NON is a post-free hallucination or the beginning of a summer thriller: Ibiza is really invaded by snakes. Some tourists talk about “Panic in swimming”others erase the holidays. The protagonist of the phenomenon is the biacoa non -poisonous snake but with disturbing dimensions, which is perfectly adapted to the Balearicsalso colonizing the sea. A silent invasion that, in addition to disturbing tourism, threatens the ecosystem and a local icon: the wall lizard.
How the Biacchi arrived in Ibiza
The invasion began in the early 2000swhen the Biacchi arrived in Ibiza hidden among the roots of ornamental olive trees imported by the Iberian peninsula. Without predators and with abundance of prey – primarily the pitius lizard – Their number has exploded. “See them swimming in the sea It was a shock, “says Víctor Colomar, of the Balearic Faunistic Consortium (Cofib). Today, they swim easily between bays and cliffs, and They push down boats, gardens, roads.
Giant Biaco in Ibiza: a dangerous anomaly
The average size of these snakes have almost doubled. The record is up to a long specimen 1.83 metersalmost double the national average. Experts talk about induced gigantism: no predators and abundant food mean without limits. Larger, more prolific, more present.
The lizard wall in danger in danger
Once widespread, the Muraiola lizard (Podarcis Pityusensis) risks extinction by 2030. On some islets, as it is now, it has already disappeared. “It’s an ecological disaster”warns Jaume Estarellas, a biologist specialized in invasive species. The loss of lizard is not only biological, but also cultural: it was One of the living symbols of Ibiza.
Biacchi in Ibiza: how to try to stop them
The authorities are not watching. Ibizaposition has positioned 280 trapswhile the Cofib has removed Over 3,000 snakes in just one year. Citizens are also involved: the Municipality has distributed 200 traps for domestic use. But the shared feeling is that “We underestimated these snakes. They are incredibly adaptable predators, “warns Estarellas.
“Swimmers” snakes, fear among tourists
The testimonies on social networks are clear: snakes on the beach, at sea and even on boats. “It is as if a curse had hit the island,” writes a British tourist. Others tell of snakes in the gardens and along the paths. A viral video shows a snake swimming off. “I didn’t know they could swim,” says the protagonist couple. Some tourists cancel reservations, others promise: “Never again here”.
Once the destination of sun, sea and party, today Ibiza finds himself managing an unexpected – and frightening – natural imbalance. While looking for a lasting solution, the island wonders about the future of its identity, among ecosystems to be saved and tourists to reassure.
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