A small rock in the Atlantic: 22/08/2010

Friday, 27 August 2010

What to Feed Lizards on La Palma

A female wall lizard grabbing watermelon, Tedote, La Palma

Yesterday I discovered that the local lizards (Gallotia galloti palmae) are fond on watermelon on a hot day. Figures. Unlike most lizards, they eat quite a lot of plants, especially ripe fruit, to the point where they can become a nuisance in vinyards.

I recently discovered that we only have one species of small lizard here. What I thought were two species is one, with different colours for males and females. The one in the photo above is a female - brown and stripy. The males are greyish, with a blue throat (below.)

Male Palmeran wall lizard, Gallotia galloti palmae

My friend has been told that it’s a big mistake to feed them, as they can loose all fear of humans to the point where they’ll bite your toes. We discussed this, and agreed it seemed unlikely, and if it did happen, it wouldn’t be all that bad. After reading Wikipedia, I conclude that it’s extremely unlikely. Apparently one colony on Teide of the subspecies on Tenerife (Gallotia galloti galloti) has become quite tame and will provide photo opportunities in exchange for ripe banana. There’s no mention of tourists getting their fingers bitten off.

I have to try this. Watch this space.

Labels: animals

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Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Picinas La Fajana, Barlovento

Salt water swimming pools at La Fajana, Barlovento, La Palma.

Fancy swimming in sea-water without the waves?

These are some rather nice salt-water swimming pools at Fajana, five km outside the village of Barlovento, on the main road to Santa Cruz. At one time they were only the natural pools, but they've been improved rather nicely. There's a pool near the top for senior citizens and the disabled, but the best places are reached down two flights of steps. They come in different depths, so that some are ideal for nervous beginners and some have more space. There's lots of flat space for sunbathing, and some caves beside the pools provide space for those who want to read a book without getting burned.

Salt water swimming pools at La Fajana, Barlovento, La Palma.

There's a cafe/bar/restaurant. It costs a bit more than similar places on the islands, but then they've obviously made a considerable investment by providing the pools. You aren't allowed to take your own food down to the pools.

You can stay in the self-catering apartments (visible at the top of the first picture) Tel 922 186162.

There are also fresh water showers (50 cents) and toilets.

And would you believe it, the toilets/changing rooms have a lovely mural on the ceiling and the tops of the walls. ! It's signed by the local artist, Luis Morera.

The toilets at the salt water swimming pools at La Fajana, Barlovento, La Palma.