The Lair of the White Worm

Forget Bram Stoker! There are reports that Gran Canaria is being over-run by the progeny of albino Kingsnakes (originally from California) that have either escaped or have been released by pet owners (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/may/05/invasion-albino-snakes-threatens-gran-canaria-wildlife). These snakes that can reach 1.5 m have apparently increased enormously in numbers and are decimating bird life, rabbits and unique lizards on the island. Even though they are albino, they appear to thrive as they have no predators on Gran Canaria. There is now a programme to try to control the snakes but, as they are largely subterranean, this seems a potentially insolveable problem Yet another example of the consequences of human-mediated introductions!