Experts are predicting continued expansion of an invasive snake species on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Mark-Oliver Rödel, curator of Herpetology at Berlin’s Museum for Natural History, told “Der Spiegel” that the horseshoe whip snake population is likely to continue to grow. The snake, previously absent from the Balearic Islands, has been increasingly sighted in recent years, with some individuals reaching lengths of over six feet.
The appearance of these snakes, believed to have been introduced via shipments of timber or olive trees, is raising concerns within the local ecological community. The Mallorcan Association for Ecological Agriculture has described the situation as “worrying” particularly due to the snake’s predilection for lizards, a vital part of the island’s native fauna.
Rödel’s observations suggest the invasive species has already spread widely across the island, noting that once established, eradicating invasive animal populations presents a near-impossible feat, supported by numerous failed attempts globally. The difficulty stems from the snakes’ elusive nature, as they frequently remain hidden in crevices and underground burrows.
While the presence of these snakes may be unsettling, Rödel assures visitors there’s “no reason for panic”. The horseshoe whip snake is non-venomous and tends to avoid human contact. Should a sighting occur, he advises leaving the snake undisturbed and reporting it to the local authorities.