SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 21st June (EUROPA PRESS) –
Since its establishment 25 years ago, La Gomera’s Giant Lizard Recovery Center has documented 889 births and the release of 3 specimens in various regions of the island, establishing a self-sustaining population with over a hundred lizards and achieving a key goal of fostering population growth and expansion.
The Giant Lizard of La Gomera was once one of the most endangered species in the Canary Islands, with a population of only fifteen specimens in 1999, as stated by Casimiro Curbelo, the president of the Cabildo. To mark this milestone, he reflected on the work accomplished over the years and the outcomes of the recovery plan.
Casimiro Curbelo highlighted the importance of promoting responsible behaviour among the community to address conservation issues, such as predator threats and raising awareness about the significance of this species. As a result, a new educational programme will be introduced in schools across La Gomera starting in September.
In the upcoming months, efforts will continue to monitor and manage the reintroduced lizard population. Novel approaches will include genetic testing of new specimens, forming breeding pairs, and studying the growth patterns of lizards still in captivity.
Environment Minister Héctor Cabrera, accompanied by Biosphere Reserve Coordinator Diego Chinea during the centre visit, commended the dedication of the Corporation’s experts and external teams. These professionals have conducted comprehensive studies and analyses related to the biology, ecology, threats, and socio-economic implications of conserving this species.
Biologists Miguel Molina and Marta Bohorques, alongside climbers led by Javier Martín, Manuel Padilla, David Padilla, and Raúl Martínez, have been pivotal members of advisory and fieldwork teams.
Miguel Molina reiterated the critical status of the species, as classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. “Endemic species like this deserve recognition and should be utilised as a social and economic asset for the island,” he emphasised. Molina mentioned that releases generally occur during autumn with lizards exceeding 25 centimetres in length.
Additionally, Roads Minister Aníbal González, the first deputy mayor of Valle Gran Rey, Walter Martín, and Urban Environment and Primary Sector Councillor Teresa Ortiz also joined the meeting with the experts.
