Protecting Our Beloved Lizard Friends
The Problem
The Ibiza Wall Lizard (Podarcis pityusensis), a species that has evolved over 2 million years, is now facing extinction due to the rapid spread of invasive snakes across the island.
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 Devastating Impact
Since the first arrival of invasive snakes on Ibiza 25 years ago, our unique wildlife has faced an unprecedented crisis.
Horseshoe Whip Snake
Ladder Snake
Montpellier Snake
Decrease in Ibiza's Wall Lizard population
Lizards are now virtually extinct in 3 out of 4 counties on the island
Estimated number of invasive snakes on Ibiza
Based on scientific research and population studies
Years of unchecked snake population growth
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 heavily infested areas
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.
The snake population has quadrupled in just 3 years, demonstrating an exponential growth pattern that threatens the entire island's ecosystem. Without immediate intervention, Ibiza's unique Wall Lizards faces complete extinction within the next 2 Years.
The Solution
Preventing the extinction of the Podarcis pityusensis with a Real Plan
Saving Ibiza's Unique Wildlife
Project Timeline
Operational traps across the island
Target Deployment by 2027
Years of Lizard Evolution
Legacy to Preserve
Tim Freytag, founder of the Stop Ibiza Snakes Community, has been leading hands-on snake control efforts across Ibiza since 2003. With practical field experience and a community-first approach, Tim supports landowners and volunteers in implementing effective, coordinated trapping strategies.
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
With an optimized trapping rate of 2-4 snakes per trap 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. However, due to the rapid breeding rate of the invasive snakes, their population can still outpace removal efforts unless a minimum of 4 traps per hectare is deployed. This highlights the urgent need for a widespread and coordinated trapping campaign to ensure sustainable population control and 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
Every snake trapped, every safe space created, every life potentially saved — it all starts with a trap and a vision.
To scale our LizardShield Snake Trapping Program, we're calling on wildlife protectors, impact investors, and mission-driven allies to join us in a one-of-a-kind initiative: A private subsidized effort that directly boosts biodiversity protection, community safety, and grassroots job creation.
We have the blueprint. The tools. The trappers.
What we need now is the fuel to scale:
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.
Investment Tiers
Receive Project LizardShield merchandise (t-shirts, caps, etc.) and become part of our community.
Join as SupporterFree location onboarding, setup with materials, and comprehensive education program.
Become a Location PartnerImpact Investor Program
For serious impact investors (minimum €100,000), we offer exclusive insights into operations and the opportunity to develop related business concepts with rights to utilize the Project LizardShield brand and infrastructure.