Giant Gran Canaria lizard cornered by the invasive California snake

this California snake feeds on invasive predatory, mostly endemic reptiles. The giant lizard is nearly extinct in areas infested by the snake, where 99% of individuals have long since disappeared.

Project #stopculebrareal The extraordinary period is over Capture of 2,289 specimens in Gran Canaria1,492 were collected by field workers and 797 through announcements.

This is an initiative supported by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Combating Climate Change and Regional Planning, of the Government of the Canary Islands, together with the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, under the management of the publicly traded company, Regional and Environmental Planning and Management SA. (Gesplan).

In this context, José Antonio Valbuena, Regional Minister of Ecological Transition, announced that there is a working project for this. “containing and controlling the spread of this invasive species, adapting the study strategy to the phenology of the species”, so increased staffing in the field during this period “maximum activity” is present in all population centers where the California king snake is present, as reported by the regional government in a press release collected by Europa Press.

Inés Jiménez, Minister of the Environment of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, stated on his behalf: citizen participation ‘key’ to stop invasion California Kingsnake on the island.

Giant lizard of Gran Canaria province


Jiménez explained that the early warning network offers citizens a set of tools through which they can communicate with project staff #stoprealsnake If they see a California king snake by calling 608 098 296, CECOPIN or 112 directly. You can also fill in a web form (https://www.stopculebrareal.com/contacto/) or with the STOPCULEBRAREAL mobile app available for IOS. and Android.

In this regard, he noted: 131 fewer snakes collected this year through citizen announcementsThat’s why Jiménez understands that it’s “vital to remember” the different ways of contact and encourages the public to be alert when they see a specimen of this snake.

voluntary raids

On the other hand, Gesplan CEO Agoney Piñero highlighted the voluntary actions taken during this emergency. 9 groups of citizens participated in the raids they were moved to one of the snake’s population centers to capture as many specimens as possible.

In addition to supporting gangs, making it visible and increasing knowledge about this silent invasion, this activity helps create “more citizen awareness of the importance” of alerting to the presence of the king snake, especially in undetected areas. with apron.

He also thanked the cooperation of nearly 250 people who participated in volunteer activities to stop the spread of the species.

reserve for lizard

The island had to build four reservoirs to protect Gran Canaria’s giant lizard against the threat of the royal snake. The Island Council plans to ensure that these areas are strategically distributed throughout the island to move specimens of this species that are free from areas where the California snake is more abundant to prevent the snake from decimating this lizard, as confirmed by Manuel Amador, Environment Director of the insular agency.

Native to Gran Canaria, this lizard is also the most abundant and largest in the Archipelago, reaching up to 80 centimeters from tail to head. “It’s not endangered, but its population decline is significant,” says Amador.

……

Environment department contact address:[email protected]

Source: Informacion

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