Ibiza's iconic wall lizard, known locally as the sargantana, will take centre stage at the opening event of a new season of environmental and cultural discussions at Es Nàutic in Sant Antoni. On Friday, 6 November 2026, the Club Nàutic Sant Antoni will host a free public talk examining the serious threat facing this emblematic reptile and what can be done to prevent its disappearance.

Titled ¿Podemos salvar a la sargantana? (Can We Save the Ibiza Wall Lizard?), the discussion begins at 20:00 in the club's social hall. Three guests will bring together scientific knowledge, wildlife photography and local conservation work: biologist Antònia Maria Cirer, photographer Sebastián Candela and Marilina Serra, spokesperson for the citizen platform Sargantana Power.

The event marks the return of Xerrades Essencials, also known as Essential Talks, a series that explores subjects connected to Ibiza's culture, history, environment and identity through the people who know the island best.

The Threat Facing Ibiza's Native Wall Lizard

The Pitiusan wall lizard is one of the most recognisable symbols of Ibiza and Formentera. However, its population has come under serious pressure from invasive snakes, which have spread across the islands and prey on the native reptiles.

The arrival of these snakes has been linked to the transport of ornamental olive trees from mainland Spain. Their expansion has created a major conservation challenge for the islands' native biodiversity.

During the discussion, the speakers will examine the current situation of the sargantana, the invasive snake species involved and the risks they pose to the ecological balance of Ibiza.

They will also look at conservation measures introduced so far and consider what further action could help protect the species.

Three Guests Bringing Science, Photography and Conservation Together

The evening will feature three speakers with different perspectives on the issue.

Antònia Maria Cirer is a doctor of Biology and professor of Natural Sciences. Her research into the Ibiza wall lizard dates back to 1981, when she first studied the species as part of work connected with the University of Barcelona. She has continued investigating its characteristics, its relationship with the island's environment and the threats affecting its survival.

Sebastián Candela is a wildlife photographer who has spent approximately a decade documenting the sargantana, particularly around the Ses Salines Natural Park. His extensive photographic collection provides a valuable visual record of the reptile and changes in its presence as invasive snakes have spread across Ibiza.

The third speaker, Marilina Serra, represents Sargantana Power, a citizen platform working to prevent the disappearance of the native lizard. She will explain the projects promoted by the organisation, as well as some of the practical and administrative difficulties encountered in taking conservation initiatives forward.

The programme will also include photographs taken by Candela and videos supplied by Sargantana Power, helping illustrate the reptile's behaviour and the challenges it faces.

A Discussion Inspired by an Important Conservation Book

The event also revisits the subject of Sargantanes, el temps s'acaba, a book published by the Institut d'Estudis Eivissencs with texts by Antònia Maria Cirer and photographs by Sebastián Candela.

The publication brought together scientific knowledge and photographic documentation of the Pitiusan wall lizard, helping draw attention to the threats facing this distinctive species.

With the book approaching its fifth anniversary, the new discussion provides an opportunity to revisit the conservation challenges and consider how the situation has developed.

Xerrades Essencials Returns to Es Nàutic

The Xerrades Essencials series takes place in the social hall of Es Nàutic during the autumn and spring, outside Ibiza's main tourist season.

Its purpose is to give a platform to people with interesting perspectives on the island's past, present and future. Previous editions have explored subjects including the history of the traditional boat El Bohemio, the Hotel Portmany and the legacy of Pensión Catalina.

The opening discussion of the new season places environmental conservation firmly in the spotlight, focusing on a species that forms an important part of the natural identity of Ibiza and the wider Pitiusas.

Admission is free and open to the public until the venue reaches capacity.

Essential Talks at Es Nàutic: Event Details

• Event: Xerrades Essencials, ¿Podemos salvar a la sargantana?

• Date: Friday, 6 November 2026.

• Time: 20:00–21:00.

• Speakers: Antònia Maria Cirer, Sebastián Candela and Marilina Serra.

• Subject: The conservation of Ibiza's native wall lizard and the threat posed by invasive snakes.

• Venue: Social Hall, Club Nàutic Sant Antoni (Es Nàutic).

• Address: Passeig de la Mar, Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza.

• Admission: Free, until capacity is reached.

The evening offers an opportunity to learn more about one of the Pitiusas' most recognisable native species, hear from people directly involved in studying and protecting it, and consider what can be done to preserve Ibiza's natural heritage.