‘This is a tragedy’: swimming snakes open new front in battle with Balearic lizards 19h ago

In April 2024, a horseshoe whip snake was filmed swimming from Ibiza to the islet of Santa Eulària, confirming fears that these invasive reptiles, which have devastated Ibiza's endemic wall lizard population, are actively colonizing new territories via swimming. The non-venomous horseshoe whip snake, introduced to Ibiza two decades ago likely via imported olive trees, now inhabits 90% of the island, threatening the unique, diverse lizard populations crucial for the ecosystem. The Ibiza wall lizard's status has been elevated to "endangered" by the IUCN, with 10 islet lizard populations already extinct. Despite extensive culling efforts, with over 16,000 snakes removed since 2016, researchers predict 100% island coverage by 2027. A captive breeding program is underway, but optimism remains low due to the snakes' voracity and the small size of the islets.

















