved with the Protegim ses Sargantanes project, which promotes snake shelters and operates its own snake capture program in natural and agricultural areas.
Despite these ongoing efforts, the spread of the invasive species has not been fully contained, and the decline of the Pitiüses lizard continues. This highlights the significant threat posed by invasive species to local biodiversity, which is part of a larger global issue. The local population can contribute by engaging with these initiatives, participating in volunteer programs, and taking care to avoid introducing new invasive species to the island.
What you can do to help
The fight to save the Ibizan wall lizard requires a community-wide effort. Here are concrete ways you can contribute to protecting these iconic creatures:
How to spot an Ibizan Lizard
The Ibizan wall lizard is small and slender, growing up to about 20 cm (8 inches) long from head to tail.
Their bodies are covered in shiny, smooth scales that can be bright green - depending on where they live. Some even have patterns like stripes or spots, making them extra unique and special. Their long tails help them balance as they climb, and their sharp claws are great for gripping walls and rocks.
Look for them sunbathing on stone walls, darting across paths, or hiding in cracks and crevices. They love warm, sunny spots and are usually out and about during the day. If you’re near a traditional Ibizan finca (country house) or walking through an olive grove, you might see them scurrying around.
Garden Choices
Choose native plants for your garden instead of importing exotic species
Consult local nurseries about indigenous alternatives to ornamental imports
If you're renovating or building, work with landscape designers who prioritise local species
Snake Control
Consider volunteering for the snake control program
If you own property in Ibiza, you can get trained to manage snake traps on your land
Managing Feral Cats
Support local TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs
If you have a holiday home, ensure your cats are properly cared for year-round
Consider getting involved in feral cat management initiatives
Report feral cat colonies to local authorities
Community Action
Join volunteer initiatives through IbizaPreservation, GEN-GOB, or Amics de la Terra
Report snake sightings to local authorities
Share information about the lizard crisis with neighbours and visitors
Support local conservation organisations through donations or volunteer work
Create lizard-friendly spaces by maintaining traditional stone walls and native vegetation
The success of lizard conservation efforts depends heavily on community involvement. One of the biggest challenges facing conservation groups is finding enough volunteers to manage snake traps and handle captured snakes. If you have time to spare and want to make a real difference in preserving Ibiza's biodiversity, please contact local conservation organisations to learn more about how you can get involved.
Remember: Every garden choice, every hour volunteered, and every action taken to control invasive species helps protect these ancient inhabitants of our island. The Ibizan wall lizard has been here for millennia – with community effort, we can ensure it survives for generations to come.