California king snake impact on Gran Canaria’s native wildlife
This account discusses how the California king snake preys on invasive predators while posing a grave threat to native reptiles. In areas where this snake has taken hold, the population of the island’s giant lizard has plummeted, with as much as 99% of individuals disappearing over time. The situation underscores the need to manage and study the spread of this invasive species, guarding fragile ecosystems and preserving endemic species on Gran Canaria.
Project Stop Pulebra Real is underway to monitor and curb the spread. In recent operations, 2,289 specimens were captured in Gran Canaria. Field workers accounted for 1,492 captures, while 797 were identified through community announcements. This effort demonstrates a coordinated approach to swift detection and removal, combining ground work with public awareness to address an urgent ecological threat. The initiative is backed by the Government of the Canary Islands via the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Combating Climate Change and Regional Planning, in partnership with the Cabildo de Gran Canaria and the regional planning and management company Gesplan. Source: Government of the Canary Islands and Gesplan reports dated in 2024.
Regional authorities emphasize an adaptive strategy that aligns control measures with the king snake’s phenology, ensuring that staffing and field activity peak during periods of heightened movement. The aim is to contain and manage the organism’s spread while refining study methods to reflect ecological realities. Source: Regional authorities and Gesplan communications, 2024.
Inés Jiménez, speaking for the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, highlighted citizen participation as a crucial component in stopping the California king snake invasion. The public’s involvement helps extend the reach of monitoring and rapid response programs across the island. Source: Cabildo de Gran Canaria statements, 2024.
Jiménez noted that an early warning network serves as a practical link between residents and project staff. Individuals who spot a California king snake can report sightings through the project’s channels or through regional emergency services. In addition to traditional reporting, the public may use digital tools provided by the Stop Pulebra Real program and other official platforms for rapid communication. The ongoing effort emphasizes accessible citizen reporting as a key element of the response, with ongoing awareness campaigns to ensure the public remains vigilant. A recent year saw fewer reports of snakes through citizen announcements, underscoring the importance of continued participation and clear communication channels. Source: Regional government updates, 2024.
Volunteer raids and community action
The Gesplan chief executive officer, Agoney Piñero, lauded the volunteer efforts that accompanied the emergency response. Nine groups of residents participated in raids aimed at gathering specimens from the snake’s population centers. These activities help reveal the spread pattern and educate communities about the invasion while fostering a sense of shared responsibility for protecting native wildlife. The collaboration raises public awareness about the threats posed by the king snake and encourages reporting from areas that might not yet show signs of intrusion. Source: Gesplan leadership statements, 2024.
Beyond direct captures, such community-led actions spread knowledge about the threat and strengthen the public’s capacity to detect new occurrences. The program acknowledges the value of volunteers and stresses the importance of timely alerts when a specimen is observed. In recent updates, nearly 250 volunteers contributed to efforts to prevent further spread, highlighting a broad base of community support for conservation goals. Source: Gesplan updates, 2024.
Conserving the giant lizard
Gran Canaria’s island authorities have established four protected reservoirs to shield the giant lizard from the king snake. The island council anticipates that these zones will be strategically placed to move captured lizards away from areas with higher snake density, reducing predation pressure and aiding survival prospects for the endemic reptile. Manuel Amador, the island’s Environment Director, confirms this plan and stresses a proactive approach to habitat management as a core part of the conservation strategy. Source: Island Council and Amador statements, 2024.
The giant lizard is native to Gran Canaria and stands out as the largest reptile in the archipelago, capable of reaching up to eighty centimeters in length. Although it is not currently listed as endangered, its populations have declined markedly in recent years, prompting sustained attention from conservation authorities and local communities. Source: Amador remarks, 2024.
Ongoing efforts to monitor habitat integrity, remove invasive threats, and facilitate safe movement of individuals are central to protecting this emblematic species. The collaboration between government agencies, regional bodies, and volunteers reflects a holistic approach to safeguarding Gran Canaria’s unique biodiversity. Source: Environmental agencies and regional reports, 2024.
For inquiries about the program or follow-up on conservation actions, contact details have been shared through official channels managed by the regional environmental department. Source: Regional environmental authority communications, 2024.