Marina Ibiza becomes truly unique refuge for native wall lizards
The marina is promoting a pioneering project to protect this endemic species in partnership with the Ibiza Island Council, Ibiza Town Council and IbizaPreservation
The proliferation of invasive snakes in Ibiza underlines the pressing need for action to preserve the endangered Ibiza wall lizard.
Marina Ibiza has launched a new environmental project to become a safe — and truly unique thanks to its characteristics — haven for the iconic Ibiza wall lizard.
The initiative, developed in partnership with the Ibiza Island Council, Ibiza Town Council and IbizaPreservation, reflects the marina’s commitment to local biodiversity and the conservation of this protected species in danger of extinction due to the threat of invasive snakes.
A considerable population of the Ibiza wall lizard currently lives in the stone walls, planters and other structures of the marina, which have become a really useful refuge for this endemic vertebrate species. In fact, this lizard is the last remaining representative of native Ibizan fauna prior to the arrival of humans, at which time all other vertebrate species became extinct. Given its ecological importance and its status as a protected species in the Balearic Islands, Marina Ibiza has designed an action plan that includes active conservation measures.
Ibiza wall lizards have spectacular colourations. Some are green all over in all variants to blend in with the vegetation, while others are a light beige colour. These have evolved to blend in with the sand of the substrate. Compared to other lizards elsewhere, they’re very large and robust, with a broad and elongated head. Males can grow to a maximum snout-to-vent length of 20 cm.
The initiative promoted by Marina Ibiza includes the installation of specific traps to capture snakes — the main threat to lizards — and reduce their impact on the local population. These small stone and vegetation-based shelters, found in different parts of the marina, create safe spaces that encourage the survival and reproduction of specimens in the area.
The project also includes an awareness campaign aimed at customers and visitors. This will provide information about the presence of the Ibiza wall lizard and promote responsible attitudes that avoid discomfort or harm, such as accidentally stepping on them or altering their habitats, as any threat — including the human one — could kill off these authentic animals from the islands.
This intervention is even more relevant in a critical context for local fauna. In recent years, Ibiza has seen an alarming increase in invasive snakes, especially the horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis), accidentally introduced with ornamental olive trees from mainland Spain. These snakes are currently estimated to occupy much of the island’s territory, including several islets.
This scenario seriously threatens the Ibiza wall lizard, which only inhabits Ibiza and Formentera and some islets in the archipelago. Marina Ibiza’s action, therefore, represents a direct response to a real-life and pressing environmental problem, and an active contribution to slowing down the decline of this species.
With this initiative, Marina Ibiza is underlining its commitment to the protection of native fauna and the promotion of sustainable practices that enrich both the natural environment and the experience of the marina community.
