Snakes Are A Plague On Ibiza

Snakes Are A Plague On Ibiza, Since they arrived unexpectedly in the early 2000s, snakes have become a local preoccupation in Ibiza-for the iconic Ibiza wall lizard, and for the humans who brought them in, too. Though the term “invasive species” can imply some measure of intent, snakes did not simply decide to come to Ibiza, much like wasps did not ship themselves to Hawaii inside of Christmas trees, or how Canadian beavers did not paddle all the way down to Tierra del Fuego determined to plow through an old-growth forest. People brought them. The earliest government documentation of a snake in Ibiza was in the village of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, after a man sprayed water inside the trunk of an olive tree imported from Córdoba, Spain, and inadvertently caused the animal to flee.“There was a story on the island that snakes will never survive because of the soil,” said Bernd Brosius, a retired landscaping business owner. Pliny the Elder declared something to this effect in the year 77, and the island itself, Eivissa, is believed to have been named after the ancient god Bes, who was sometimes depicted with a knife in one hand and a snake in the other (or occasionally strangling snakes with both his hands). Until 2003, no wild snakes of any species had been documented on the Pityusic islands, aside from a dwarf viper that disappeared when humans first arrived 4,000 years ago. This ominous historical context has not gone unremarked upon in scientific papers, newspaper articles and a letter from local activists scolding government officials. Local reporting on the topic has been extensive-the Spanish newspaper El Mundo dubbed Ibiza and Formentera an “Eden for snakes”; another 2018 article featured a dead snake, several meters long, hanging off the claw of a bulldozer with its entrails hanging out. There’s even a Facebook group for English-speaking Ibiza residents called “Snakes In Ibiza No Thank You” dedicated to snake news, trapping methods, and the occasional photograph, including one of a small boy clutching a large snake vertically in one hand, his eyes wide with wonder.
Words Vice www.vice.com/en/article/n7w5e...
Ibiza's lizard population is threatened, at least three species of snakes have arrived on Ibiza over the past 15 years, and of these, the horseshoe whip snake (Hemorrhois hippocrepis) is the most problematical. It is a slender long-tailed snake with spots running down its body, and it can grow up to 1.5 m in length. The good news is that these snakes are not poisonous. It may bite if you try to grab it, but there is no great danger for humans. For centuries Ibiza was famous for being completely free of snakes, but that is no longer the case. This situation poses a serious threat to the biodiversity of Ibiza’s ecosystem and also to its image for tourism. After a slow start, the government has now taken an active role with a comprehensive eradication program that began in 2016. The importation of olive trees is much more carefully regulated, and the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries has installed more than a thousand snake traps on Ibiza and Formentera. Most of these are a type of cage that is bated with a live mouse to attract the snake. The mouse is not in danger as the snake is automatically trapped before it can reach the mouse. More info www.ibicasa.com/en/articulo.ph...
Subscribe to my channel bit.ly/dwaynemuffin
Support these videos bit.ly/SupportDwayne
Buy me a coffee/beer bit.ly/buydwaynecoffee
Follow me on Instagram - / dwaynemuffin
Follow me on Facebook - / dwaynemuffin
Follow me on Twitter - / dwaynemuffin
#Ibiza #Travel #Ibiza2021
MUSIC BY IRISH PRODUCER ZIINO:
SPOTIFY - bit.ly/ZIINOSPOTIFY
FREE DOWNLOADS - / ziino

[@DebtCollecta]

when i first watched you, I didn't think id like ur videos, u proved me wrong. Definitely one of my favorite youtubers and i look forward to each drop. Thank you Dwayne for the content.

[@DwayneMuffin]

I’ll take that as a compliment, they’ll get better as tourists and people get here

[@ZIINOMUSIC]

Best Vlog Ever.

[@renoirspanishguides4766]

Well done, I have been trying to push public awareness of this for a couple of years. Looks like things are finely hotting up. Great blog by the way.

[@DwayneMuffin]

Well said thank you

[@SparrowFart]

This is a brilliant video. Yes, if the snakes were native, it wouldn't be right to get rid of them. But non native invasive species destroy other wildlife in so many places. The natural balance is being destroyed. I would love to be giving a hand on this, if I get to spend more time on the island. Long live geckos and lizards. And those mice are heroes of Ibiza.

[@darren-keenan]

Great vlog. Very informative. I would never have known there was a problem with snakes. Cheers for that 👍

[@DwayneMuffin]

Cheers

[@R.L.07]

Very good that you have portrayed this. thanks for every time your bet and new videos

[@hetty43]

As an avid Snakes in the City fan which shows the Black Mamba, Mozambique spitting cobra, Cape Cobra, Rock pythons, House snakes etc this looks quite tame. Respect to the people doing this. Interesting video. Thanks. Greetings from Northern Ireland 👍🇬🇧👍

[@DwayneMuffin]

They're are some bigger ones, this was just one garden, I don't have time to run around with them all the time but will link up with them again

[@phileverall5936]

Great Vlog showing the Real Ibiza

[@DwayneMuffin]

Thanks

[@christopherwilliams9158]

Great video 👍

[@veejay3626]

Your vlog is definitely the number one for off the beat topics on Ibiza. Very refreshing.

[@DwayneMuffin]

Thanks random indeed

[@twentyfivenhot]

Great vlog. Nice to learn about the snakes on the island. Keep them comming.

[@DwayneMuffin]

Thanks

[@waynesames8698]

Great vlog Dwayne look forward to the next one 👍

[@DwayneMuffin]

Awesome thanks

[@eastbelfastno1]

I seen a snake today in san antonio. It was a ladder snake. Fantastic work guys!

[@oliviaspalice7347]

Sick video Dwayne !!!:)

[@DwayneMuffin]

Thanks

[@yelberrah]

Great video Dwayne, maybe you can link the contact details of the exterminators you interviewed? I caught one on our balcony but a Google search have it picked up only brought me here. Cheers mate

[@davesandico4272]

Great one enjoyed that Dwayne !! 👍😎

[@DwayneMuffin]

Thank you

[@sarahstrong7174]

Thankyou for sharing?

[@richardsheldon7473]

Awesome vlog as always, interesting about the snakes,stay safe,have a great weekend ,

[@DwayneMuffin]

Thank you

[@karenstirling9310]

Great vlog Dwayne

[@DwayneMuffin]

Thanks

[@imonlytellingthetruth6562]

Last time I went to Ibiza Trouser Snakes were the problem

[@phileverall5936]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mhairihefft3290]

Thanks for your educational and highly informative vlog, It's great that you're covering a variety of subjects, Don't pay any attention to the negative twats(like the one I saw on insta today), They are small minded idiots, I would be very interested in a longer one on this very important subject.

[@DwayneMuffin]

Thanks I never do just use it as fuel

[@bellsbeach1208]

Interesting video - Needs more people to get behind this problem

[@chrisfriday5747]

A super Vlog Dwayne 👍 so interesting to see a different side to Ibiza. My partner loves geckos 🦎 so much so we bought some ornamental ones with a colourful glass body to hang on the walls and the fence panels in the back garden. She was not happy knowing the snakes 🐍 was eating them and more! The guys are doing a great job and an important one too for the Island 🏝 we look forward to the next Vlog/documentary when you do it. 👍.

[@DwayneMuffin]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@andyadventures2841]

Enjoy seeing these parts of the island Dwayne 🙏

[@DwayneMuffin]

thanks

[@MallorcaUnderTheSun]

I don't know why this appeared on my newsfeed butI had to watch it! I've been warned about the snakes in Mallorca when out hiking. Didn't know you had them too. Thanks goodness the mice were unharmed! Had me going for a minute! x

[@corinnafalke4880]

Thanks for the very interesting video 🙏! What do they do with the snakes after catching them?

[@grahambland8703]

Great video addressing a real issue

[@DwayneMuffin]

Cheers

[@behindthedecks6088]

Enjoyed that hope they can sort the issue out. Missed the one on the road what vlog was it

[@DwayneMuffin]

The last hotel video from the North

[@terrytibbs3336]

Never knew the island had a snake problem! Some wicked content fella 👌

[@DwayneMuffin]

They’re ya are! Already getting shit for this, people don’t like to see things how they are, let’s butter it up and pretend nothing happened

[@terrytibbs3336]

@@DwayneMuffin say what ? Getting shit for clearing snakes ?

[@craigwhitworth2597]

Sweet Vlog, have they located any as far down as San Antonio or Bossa way?

[@deangallagher3087]

No. At the moment, they are concentrated to the north of the island. They generally keep away from populated areas.

[@SchlangenfreundeReptileHunter]

What happens to the snake after you catch them? Do you kill them or just remove them from the island?

[@michaelvillanueva6862]

Hi Dwayne, quick question. Do you know any hotel rooms, apartments or villas that have dj equipment included? I know Ushuaïa does, i'm looking for other places. Also, do you know any businesses where I can rent dj equipment? Thanks and it's great you care about the island so much.

[@DwayneMuffin]

I do indeed, send me an email [e-mail]

[@vladkahejna3979]

What do they with the snakes after they catch them?

[@keysapple6323]

Lol interesting! was watching Mice plague on Aussie 9news now I'm watching this.

[@IanPhillipsWildlife]

Great video! The introduction of the Horseshoe whip to Ibiza has be a disaster for the Ibiza Wall Lizard which isn't found anywhere else, I do hope efforts to rid the Island of this species are successful. They are great snakes but this isn't the right place for them.

[@DwayneMuffin]

True

[@tonirobledo1328]

The "culebras" are all around my finca, very useful for mouse control and beautiful animals.

[@stephenaustin8153]

Where?

[@xankenlock2889]

I live in Cala san vicente and i remember around 5 years ago there were so many lizards they would literally bite your toes at lunch but there were all wiped out by these snakes. I very rarely see the lizards and if i do there in not Forrest aria such dunes. I would really appreciate it if you made a video on how to make a trap at home so everyone could be trapping them ! as I have see a couple of huge ones on my dirt bike and I would love to contribute to getting rid of them Thanks

[@DwayneMuffin]

I saw a big one last night by Can Rich near San An on the way home

[@suzieray4328]

I found this vlog really interesting the last time I was in ibiza myself and my daughter seen a snake by santa eulalia River omg we s**t it's so sad to see this and how rapidly they are taking our beautiful lizards and geckos away from this wonderful island so yeh well done guys

[@DwayneMuffin]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jbs9231]

On the Plus side the snake s are not vemins... right,,, And for a while there shering a box trap compantent,s with two mice... I'm in Ibza now , Thanks for info...

[@veejay3626]

Do you remember the song snake charmer from carpe diem (1994).Early dance classic usually mixed with plastic dreams from jaydee

[@hayleysmith1515]

I hope this can be sorted out soon, are they in San Antonio also?

[@DwayneMuffin]

Na mostly North

[@billywatts4689]

What are they grass snakes?

[@marktracey4760]

We’re did the snakes 🐍 come from

[@amac1657]

What happens to the snakes after they get caught?

[@bekind2475]

I love hiking in Ibiza around the beaches- are the snakes dangerous if you come across them in nature? Love doing a hike between Comte- tarida for example

[@DwayneMuffin]

No harmless to humans, corner them they'll bite but will slither away from you but not venomous

[@bekind2475]

@@DwayneMuffin thank you!!

[@Smartychase]

Where's Saint Paddy when you need him

[@jedwade1969]

Have you been along to the Alpaca sanctuary? Hoping to go in September.. 🥰👍

[@jedwade1969]

Please ignore this comment.. 🤣🤣

[@DwayneMuffin]

Yes it’s in two vlogs 👌 Bart the owner has become a good friend

[@jedwade1969]

@@DwayneMuffin I've messaged the page then what's app'd but they must be busy.. plenty of time.. 😊👍

[@Jimbob1664]

Did I hear him say you should ring 112 if you see a snake? That is absolutely ridiculous

[@DwayneMuffin]

No he said they’d put you through to the correct department

[@Jimbob1664]

?? Surely you’re still ringing an emergency number just to be told the correct department. I don’t think the emergency dispatcher is going to be happy someone taking up his crucial time by using him as directory enquiries, mental. Really love your Vlogs by the way.

[@deangallagher3087]

112 is the main switchboard and have operators who speak English. Official consell d’eivissa advise people to call 112 when they come across a snake

[@Jimbob1664]

Fair one, I stand corrected, I thought it was only for emergencies. Thank you for clearing it up.

[@sarahstrong7174]

So what happens to the snakes when they have been caught?

[@Ali_Arma]

Saint Dwayne's day soon a national holiday in Ibiza ;)

[@djjamesbest]

lol

[@djjamesbest]

The egg will be green every day if he gets rid of them lol

[@dancingfox965]

Omg haha they are little babies, come to Australia!!! I honestly have nightmares about snakes, but these are like little worms!! 🤭🤭

[@DwayneMuffin]

Yeah but they shouldn’t be here, some are a lot bigger

[@deangallagher3087]

Definitely not Eastern brown snakes or copperheads. Theses ones were young, but the other day, caught one that was 2m in length ! :) no venom though

[@eduardtarniceriu102]

I enjoy all your Vlogs ! I hate snakes !

[@TNToncourt]

Yep, I saw a long one wiggling across the road last year. The Olive trees from Andalucia brought them over.

[@ssuperangel18]

Which areas in ibiza are less likely to have snakes? would the more touristy areas be ok? I want to travel there but scared of snakes

[@deangallagher3087]

Firstly, these snakes are not interested in being around people at all, nor populated or built up areas. The likelihood of being bitten by these snakes is next to nothing, unless you attack it and they're not venomous. The snakes are in rural areas in the North of the island, and efforts are being made to stop them moving anywhere else. The Consell d'eivissa have also invested a huge amount in the eradication of there are groups like SOS Salvem sa Sargantana, as well as groups of volunteers like us, so, slowly we're getting there. In short, you're safe ! :)

[@ssuperangel18]

@@deangallagher3087 you’re amazing thanks so much for all your help and info!!

[@bradleywoods3742]

These are non venomous snakes which will only bite you if you pick them up... safe to say there is nothing to be scared of.

[@jeffmurray6219]

The snakes are all over the island eating all the lizards. I spend several months a year living on the island and Kayak over to several of the smaller islands which are still full of lizards, ( a few hungry rats though ) no snakes thank god. I know some guys over at San Miguel who are doing a great job trying to get rid of these snakes which seem to have come from the importing of mature olive trees for big houses from the mainland they say. Ibiza indeed has many aspects to it.

[@DwayneMuffin]

Cheers Jeff, trying to get out again with the guys

[@emmabranch8409]

I hope they manage to get the problem under control. What do they do with the snakes after capture? Our apartment is in cala llonga right next to woodland, I'll be a bit more vigilant I think!

[@DwayneMuffin]

Unfortunately they have to be killed but in a humanitarian way, it’s got too out of control

[@0oOo0oOo0oO]

@@DwayneMuffin is there no way to relocate them, or keep them as pets? I completely understand that they shouldn’t be there, but as a snake lover it sucks when they have to die.

[@DwayneMuffin]

@@0oOo0oOo0oO unfortunately it's out of control at the moment

[@RICHARDGRANNON]

Had a fat one living on the roof in Eulalia💀 we stayed away from each other 😅

[@DwayneMuffin]

Ha ha they’re harmless to us but I real hassle for the island

[@simonerusso6920]

Love respect ciccio

[@renacuajo277animalesanimal7]

Que tal mi pana

[@stiofain4693]

Il be the Saint Patrick 🍀of Ibiza, hunt snakes all day, Rave all night... me in a nutshell

[@DwayneMuffin]

I was calling myself St Patrick today

[@rustypipe]

mate this is so much better than showing clubs ! 🙂

[@DwayneMuffin]

More enjoyable

[@ashleystyles6888]

Funny that I lived in a tent in ibiza for 3 months and never saw any of them. I guess they shy away from humans. Nice video.

[@DwayneMuffin]

Depends where mate, north is riddled

[@ashleystyles6888]

@@DwayneMuffin es canar my friend. 👍 I went for 3 months. Had a very different sort of vacation to the usual. And on a budget. Did fitness/ walking etc had a magic time. As always.

[@BTScotty2002]

First, 😀😊

[@DwayneMuffin]

Thanks

[@danede425]

Ibiza is waking up

[@djmattiapascal5669]

they are aggressive BECAUSE they WANT get back to PUSH for OPEN the CLUBS for gettin party ! LOL

[@djjamesbest]

I've been gardening all week, was terrified of every stone wall I had to go near, just waiting for one of these bad boys to jump out and eat me whole.

[@deangallagher3087]

Haha. Snake isn't interested in people, fortunately!

[@RobertSmith-jh2gh]

How very odd...the only snakes ive seen in ibiza hang around the bars , drug ya drink then nick ya phones!

[@FinalCurse]

Hi

[@AL4N777]

Always see snake skins when we are there pal

[@DwayneMuffin]

Really

[@elenamurphy9442]

Oh no I hope that they catch them 😩😞

[@DwayneMuffin]

Same

[@bravelittletoaster3439]

Oh haawl naw. Just cancelled my trip. 🙅🏻‍♂️🙅🏻‍♂️

[@DwayneMuffin]

Ha ha

[@simonerusso6920]

The are not anacondas comon sorry 4 the ghecos

[@DwayneMuffin]

it's not the point

[@johnlemon6122]

nincompoop

[@davidboyle256]

Hope they’ve all gone before I get there

[@danielarodaro9494]

Sucks