Tracy Menzies had been struggling with slugs in her backyard garden for some time, but this year, the strawberries in her garden turned out exceptionally well. The reason behind the diminishing slug population seems to be the increase in European wall lizards, an invasive species that has been rapidly spreading across Vancouver Island, including areas like Saanich.

According to Menzies, these wall lizards, which are small in size, have been consuming various insects and spiders, including slugs. Gavin Hanke, a curator at the Royal B.C. Museum, estimated that there are around 800,000 to a million European wall lizards in British Columbia, mainly concentrated on Vancouver Island. He expressed concerns about their impact on the local environment, particularly on invertebrate populations.

Biologist Nicholas Wong from the Invasive Species Council of B.C. mentioned that there are no specific programs in place to manage the increasing wall lizard population. Hanke, who has observed a surge in wall lizards in his own yard, emphasized the need for coexistence with these creatures, despite their negative effects on the ecosystem.

The European wall lizards were introduced to B.C. unintentionally in 1970 following the closure of a roadside zoo in Central Saanich. The lizards have adapted well to the climate of Southern Vancouver Island, spreading at a rate of approximately 100 meters per year. They feed on a variety of insects, spiders, invertebrates, and fruits.

To control the spread of wall lizards, experts recommend maintaining unattractive habitats for them, such as plain, closely cut lawns. Attempting to remove them individually may not be effective as they can easily re-enter from neighboring properties. Hanke highlighted the irreversible nature of their presence and urged against relocating them to prevent further spread.

In conclusion, the spread of European wall lizards poses a significant challenge in British Columbia, requiring collective efforts to mitigate their impact on the local ecosystem.

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