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Snakes have taken over the Spanish island of Ibiza

The authorities in the resort are powerless before the invasion of reptiles

Sep 21, 2024 05:53 46

Snakes have taken over the Spanish island of Ibiza  - 1
The authorities of the popular resort island of Ibiza in Spain proved to be powerless before the invasion of the so-called horseshoe snakes, reported "Diario se Ibiza", quoted by dariknews.bg.

The Ibiza Research Institute (IEE) has confirmed that the snakes have taken over the entire island. They are an invasive species, so their spread poses a threat to Ibiza's biodiversity.

According to the institute, the efforts of local authorities and 500 volunteers were not enough to eradicate the dangerous snakes. They appeared on the island 20 years ago along with olive trees from mainland Spain. The increase in their population contributes to the disappearance of local reptiles - Pitiusen lizards.

IEE officials called the situation "almost irreparable". However, they suggested several possible solutions: strengthening customs checks at ports, organizing mass trapping of snakes with traps and mouse baits, and creating protected areas for the lizards.

Earlier it was reported that an invasion of an "army of green lizards" had begun in the southern part of the American state of Florida. Iguanas chew wires, destroy gardens and erode the banks of rivers and lakes, causing soil erosion.