The City Council of Sant Josepthrough its Environment, Sustainability and Coastal Area, has presented the new shelters and reserves of lizards located outside the Caló de s’Oli Auditorium. This space is one of the three selected to implement the initiative, along with the sites in Can Raspalls and Port des Torrent. The proposal has been promoted in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment and the Consortium for the Recovery of the Fauna of the Balearic Islands (COFIB), with the support of the Consell Insular. The main objective is to increase the density of the Pitiusa lizard, a native species threatened by predators such as snakes, as explained the councilor for the Environment, Felicia Bocú. COFIB member Víctor Colomar described the shelters as “houses and neighborhoods” where the lizards can protect themselves from extreme temperatures and predators. These spaces are designed with materials such as straw, wood and stones, which guarantee adequate climatic conditions and resistance to adverse environmental factors.
Expansion of shelters in 2024
The City Council plenary approved in June to declare municipal public gardens as reserves for the Pitiusa lizard. These areas include spaces in municipal offices, educational centers, sports and health facilities, considered ideal habitats for this species. By 2024, the contract for the maintenance of green areas foresees the installation of 80 additional shelters and an increase in native vegetation, favoring both feeding and reproduction of lizards throughout the municipality. Raül Luna, Environment technician, highlighted the importance of these efforts to create optimal environments to protect and promote the presence of this species.
Financing and collaboration
This project is part of the Invasive Species Control and Eradication Plan, financed by the Next Generation EU Funds between 2022 and 2025, within the framework of the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030. In addition, the City Council has collaborated with the Society of Hunters of Sant Josep to install snake traps and distribute them among the citizens, reinforcing protection measures.
