Risks of Invasive Species in the Canary Islands
For some time now, experts have been warning about the risks posed by invasive species in the Canary Islands, particularly on islands where biodiversity is unique and fragile.
What seemed to be a threat confined to Gran Canaria has now spread to another island in the archipelago. On 4th August, the Neotrópico Foundation captured a specimen of California kingsnake in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife.
This is the first documented capture of this invasive species on the island, although it had been sighted between June and July, as reported by the official StopCulebraReal profile on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Coordination for Containment
Following the discovery, a joint monitoring device was activated, involving the Canary Island Early Warning Network for Invasive Exotic Species (redEXOS), the Canine Unit of the StopCulebraReal project, and the councils of La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
At present, no further specimens have been located, and no signs indicate an established population. Nevertheless, the project team insists on the importance of citizen vigilance and urges local residents to be alert and report any sightings.
Contact Numbers for Reporting
Two telephone lines have been set up to report the presence of the California kingsnake:
– 608 098 296 for sightings in Gran Canaria
– 646 601 457 for the rest of the islands
These lines are managed by technical staff from the project, who are responsible for providing a rapid response and collecting data on the expansion of this species.
A Persisting Problem in Gran Canaria
The California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) is a species native to North America, accidentally introduced to Gran Canaria, where it has become one of the greatest threats to native wildlife.
On the round island, this snake has rapidly spread through areas such as Telde, Gáldar, and Santa Brígida, severely affecting endemic species such as the Gran Canaria giant lizard (Gallotia stehlini) and the perenquenes.
Upon responding to one of the many reports received daily from citizens, field workers discovered a California kingsnake suffocating a giant lizard from Gran Canaria on the roof of a room. pic.twitter.com/sRgsxWHA71 — Stopculebrareal (@stopculebrareal) 1st September 2022
Severe Impact on Biodiversity
The presence of this predatory species disrupts the already vulnerable Canary Islands ecosystem. Its reproductive and adaptive capabilities, coupled with the absence of natural predators, have made eradication a very complex task.
The Government of the Canary Islands and various scientific organisations have been implementing control plans for years, which include traps, trained dogs, and awareness campaigns. However, complete elimination is considered unfeasible in the short term.
What to Do If You Spot One?
If a California kingsnake is spotted, it should not be captured or removed on one’s own. It is advisable to note the location and time of the sighting and immediately call the provided numbers.
Intervention should be left to expert personnel. It is important to remember that this species does not pose a danger to humans but does threaten local wildlife. Its identification is straightforward: it measures between 80 cm and 1.20 m and has a body marked in black and white or shades of cream and dark brown.
Tenerife Now on the Radar
With the recent capture in La Laguna, Tenerife has now come under the radar for the expansion of this species. Although the specimen found might have been introduced in isolation, the risk of reproduction is present, prompting experts to emphasise early detection as the best tool to prevent a repeat of the situation in Gran Canaria.
The ecosystem of the Canary Islands is one of the richest in Europe in terms of endemic biodiversity, making it one of the most fragile as well. The fight against invasive species, such as this snake, is not only an environmental issue but also a shared ecological urgency.
