The image, shared by Stopculebrareal, shows the devastating results of an attack by an individual of this invasive reptile on a nest of red partridges. This partridge species is one of two present in Gran Canaria and the only one that nests on the island, having been introduced since the 15th century for hunting purposes.
The photograph demonstrates that the invasion of the California kingsnake poses a significant threat not only to the island's endemic reptiles, such as the giant lizard, the lisa, and the perenquén, which have been its favorite prey until now, but also to other species of game interest.
The snakes proliferating in Gran Canaria are capable of preying on partridges and their eggs, as the striking snapshot clearly shows. Furthermore, their diet can also include pigeons, quails, turtledoves, and even young rabbits.
