Why Ibiza’s snake scare isn’t what it seems

In Ibiza, a harmless snake species is causing concern due to its impact on local biodiversity, reminding us of the dangers of invasive species.

There’s no danger to tourists in Ibiza. The snakes that have been sighted are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. So, what exactly is causing all the concern flooding social media in the form of reels? The species making waves is the horse-snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis), a species native to North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, which was accidentally introduced to the island through the importation of ornamental olive trees.

While the snake can grow to lengths of up to 6 feet (190 cm), it is harmless to humans, though it is increasingly becoming a threat to local biodiversity. This species, in fact, can have a negative impact on the endemic lizard species of the Pityusic Islands (Podarcis pityusensis), a unique species found only in Ibiza and Formentera.

The introduction of the horse-snake is not an isolated event, but rather part of a well-known phenomenon: the introduction of invasive alien species. In recent decades, many species of snakes, such as the smooth snake (Zamenis scalaris), have been introduced to the Balearic Islands due to human activities like the trade of ornamental plants.

The true issue, then, isn’t the safety of humans, but the well-being of native animals. The Pityusic lizards, which are endemic to Ibiza and Formentera, are suffering due to predation by the horse-snake. Should this species disappear, it could have serious repercussions on the local ecosystem, which is why local authorities are already implementing monitoring and containment plans.

Although sensationalism has sparked concern among tourists, the real risk on Ibiza doesn’t lie with the safety of visitors, but rather the protection of the environment: the true emergency is the loss of native biodiversity.

The case of the Balearic island serves as a reminder that the real threats to biodiversity, although not always making headlines, are among the most urgent issues of our time.