Record Growth of Pityusic Lizard Population Recorded in Barcelona. Thirty-two Pityusic lizard hatchlings were born at the Barcelona Zoo. The species conservation project is supported by the authorities of the Balearic Islands. More individuals will soon arrive at the zoo.
An unexpected baby boom of the Ibiza wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis) — a rare reptile threatened with extinction in the Balearic Islands — has been recorded at Barcelona Zoo. In a short period, 32 hatchlings appeared here, significantly exceeding experts’ expectations and prompting the expansion of the species conservation program.
Expansion of the program
A joint project between Barcelona Zoo and the government of the Balearic Islands began with the transfer of 17 adult specimens to the Catalan capital. According to Barcelona Serveis Municipals (BSM), such a high result was an unexpected surprise even for the organizers. The Balearic authorities have already decided to send 33 more lizards to Barcelona to further boost efforts to preserve the population.
Response from authorities and experts
This week, Joan Simonet, Balearic Islands Minister of Agriculture, visited the zoo. He noted that the project’s early results offer hope for preserving the region’s biodiversity. Zoo director Antoni Alarcón emphasized that the program’s success confirms the institution’s commitment to managing rare species, highlighting the project as one of the most important outside Catalonia.
Extinction threat and context
The Ibiza wall lizard is considered one of the most recognizable reptiles of the Balearic Islands, yet its population is declining due to the spread of invasive species. The issues of transporting and keeping rare animals in Spain have repeatedly drawn attention: for example, authorities in Navarre recently intercepted an illegal parcel containing a live snake sent from Malaga — more on this case can be found in the article about the investigation into the unusual transportation of animals.
