Pityusic wall lizard hatchlings from Balearic Islands born at Barcelona Zoo

The first Pityusic wall lizard hatchlings from Ibiza and Formentera, commonly referred to as the Pityusic islands, were born at the Barcelona Zoo on June 25, as part of an offsite breeding project in collaboration with the Balearic Islands government. 12 lizards hatched from five different clutches after 42 days of incubation. This species, an icon of Ibiza and Formentera, is endemic and threatened in its natural habitat by the presence of invasive species like snakes. 

At birth, the lizards weighed between 0.6 and 0.8 grams, were very active and immediately began feeding, a sign of good overall health. Once the lizards were confirmed to be in good health, the zoo’s staff moved them to specially adapted terrariums for small reptiles, in an environment that ensures their well-being. The lizards have quickly adapted to their new surroundings. 

The birth of these lizards is part of a collaboration agreement signed in 2024 between the Barcelona Zoo and the Balearic Islands government that aims to protect endangered wildlife species on the islands. Both institutions have been working since May on a pilot project to create a population of lizards under human care. The lizards are intended to complement onsite conservation efforts and help guarantee the species’ survival in the face of threats such as invasive species.

The wall lizard is an emblematic species of the Pityusic islands, depicted on paintings, sculptures and ceramics in restaurants, shops and houses and all sorts of souvenirs. The introduction of invasive species, especially snakes, pose a serious threat to their survival. In 2023, both the Balearic wall lizard and the Pityusic wall lizard were included in the Balearic Catalogue of Threatened Species under the “vulnerable” category.