Gent per Formentera (GxF) will call for stronger measures to detect and control invasive snakes on Formentera at the Consell Insular's next plenary session.

The political group plans to present its proposal on Thursday, September 24, asking for a specific prevention and control programme covering trapping, surveillance, resources and monitoring at key entry points and areas considered to be at higher risk.

Proposal Goes to the Consell Plenary

GxF will present the initiative during the ordinary plenary session of the Consell de Formentera on September 24.

The group says its objective is to strengthen early detection and improve the island's response to invasive snake sightings.

Its proposal comes amid an established regional control programme already operating across Ibiza and Formentera.

Recent Horseshoe Snake at s'Estany des Peix

The immediate trigger for the proposal was the detection of a horseshoe snake at s'Estany des Peix.

The snake, identified as Hemorrhois hippocrepis, was seen swimming in the waters of the lagoon in August. It was subsequently captured and removed, according to reports citing island and Balearic Government sources.

The sighting attracted particular attention because horseshoe snakes are terrestrial animals but are capable swimmers and have been documented moving through the sea to reach nearby islets.

A specialist from the Balearic Government's Species Protection Service said in August that the species is a strong swimmer and can actively move through the sea, although there is not currently a precise scientific measurement of how far an individual can swim.

What GxF Is Asking For

GxF says it wants Formentera to have a dedicated programme focused specifically on prevention and control.

The proposal includes more trapping, active surveillance and sufficient resources to respond to sightings.

It also calls for greater attention to points where snakes could enter the island and to areas considered particularly vulnerable.

The group says stronger early detection would make it possible to respond more quickly when individual snakes are identified.

Protecting the Pitiusic Lizard

GxF's proposal is primarily linked to the protection of native wildlife, particularly the Pitiusic lizard, Podarcis pityusensis.

The lizard is endemic to Ibiza, Formentera and surrounding islets and is affected by the presence of introduced predators.

The Balearic Government has identified invasive snakes as a major threat to the species and has expanded its control and conservation measures in recent years.

Formentera Already Has an Established Trapping Programme

The proposed increase in controls would build on an existing monitoring system.

During the 2025 campaign, 505 traps were installed across Formentera and 893 invasive snakes were captured.

Most of the captures involved ladder snakes, Rhinechis scalaris, which remain established principally around La Mola.

The Balearic Government also reported isolated captures of horseshoe snakes around the port of La Savina, highlighting the continued possibility of new arrivals from Ibiza.

Control Measures Have Already Been Expanded

The regional administration has already increased resources dedicated to the snake-control programme.

In April 2026, the Govern said the number of workers responsible for controlling snakes in the Pitiusas would rise to 13, representing a 44% increase in human resources.

The programme also includes an expansion of the number of traps and additional monitoring in areas considered particularly important for biodiversity.

The government said the measures were intended to intensify control of the expansion of invasive snakes and strengthen protection for the Pitiusic lizard.

Traps Operate Beyond the Peak Season

One of the changes introduced into the regional programme has been the maintenance of traps throughout the year.

The Govern said keeping traps active during winter was introduced as part of the strategy to improve continuous detection rather than restricting monitoring to the warmer months.

The approach is intended to provide earlier identification of snakes that may otherwise establish themselves before the next main campaign begins.

The Threat Is Not Limited to One Species

Several non-native snake species are present in the Pitiusas.

The Balearic Government's control programme has identified the horseshoe snake and ladder snake among the species affecting the islands.

Spanish legislation specifically addresses invasive snakes from the colubrid family in relation to the protection of the Pitiusic and Balearic lizards.

The horseshoe snake has received particular attention because of its rapid expansion in Ibiza and its ability to move through the sea.

Research Shows the Ecological Impact

Scientific research published in 2026 has added further evidence about the movement and impact of horseshoe snakes.

Researchers found that the species has spread extensively across Ibiza and that its presence has had severe consequences for populations of the Pitiusic lizard.

The study also documented the ability of the snakes to reach nearby Mediterranean islets, challenging the assumption that seawater provides a complete barrier to their spread.

Ibiza and Formentera Face Different Situations

The scale and distribution of the problem are not identical on the two islands.

In 2025, Ibiza recorded 3,604 invasive snake captures from 1,930 traps, including 3,528 horseshoe snakes.

Formentera recorded 893 captures from 505 traps, most of them ladder snakes concentrated around La Mola.

The figures show why monitoring on each island requires different attention depending on which species are being detected and where populations are established.

Entry Points Remain a Focus

GxF's proposal specifically highlights points of entry to Formentera.

This includes areas connected with transport between Ibiza and Formentera, where authorities have previously detected horseshoe snakes around La Savina.

The Balearic Government has also identified the movement of plants and other materials as an important biosecurity consideration in preventing further introductions of invasive snakes.

The regional strategy therefore combines trapping after animals arrive with measures designed to reduce the risk of new introductions.

A Wider Conservation Programme Is Underway

Snake control forms part of a broader programme to protect endemic reptiles in the Balearics.

In July 2026, the Govern announced €2.18 million in funding through the European LIFE Reptiles project.

The project includes additional actions against invasive snakes as well as conservation measures for endemic lizards.

Among the technologies being incorporated are environmental DNA, artificial intelligence tools for monitoring populations and drones for surveillance in islets and other difficult-to-access areas.

The Role of Early Detection

Early detection is particularly important on islands because controlling a small newly detected population can be different from dealing with an established population.

GxF's proposal therefore focuses on increasing surveillance and ensuring that resources are available to respond when snakes are reported.

The aim described by the group is to detect new arrivals quickly and reduce the possibility of establishment.

The proposal does not replace the existing regional programme but asks for additional measures at island level.

No Decision Yet on the Proposal

GxF's initiative is currently a political proposal rather than an approved new control programme.

The Consell's plenary will consider the proposal on September 24.

Any measures adopted would therefore depend on the outcome of the vote and subsequent implementation.

The existing Balearic Government snake-control programme continues separately.

What Happens Next

The September 24 plenary will provide the next formal opportunity for the island's councillors to debate the proposed measures.

GxF is asking for additional trapping, surveillance, resources and controls at entry points and high-risk areas.

The proposal comes after another horseshoe snake was detected at s'Estany des Peix and as regional authorities continue their wider programme to control invasive snakes and protect native lizard populations.

Formentera's Snake-Control Challenge

Formentera already has a substantial monitoring operation, but the latest detection at s'Estany des Peix has renewed political attention on how the island can prevent further spread.

The 2025 campaign recorded 893 invasive snake captures, while the regional programme has expanded its workforce and trapping network for 2026.

GxF now wants the island's response strengthened further, particularly in early detection and prevention.

The outcome of the September 24 plenary will determine whether the group's proposed measures receive institutional backing.