In it Teide National Park is located in the Tenerife Island And in it there is a unique and diverse ecosystem that houses a wide range of flora and fauna adapted to the hard conditions of the volcanic environment. From endemic species of plants to raptors and emblematic reptiles, the Teide offers an impressive biodiversity scenario. However, this ecosystem faces significant challenges, including the loss of habitat, the introduction of invasive species and climate change, which threaten the survival of many species. Some species in this area are the red tajininas, the Canarian pine, the Tizón lizard and the D Tenerife mouse.
Do you want to learn more? In this ecology article, we will tell you what the Teide Flora and Fauna and some of the most emblematic species that are in danger of extinction.
Characteristics of the Flora and Fauna del Teide
The Teide area has a diversity of flora and fauna adapted to the harsh conditions of the volcanic environment. As for the flora, we have these characteristics and methods of adaptation to the environment:
- Endemic vegetation: Here we can find a variety of unique endemic plants in the world, adapted to the altitude and extreme conditions of the land. Notable examples include the bunch of the Teide, the red tajininas and the blue tajinas. In this link you can learn about endemic species: definition and examples.
- Adaptation to altitude: The Teide’s flora shows an extraordinary adaptation to altitude, with species that develop from the base of the mountain to the summit. Different plant floors can be observed, each with their own species adapted to the specific conditions of temperature, humidity and soil.
- Aridity resistance: Due to the arid conditions of the volcanic terrain, many plants have developed mechanisms to preserve water and resist drought. Some have coriacea or zero leaves to reduce water loss, while others have deep root systems to seek moisture.
Fauna has also had to adapt to volcanic environment and altitude, therefore we can find the following characteristics:
- Endemic species: Like the flora, the fauna has endemic species that have evolved to adapt to environmental conditions. Among them are the Tizón lizard and the Tenerife field mouse. In this other article you can read about examples of endemic species in Spain.
- Rapaces: The Teide National Park is home to several species of raptors, such as the Tagarote Falcon and El Cernícalo. These birds take advantage of the wide open and cliffs to hunt dams. Here you can meet the birds of prey or raptors: types, names and photos.
- Climate adaptations: Some animals have fur or pens that provide them with thermal insulation, while others have developed food search skills to take advantage of available resources.
Teide Flora
Once we know the characteristics of the flora and fauna, we will know some of the most emblematic species of the Teide’s flora:
- Brid the Teide (Spartocytisus supranubius): It is an shrub plant that is mainly in the highest areas of the mountain, where dense thickets that contribute to the structure of the landscape. Its white or yellow flowers appear in clusters during spring, adding a touch of color to the austere beauty of the volcanic landscape.
- Red tajininas (ECHIUM WILDPRETII): The red tajininase is an endemic herbaceous plant of the Canary Islands that is distinguished by its spectacular inflorescence in the form of intense red spike. It usually grows in rocky and stony areas, and its flowering occurs in spring, turning the slopes of Teide into a sea of color.
- Blue Tajininas (Echium callithyrsum): Unlike its red counterpart, the blue tajininas produces intense blue inflorescences, which vividly contrast with the surrounding volcanic landscape.
- Canarian pine (Pinus canariensis): This perennial tree is one of the most emblematic tree species of the Canary Islands and is widely distributed in the Teide National Park. The Canarian pine is able to grow in poor volcanic soils and support adverse climatic conditions, such as droughts and strong winds. Its needle -shaped leaves and thick bark help you keep water and resist forest fires.
Teide fauna
We will know some of the most emblematic fauna species:
- Tizón lizard (Gallotia Galloti): It is known for its dark coloration and its ability to change tone according to environmental conditions. It is mainly found in rocky and stony areas, where it feeds on insects, small vertebrates and vegetation. It is a protected species and a symbol of the unique biodiversity of the Canary Islands.
- Tenerife field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus): This rodent is an endemic species of the Canary Islands found in several islands of the archipelago, including Tenerife. Inhabits a variety of habitats, from forests to agricultural areas, and feeds mainly of seeds, fruits, insects and small invertebrates.
- Blue pinzón (Fringilla Teydea): He is known for his intense blue plumage in the most off males and brown in females. Inhabits forest areas and high mountain bushes, where it feeds mainly of seeds, sprouts and fruits.
- Fisherman eagle (Pandion Haliaetus): Although it is not endemic to the Canary Islands, the presence of the fisherman eagle in the Teide National Park is remarkable. This aquatic rapaz is mainly close to bodies of water such as lakes and reservoirs, where it feeds on fish.
Flora and Fauna of Teide in danger of extinction
Although it is a national park and is protected, it is not freed from housing species of flora and fauna in danger of extinction. Let’s see which are the most relevant:
- Pajonera grass (Bourgaeana descurainia): This herbaceous plant, also known as Teide Mustard, lives in rocky and stony areas, and its main threat comes from habitat degradation due to the expansion of tourist infrastructure and human activities. Pajonera grass is considered in danger of extinction due to its restricted distribution and pressure on its natural habitat.
- Summit bencomia (BENCOMIA EXSTIPULATA): It is an endemic species found in the islands of La Palma and Tenerife. The specimens of this species live in enclaves with little soil, although sometimes they are found in piedmont areas where the ground is more developed and is deeper. It is located in some areas of the southwest of Las Cañadas within the Teide National Park in Tenerife. He lives in the boiler boiler volcano in the northwest peak of the island of La Palma, above 1,800 meters above sea level.
- Giant lizard of Tenerife (Intermediate gallotia): This kind of endemic lizard of the Canary Islands, which once lived on the slopes of the Teide, is critical of extinction. The introduction of invasive species such as cats and rats, the loss of habitat due to urbanization and competition with other lizard species have contributed to their decline.
- Abejaruco de Tenerife (Merops superciliosus): This colorful bird, endemic to the Canary Islands, is in danger of extinction due to the destruction of its habitat caused by agriculture, urbanization and forest fires. In addition, predation by species introduced such as cats and rats has exacerbated its situation. In this other post you can meet more animals in danger of extinction in the Canary Islands.
After learning all these about the flora and fauna of the Teide, we encourage you to continue discovering the Flora and Fauna of the Canary Islands and the flora and fauna of Spain in these other articles of Ecology Verde.
If you want to read more articles similar to Teide Flora and Faunawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.
