Ibiza lizard sanctuary faces proposed €6,000 fine

A lizard sanctuary in Sant Joan on Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands, faces a proposed €6,000 fine after the Balearic Government opened a penalty case against it. On 7 November, the Ibiza branch of the Socialist Party (PSOE) called for the case to be dropped and for the people running the sanctuary to get help to keep it going.

The dispute comes as the Pityusic lizard, a species native to the islands, is losing ground. The PSOE says invasive snakes are spreading and driving down lizard numbers. It wants the government to help rural landowners and conservation groups protect the species, with scientific advice and clear rules for lizard refuges.

The party also accused the government of losing €85,412 in European funding for a rat-control project on Es Vedrà, Es Vedranell, S'Espalmador and Tagomago. It said the project, already at the tender stage, was intended in part to protect lizards on those islets.

For the Sant Joan sanctuary, the PSOE wants the government to meet its organisers, conservation groups and scientists to find a way for it to continue with legal and environmental safeguards. It also wants closer scientific monitoring of lizard refuges and stronger action against invasive snakes.

Topics: Nature & wildlife · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com