California kingsnakes as invasive species on Gran Canaria

[Roman]

I just found this in a German forum and found some references in English.

Lampropeltis getula californiae causes a lot of trouble as an invasive species on Gran Canaria, one of the Canary islands (a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean). There are two populations at the island. The snakes have no natural predators and threaten the natural wildlife, especially the endemic Gran Canarian giant lizard (Gallotia stehlini)

Interestingly the snakes seem to be growing larger (depending on the source of the information up to 30% larger) than in California, that’s what more than enough food, mild climate and no predation does for an isolated population over only a few generations.

Here are the references


LA Times:

A variety of California kingsnake is wreaking havoc in Canary Islands*-*Los Angeles Times (http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-kingsnake-20140428-story.html)



The Guardian:

Invasion of albino snakes threatens Gran Canaria wildlife | Environment | theguardian.com (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/may/05/invasion-albino-snakes-threatens-gran-canaria-wildlife)

Roman

[sharthun]

Interesting read.

[Jim Smith]

It's a shame that these things continue to happen. While many here on sSNAKEs really enjoy California King snakes, the introduction of an invasive species is almost always a disaster for many local wildlife species no matter where it happens. The more that these things continue to occur, the more likely that stricture laws governing importing/exporting, breeding or even owning "exotic" species will be implemented.

[jpsteele80]

Interesting read, unfortunately like stated it's only going to bring more restrictions to the trade

[Starbuck]

this is pretty sad, but i did read that there are several populations of the endangered lizards on snake free islands right now, hopefully they can keep it that way.

[drumcrush]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[CosmicOwl]

Interesting read, unfortunately like stated it's only going to bring more restrictions to the trade

It sucks for the responsible responsible keepers, but the community at large does seem to need the restrictions.