Ibiza's Lizard Protection Platform
Protecting Our Beloved Lizard Friends
The Problem
Ibiza's biodiversity is collapsing.
Lizards are vanishing from the landscape.
Invasive snakes are spreading rapidly, disrupting ecosystems.
Mosquitoes and plant pests are surging.
The Root Cause
The Ibiza Wall Lizard (Podarcis pityusensis) evolved in isolation over two million years. It has no natural defense against invasive snakes.
Since snakes arrived via imported olive trees 25 years ago, lizard populations have crashed. Without urgent action, the species could disappear from the island entirely.
Watch Dr. Antònia Maria Cirer Costa's TEDx Talk her independent research explains the full story. (Click Settings > Subtitles/CC > Auto-translate > English)
Photo credits and copyright: Gypsy Westwood
29 March 2025
How We Can Save Ibiza's Wall Lizards TEDx DaltVila 2025
Dr. Antonia Maria Cirer-Costa
This talk represents the independent research and views of Dr. Antònia Maria Cirer Costa, shared at TEDx Dalt Vila. Project LizardShield is a community initiative inspired by her work, but not affiliated with TED or TEDx.
The Impact
Before the invasion, Ibiza hosted an estimated 30 - 120 million lizards.
(This estimate comes from known lizard densities across natural habitats)
Today we estimate at least a 75% decline. It's happening faster than we can measure.
Entire regions of the island have lost their lizard populations.
Mosquito Population
Lizards eat all kinds of insects.
The loss of our lizards is contributing to the rise of mosquito populations and other insect pests.
Fauna Loss
There are just a few areas in Ibiza which still have strong populations.
We must protect them.
Do you still see lizards at your property?
Your property is a rare and important conservation priority.
Vegetation Loss
Black beetles are damaging Ibiza's iconic palms and agaves.
Lizards likely kept their numbers in check.
Pollination and seed dispersal are breaking down
Horseshoe Whip Snake
The most common snake in Ibiza. Non venomous, but showing gigantism in Ibiza, so can reach 1.8 meters in length.
Ladder Snake
Non venomous, juveniles have a ladder pattern and adults tend to be olive green>brown with parallel lines down their back. Grows to 160cm, possibly larger
Montpellier Snake
Venomous, and can be large and aggressive.
Targets reptiles, small mammals, and birds, posing a growing threat to Ibiza's native vertebrate communities.
Decline in Ibiza's Wall Lizard population
Lizards are now virtually extinct in 3 out of 5 counties on the island
Estimated number of invasive snakes on Ibiza
based on ecological modeling
Years of unchecked snake expansion
Since the first documented arrival of invasive snakes
Compromised lizard habitat
Affecting Ibiza, Formentera, and nearby islets
Lizards consumed per snake
Plus fifteen other animals in its lifetime
Trapped snakes per property
In high density zones
Snake Population Growth: 2021 vs 2024
A visual comparison showing the alarming rate of snake population expansion
2021: Field Situation
The state of invasion showed localized populations primarily in rural areas.
2024: Rapid Expansion
Current situation shows widespread distribution across the island, including urban areas.
Snake captures and sightings have quadrupled in just 3 years. This demonstrates an exponential growth pattern that threatens the entire island's ecosystem.
Without immediate intervention, Ibiza's unique Wall Lizard faces extinction within the next few years.
The Solution
LizardShield is stepping up to help Ibiza residents who are facing a growing snake problem by providing tools, data, and a coordinated system to trap snakes safely and effectively.
Within 2 Years
Saving Ibiza's Unique Wildlife
Project Timeline
from Approximately 7000 Traps To
Operational traps across the island
Target Deployment by 2027
conserving
Years of Lizard Evolution
Legacy to Preserve
This effort will make it easier for people to protect their homes and land, support local volunteers who want to help, and increase the number of safe trap locations across the island.
By working together, local residents and LizardShield can turn this shared concern into island-wide action to keep communities safe and protect the environment.
Program Goals
Our comprehensive strategy to protect Ibiza's wildlife through coordinated trapping efforts
Grow Trapper Network
Expand the number of trained and active snake trappers across Ibiza
Expand Coverage
Increase the number of locations where traps are strategically deployed
Scale Operations
Deploy 40,000 operated traps across the island
Protect Wildlife
Grow the number of protected locations and habitats
Trapping Impact
Optimized trapping rate - 2-4 snakes per property per day.
Our strategy targets the removal of 200,000 snakes per season. —an essential threshold to prevent the complete collapse of Ibiza's native wildlife.
Invasive snakes breed rapidly. - their population can outpace removal efforts.
Urgent need for a widespread and coordinated trapping campaign to protect the island's delicate ecosystem.
Become an Ibiza Wildlife Protector!
Help Ibiza Reach 40,000 Operational Traps – Together.
Why We Need Your Donation or Investment
A new private initiative, the Lizard Shield snake trapping programme, is calling for wildlife protectors, impact investors, and mission-driven allies to join efforts to boost biodiversity, protect communities, and create local jobs.
Reduce Setup & Maintenance Costs
Your contributions help lower the financial barrier for new locations to join the program, accelerating deployment across high-risk zones. With support, we can subsidize setup costs and monthly maintenance fees — making safety accessible to everyone.
Build the Platform, Power the Community
We're building a real-time, gamified operations platform for:
- Snake sighting reports & rewards
- Instant alerts & trap monitoring
- Community engagement campaigns
- Actionable feedback collection
Train the Next Generation
With backing from specialists like Field Operations Lead Tim Freytag, we're developing an immersive training experience to grow our trappers' network ethically and efficiently. This includes custom-designed games and field mentorships.