The Osprey on Tenerife is a protected species under the protection and care of the government, the Cabildo de Tenerife.
The island government of Tenerife, through its Department of Environmental Management and Safety and the management authority of the Teno Rural Park, has launched an awareness and control campaign to better protect the rural and maritime areas around the cliffs of Los Gigantes.
Endangered Species
The campaign focuses particularly on the coastline of the Teno Rural Park, which stretches from Los Gigantes around Punta de Teno and nearly reaches Garachico. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the vulnerability of the unique biodiversity in this protected area, known as the Parque Rural de Teno.
The island government seeks to educate the public about how recreational activities in an ecological park significantly impact endangered species found only in this region, such as the osprey (guincho), the Tenerife giant lizard, and unique flora like the purple-blue lavender scientifically named Limonium spectabile, also known as Siempreviva de Guergue.
Osprey
Various bird species, including the guincho or osprey, nest and breed in this area from February to August. It is crucial to exercise extreme caution and maintain a distance of at least 250 meters from the coastline, except at Playa de Masca and Punta de Teno. Visitors must observe silence, as noise and disturbances can threaten breeding pairs and chicks in their nests.
The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a bird of prey from the osprey family (Pandionidae). It is a relatively small raptor that enjoys soaring above water and diving with outstretched talons to catch fish. Measuring up to 55 centimeters in length, it has a wingspan of up to 170 centimeters and weighs approximately two kilograms.
Protective Measures
Visitors approaching the cliffs by sea should maintain a distance of 250 meters or anchor in designated locations. Avoid using loudspeakers and keep engine noise to a minimum. Within the nature park, it is important to stay on designated trails and not stray from them. Feeding animals is strictly prohibited.
In fact, feeding animals in public spaces is forbidden across all Canary Islands by law. This includes pigeons, lizards, dogs, and birds. Leaving food or waste behind is also prohibited, and for understandable reasons, the use of drones is not allowed anywhere within the protected area.
Raising Awareness
As the weather improves around Easter and the ocean becomes calmer, there is a noticeable increase in tourists visiting natural areas to seek tranquility. This surge creates potential risk factors, which is why a team of environmental agents monitors compliance with the protective measures.
This awareness campaign is the result of collaboration among several institutions coordinated by the management authority of the Teno Rural Park, with the support of Turismo de Tenerife and the municipalities of Buenavista del Norte and Santiago del Teide.
Unknown © Photography
Osprey on Tenerife ©
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