Conservation Challenge: 650 Ladder Snakes Captured in Formentera
In a bid to address a pressing conservation challenge, technicians from the Balearic Islands Fauna Recovery Consortium (Cofib), a public entity established in 2004, have captured a total of 650 ladder snakes on the island of Formentera during the first seven months of this year. This number closely mirrors the total captures for the entire year of 2022, which reached 664 specimens. However, experts predict that the capture count is unlikely to increase by more than a hundred in the remaining months of the year, as explained by veterinarian and Cofib coordinator, Víctor Colomar Costa.
Dual Challenges in Formentera
According to Colomar, Formentera currently faces two distinct challenges: the presence of a population of ladder snakes in the Mola area, concentrated within a restricted zone, and the recent and concerning appearance of horseshoe snakes in the port area of Savina.
Distinct Behavior of Snake Species
The key distinction between these two snake species lies in their biological behavior. While ladder snakes have a relatively neutral ecological impact, horseshoe snakes display extreme aggressiveness towards local lizard populations, particularly threatening the survival of the native Balearic lizard (Podarcis pityusensis) endemic to Ibiza and Formentera.
Urgent Conservation Measures
The plight of the Balearic lizard is so dire that experts foresee possible extinction by 2030, a mere seven years away. Adding to the concern, both ladder and horseshoe snakes are versatile predators, preying on small birds, their eggs, other reptiles, shrews, and even small lizards. The extinction of the lizard could have cascading effects on the ecosystem.
To mitigate the expansion of these reptiles, Cofib has installed 383 traps in the La Mola area, which are routinely checked approximately once a week. These traps have captured a total of 650 ladder snakes since the beginning of the year until August. Upon capture, the invasive snakes are humanely euthanized and sent for further study.
These studies analyze general biological parameters such as diet, size, gender, age, injuries, and other data that contribute to future management strategies. Efforts are also underway to collaborate with universities to conduct genetic analyses, examining the lineage and population origins of these invasive snakes.
Challenges of Capturing Snakes
The activity of ladder snakes peaks at an average temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius, during the spring and autumn. Their activity decreases during colder and hotter months. Despite occasional sightings, capturing snakes during these periods is more challenging due to their reduced activity levels. Thus, Colomar’s projections for the rest of the year suggest capturing around a hundred more snakes at most.
Tags: Formentera ladder snakes, conservation challenges, invasive species, Balearic Islands Fauna Recovery Consortium, biodiversity protection
In conclusion, the efforts to capture ladder snakes in Formentera reflect the urgency of conserving local biodiversity. As invasive species threaten endemic reptiles and ecosystems, coordinated conservation measures are essential. By understanding the behavioral patterns of these snakes and employing innovative strategies, experts aim to strike a balance between preserving native species and maintaining ecological harmony. The conservation challenges underscore the importance of proactive measures to protect fragile ecosystems from the impact of invasive species.
