Flora and fauna of the Canary Islands

If we go back to the origins of the fauna of the Canarian archipelago, we place it in the Early Miocenethat is, between 23 and 15 million years ago. Due to the separation of the Canary Islands with the continent that follows, we find that there are few species of fauna and that in addition, many of them are endemic. Zoological diversity is due to the climatic and landscape varieties of the Canary Islands and above all it is worth highlighting the Great presence of cetaceans In the Canary Islands. As a curiosity, most endemic animals species are birds and reptiles. Even thus, the only amphibians that exist in the territory were introduced, in the same way as There are no native fish species.

As for the Flora of the Canary Islands, it has the origin in the European subtropical flora belonging to the end of the It was tertiary. In the western islands, there are forests of Laurisilva and Pino Canario thanks to the Highway influence. However, in the eastern islands, being influenced by Saharathey have semi -desert ecosystems. Climate and orography have favored the formation of vegetation areas such as the Xerophyte Zone, the thermophilic forest, the wet forest, the laurisilva forest, fayal-brill, pine and high mountain vegetation.

If you want to know more about forests, you can consult the ecology article about types of forests to have more information.

In order to know the Canary Islands, we will describe which plants are along with a brief description:

Granadillo or Canariense Hypericum

Granadillo is a shrub that measures about 3 meters high and is characterized by its brown bark, its woody stems and for being very branched. Presents striking and yellow flowers grouped into small branches. They flourish near the ravines in the month of June.

Retama del Teide or Spartocytisus supranubius

It is one of the most attractive plants in the Teide National Park. It is unique in its kind, it can measure between 1.20 and 1.50 meters and presents long and robust branches.

Flower Flower or Hadrosoma Periclis

Set of plants that present small leaves forming a White and violet sphere. They are normally located in the tenteniguada area, approximately 1,200 meters of altitude. It is unique to the island of Gran Canaria.

You have red or ECHIUM WILDPRETII

This plant is also located in the Teide National Park, although it is also located on the island of La Palma. Reaches the 3 meters high and only bloom a few weeks a year.

Moya or Gallo Crest Isoplexis chacantha

It is endemic to the island of Gran Canaria and grows in the Laurisilva area. Although it can be located, it is very scarce and is currently in danger of extinction. Its leaves are narrow and have a spear shape. Its flowers are dark reddish and shows dense inflorescences.

Other species of Flora de Canarias

• INAGUA TURMERO OR Helianthemun Inaguae
• Riso gold or Anagyris Latifolia
• Canarian Madroño or Arbutus canariensis
• Sea pineapple or Preauxian attraction

In this section we will show you some of the most common Canary Animal species:

The Tenerife or Hemicycla Plicaria

Tenerife is a Endemic gastropod mollusc of Tenerife. This terrestrial snail has a shell of up to 2.5 cm and depressed, its color is light brown, without brightness and uniform. It also has radial folds making this its most striking feature.

Gambusia or Affinis Gambusia

Gambusia is a small fresh water fish Really native to the Gulf of Mexico, but was introduced in some areas of the European continent. It is a small, robust fish, with its mouth located at the top and with the presence of a wide and rounded tail.

Southern range or Hyla southern

Anuro Anuro that measures up to 5 cm in length, is one of the smaller amphibians in Europe. They are usually located in ponds, reservoirs and lakes, and camouflage efficiently between the vegetation that exists in their habitat thanks to the cryptic coloration they present.

Giant lizard or Gallotia Stehlini

Endemic lizard of the island of Gran Canaria, reaches up to 80 cm in length, between the giant lizards, the largest lizard in the archipelago.

Boba turtle or caretta

The Boba, Caguama or Cabezona turtle is a marine turtle that can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific or Indian Ocean, even in the Mediterranean Sea. This kind of turtle presents the larger hard shell in the world.

Other species of Canary Islands

• Atlantic lizard or Atlantic gallotia
• Green turtle or Chelonia Mydas
• Blue pinzón or FRINGILLA POLATZEKI
• Canarian orejudo bat or PLECOTUS TENIFFAE
• Musaraña de Osorio or Crocidura Russula Osorio

If you want to know more about the Canary Islands fauna, do not hesitate to read the ecology article that talks about extinction animals in the Canary Islands.

If you want to read more articles similar to Flora and fauna of the Canary Islandswe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.