Our herpetology team applies a proven biological method to eradicate harmful mites without resorting to chemicals.

Our herpetology team has implemented an innovative biological treatment to eliminate external parasites in reptiles. This is the predatory mite Cheyletus eruditus, a natural and safe method that already proved its effectiveness in the park seven years ago and that has now been applied again as a preventive measure after the arrival of a boa constrictor seized by the authorities as a carrier of harmful mites.

The experts detected that the specimen had Ophionyssus natricis, a mite that affects snakes and which, if left unchecked, could spread to other specimens. To prevent its spread, the team has introduced Cheyletus eruditus, a benign parasite that feeds exclusively on these mites. This treatment is an effective and scientifically proven alternative that eliminates ectoparasites without the use of chemicals that could affect the animals or their environment.

The elimination process is completely natural: the mite feeds on the harmful mites until they disappear completely, at which point the predator itself also disappears as it runs out of food. This system has proven to be highly efficient in controlling Ophionyssus natricis in reptiles, as well as other ectoparasites that affect rodents, such as Ornithonyssus bacoti.

David Martí, our herpetologist , highlights the importance of this action within the park’s commitment to animal welfare and the use of sustainable methods in the care of species: “The use of predatory mites is an effective and environmentally friendly solution. In addition, on this occasion we have managed to capture with a microscope unpublished images of the exact moment when the predatory mite attacks and feeds on the parasites in a zoological environment, something that until now had not been documented visually.”.

Terra Natura Benidorm reinforces with this measure its commitment to the conservation and responsible management of species, implementing innovative strategies that prioritise the health and welfare of the animals in its care.