Tenerife Flora and Fauna - species endemic to the island

The Canary Islands chain is one of a group of five situated in the central Altantic Ocean. The others are the Azores, Madeira, the Savage Islands (part of the Madeira Autonomous Region) and Cape Verde. Collectively, they are known as Macaronesia, which is Greek for "islands of the fortunate".

Out of all these island chains, the Canary Islands have the greatest variety of endemic flora. Indeed, it is the fourth greatest in the world. There are in the region of 1700 plant species, of which more than 500 are endemic to the islands.

Regarding fauna, there are over 6000 species of invertebrates and nearly 110 of vertebrates. Not all these are natural inhabitants, however. Some were introduced by humans.

There is, therefore, much rich and varied vegetation on Tenerife, with up to 140 species of plant being endemic to this island only.

All these different factors contribute to the presence of many varied habitats in which widely differing types of plants and animals have thrived.

Flora

There are six major zones of vegetation on the island, according to altitude and directional aspect.

Lower Xerophytic Zone

Sea level - 700m. A xerophyte is a plant adapted for growth under dry conditions. This area of Tenerife is ideal for them. Examples include spurges, cactus spurge and wax plants.

Thermophile Forests

200 - 600 m. A "thermophile" is described as an organism that thrives at a temperature of 50° or higher. This is an area of moderate temperatures and rainfall and has been adversely effected by human activity. It contains many endemic species such as juniper, palm trees and the famous dragon trees.

Laurel Forest

500 - 1000 m.

This is a zone characterised by frequent rainfall and mist. Many large trees, with abundant undergrowth of bushes, herbaceous plants and ferns. Plants such as laurels, holly, ebony and mahogany are much in evidence.

Wax Myrtle - Tree Heath

1000 - 1500 m. Much dryer, with less species, but important nonetheless. Examples of wax myrtles, tree heath and holly.

Pine Forest

800 - 2000 m.

Open pine forest, with thin, unvaried undergrowth. Examples of Canary Island pine, broom and rock rose.

High Mountain

Over 2000 m.

Dry climate, strong sunlight and extremes of day and night temperatures. Flora well adapted to the conditions. Many endemic species here. An area of great scientific importance. Examples of endemic flora include Vipers bugloss, Teide white broom and Teide violet.

More information on Tenerife flora

Tenerife Fauna

There are quite a few animal, invertebrate and bird species endemic to Tenerife, but I know I'll have to be careful here. In the pages whose links are given below, I might inadvertently include a species that isn't truly indiginous. If so, I apologise, but this information is given in good faith. Remember - I'm not a scientific expert!

Tenerife Birds

Tenerife Dog Breeds

Tenerife Mammals (including other warm blooded vertebrates)

Tenerife Lizards - cold blooded vertebrates

Tenerife Insects - some of the more exotic ones!

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