The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment has stepped up inspection activities in plant nurseries across the Balearic Islands throughout 2025 to prevent the introduction of invasive snake species that threaten the archipelago’s endemic lizards. A total of 94 inspections have been carried out to ensure compliance with environmental protection regulations.

These actions are part of the implementation of Decree Law 1/2023, which establishes extraordinary measures to protect the Ibiza wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis) and the Balearic lizard (Podarcis lilfordi), as well as to prevent and control invasive species belonging to the Colubridae family. Between July and September, Environmental Agents conducted a targeted inspection campaign, focusing particularly on nurseries with a high presence of olive trees, identified as one of the main pathways for the accidental introduction of snakes.

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The Balearic Islands strengthen nursery inspections in 2025 to prevent the entry of invasive snakes

As a result of the inspections, 21 infringement reports have been issued for non-compliance with the regulations, and four sanctioning procedures have already been initiated. The penalties associated with these cases may range from €100 to €2,000, reinforcing both administrative oversight and deterrence mechanisms.

The Regional Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, has highlighted that these measures reflect a firm institutional commitment to protecting Balearic biodiversity and combating invasive species, which represent one of the most significant threats to the islands’ unique fauna.

Meanwhile, the Director General for Natural Environment and Forest Management, Anna Torres, has stressed that the regulation strictly governs the importation of large ornamental trees such as olive, carob and oak trees. Entry is only permitted through Balearic ports during specific periods of the year, and exceptional authorisation is required outside those windows. In addition, nurseries, commercial establishments and private operators handling large ornamental trees are required to install snake traps or equivalent systems, which must remain in place from April to October to reduce environmental risks.