The fauna of Tenerife is impressive and unique, influenced by the island’s geographical isolation and diverse ecosystems.
Tenerife is home to a wide variety of animals, many of which are endemic. The island’s fauna is a blend of native species, introduced animals, and migratory birds, making it a significant location for wildlife research and observation. Due to the protected status of many areas, such as Teide National Park and the nature reserves of Teno and Anaga, Tenerife’s rich biodiversity is preserved and safeguarded.
Genetic Isolation
Tenerife boasts a range of ecosystems that support a unique fauna, largely composed of species that have adapted to island environments. These species include endemics that have developed exclusively on these islands, making Tenerife’s fauna fascinating from a scientific perspective.
The fauna of Tenerife, like that of the other Canary Islands, shares strong connections with North Africa and Southern Europe. However, the most notable characteristic is the presence of a large number of endemic species—unique organisms that exist nowhere else in the world. This is a direct result of the genetic isolation experienced by animals living on an island.
Unique Bird Species
On Tenerife, these endemic species are mainly concentrated in areas such as Anaga, Teno, and Las Cañadas del Teide. Additionally, one of the most significant animal groups consists of invertebrates, with a total of 3,000 species, of which 40% are endemic. Notably, more than 200 bird species pass over Tenerife throughout the year.
Some of these species, such as herons and ducks, migrate through the island in search of favorable climatic conditions. Others, like the Bolle’s pigeon, the laurel pigeon, and the blue chaffinch, are globally unique species that permanently reside in the Canary Islands. Along the coast, species such as the great shearwater and the osprey attract birdwatchers, an activity that requires special permits in certain areas.
Mammals
The mammalian group is represented by 13 species, most of which were introduced by humans. The arrival of the island’s indigenous population around 2,500 years ago led to the introduction of sheep, goats, dogs, and pigs to the archipelago. These animals have adapted so well that there are now native breeds of these species on the Canary Islands. Other introduced species include rabbits, mice, weasels, and the Algerian hedgehog. The most recent introduction was the Corsican mouflon, released in Teide National Park for hunting purposes.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Tenerife is home to a variety of reptile species, some of which are found nowhere else. There are five reptile species on the island, including the spotted lizard, which is endemic to Tenerife. The other four species—the Fienarola and Gallotia lizards—are also present on other Canary Islands with slight genetic variations. The remaining two species include the tarantula and the pink salamander.
Regarding amphibians, two species of frogs, introduced by Europeans, can be found in abundance in reservoirs and streams. Additionally, eels, a species threatened with extinction, have been confirmed in some ravines of Anaga and Teno.
Whales
The waters surrounding the Canary Islands also attract “marine tourists” from various regions worldwide. Species typical of the cold waters of the North Atlantic coexist with those adapted to warmer climates, and even some species from the Caribbean, such as certain sea turtles, have reached the islands. Tenerife is one of the best locations in the world for whale watching, with up to 21 different species residing in the waters surrounding the island.
Overview
Marine Fauna
Tenerife is surrounded by rich marine ecosystems. The waters around the island are home to various fish species, including barracudas, sea turtles, dolphins, and moray eels. In deeper waters, different types of rays and sharks can be found.
Birds
Tenerife is home to various bird species, including the Canary Islands wild pigeon and the yellow-legged gull. One of the island’s most well-known birds is the ‘guincho’ or osprey, a bird of prey that exclusively feeds on fish. Shearwaters breed on the island, and parrots can be seen flying freely.
Reptiles
Among the reptiles, the Canarian lizards are the most common on the island. These small reptiles are endemic and display a variety of subspecies.
Insects
Tenerife hosts a wide range of insects, including butterflies and several endemic insect species. Butterflies are particularly abundant, with numerous species found in different regions of the island.
Mouflon
Fifty years ago, this animal was introduced to Tenerife to establish a big-game hunting reserve. However, its diet proved detrimental to at least fourteen endemic plant species.
Amphibians
Amphibians on the island are mainly represented by two species of toads: the common toad and the Canary Islands toad. These amphibians have adapted to various habitats, ranging from mountainous regions to the island’s humid zones.
Giant Lizards
At the end of the 20th century, in 1996, when it was believed that all vertebrate species on Tenerife had been documented, a group of conservationists discovered giant lizards on the cliffs of Teno. This species, known as the “giant Tenerife lizard,” is a surviving remnant of the Canary Islands’ original fauna. It is an exclusive treasure of the region’s nature and is critically endangered. If not properly managed and protected, it may disappear from Tenerife and the planet.
Marine Insects
In the waters surrounding Tenerife, various marine insects such as crabs and shrimp can be found. These organisms play an essential role in the local marine ecosystems.
Marine Reptiles
In addition to terrestrial lizards, Tenerife’s coasts are visited by sea turtles, particularly the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), which comes to the island’s beaches to lay its eggs.
A Delicate Ecosystem
Tenerife is home to several endangered species, including the Canary Islands wild pigeon and the Mediterranean monk seal, which forages in the waters around the Canary Islands. Efforts are being made to protect these species.
Overall, Tenerife’s fauna is an intriguing mix of endemic species adapted to a unique island and marine environment. The island’s geographical isolation has fostered the development of a wide variety of unique creatures, making Tenerife a fascinating destination for nature lovers and biodiversity enthusiasts. Preserving these species is essential to maintaining the delicate ecosystem of the Canary Islands.
Pixabay © Photography
Fauna of Tenerife ©
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