The Protegim Ses Sargantanes project, promoted by IbizaPreservation, has achieved in 2024 the capture of 499 specimens of the horseshoe snake(Hemorrhois hippocrepis), an invasive species that threatens the survival of the Pitiusa lizard(Podarcis pityusensis), an endemic reptile of the Pitiüses in serious danger of extinction. This year, 280 traps were installed, a significant increase over those placed in 2023, achieving greater effectiveness in areas of high ecological value and expanding the scope of the project thanks to the collaboration of 48 private farms.
The campaign, carried out between May and October, focused on two natural protected areas and strategically selected private farms:
- Ses Feixes de Talamanca:
- Traps installed: 40 (twice as many as in 2023, when there were 20).
- Snakes captured: 98 specimens, surpassing the 87 of the previous year.
- Ses Salines Natural Park:
- Traps installed: 40 (also twice as many as in 2023).
- Snakes captured: 39 specimens, compared to only 6 in 2023.
- Private farms:
- Participation of 48 farms (20 were initially expected).
- Traps installed: 200.
- Snakes captured: 362 specimens.
According to Jordi Serapio, project coordinator, collaboration with farmers and landowners has been key to exceeding initial expectations: “We expected 20 farms to participate and we have managed to involve 48.
Protection of the pitiusa lizard
The horseshoe snake, introduced in Ibiza in the early 2000s, has seriously endangered the existence of the Pitiusa lizard, a species that has inhabited the territory for more than 4,000 years. Without defense mechanisms against these snakes, lizard populations have declined drastically, threatening local ecosystems. Jordi Serapio warns about the seriousness of the situation: “The fight against this invasive species is one of the most important conservation challenges we have in Ibiza”. The lizard plays a fundamental role in the environmental balance as a controller of agricultural pests, as well as acting as a pollinator and seed disperser of native plants. For her part, Inés Roig, project technician, stresses the importance of continuing the initiative in 2025: “The results obtained force us to continue increasing the number of traps to reduce the pressure exerted by snakes on our local fauna”.
