Born on 25 June, the first baby Ibiza wall lizards at the Zoo are part of the pilot ex situ breeding project launched by the Balearic Island Government’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing and Environment. The new lizards come from three populations created at the Zoo de Barcelona in May, from 17 individuals originating from the islands of Ibiza and Formentera.  

In all, 12 individuals were born from five different batches following an incubation period of 42 days. These are the first ex situ reproduction groups for this species. 

After they were born, the hatchlings were identified by staff at the Zoo de Barcelona. Having checked they were in good health, they were transferred to terrariums suitable for reptiles of this size and a controlled environment to ensure their well-being and development.

At birth, the lizards weighed between 0.6 and 0.8 grammes and proved to be very active, accepting food immediately. This behaviour indicates a good state of general health and a rapid adaptation to their new environment.

This reproductive success strengthens the Zoo’s role as a leading centre for breeding and conservation of threatened fauna, at the same time reaffirming its commitment with the biodiversity of the Balearics and the protection of Mediterranean natural heritage.

An alliance to guarantee the survival of this threatened endemic species

The birth of these Ibiza wall lizard hatchlings comes within the context of the collaboration agreement signed in 2024 between the Zoo de Barcelona and the government of the Balearic Islands for the conservation of the protected wild fauna on the islands. Under this agreement, both institutions have been working since May on a pilot project to create a reserve population of lizards under human care, complementing the in situ conservation measures and guaranteeing the species’ survival in the face of the growing threat from invasive species such as the horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hipocrepis). 

The Ibiza wall lizard is one of the most iconic species native to the Pityusic Islands. Today, the introduction of invasive species, such as snakes, which prey on these lizards, threatens their survival. Due to this situation, in 2023, two lizard species found on the Balearic Islands were listed as Vulnerable in the Balearic Catalogue of Endangered Species: the Lilford’s wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) and the Ibiza wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis).