The fauna of the Canary Islands represents a wide variety of species that coexist in the Archipelago on land, sea and air.
The Canary Islands have a large number of endemic species that coexist as part of the Canary Islands flora and fauna. As you may have imagined, one of the main differences with other species that may resemble some species of Canary fauna is their isolation by the Atlantic Ocean and the characteristic climate of the Canary Islands.
Although it is the same archipelago, the westernmost islands (Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro) are more exposed to the influence of trade winds, making these islands grow forests of Canary Pine and Laurisilva. On the other hand, the easternmost islands (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa), their proximity to the coast of Africa, make their habitats semi-desert.
Fauna of the Canary Islands: Tenerife
The variety of the fauna of the Canary Islands in Tenerife depends on the latitude in which we are and whether we are in the north or south face of the island. The existence of microclimates in Tenerife means that some species of flora and fauna in the Canary Islands have become accustomed to higher temperatures than others.
You will be surprised to know that the Canary Islands do not owe their name to the canaries (a kind of bird), but to a type of dog called presa canario. This species is even present in the official coat of arms of the Archipelago.
The presa canario is a large dog with a robust body. It usually reaches between 50 and 65 kilos in the case of males and 40 and 50 kilos in females. However, although its medium size is large, has a protective character and is usually faithful to its owner.
Other very picturesque species of the Canarian fauna are the spotted lizard, the rabiche and turquoise dove, the osprey, the blue finch or the old one, among many other species. But we would like to stop especially at one, the loggerhead turtle.
The loggerhead turtle
On the shores of Tenerife, you may be lucky enough to spot the bottlenose dolphin or the short-finned pilot whale, two species that you may get to know during an amazing excursion aboard our catamaran. In addition, during the summer, you will find some specimens of loggerhead turtle, an endangered species that can sometimes be seen off the coast of Tenerife. A fact that does work of all to care for and preserve these specimens and try not to interact with them beyond observation.
We hope we have aroused your curiosity about the flora and fauna of the Canary Islands and, during your holidays at Baobab Suites, you decide to learn more about our varied ecosystem. If you want to get to know the flora and fauna of the Canary Islands up close, don’t hesitate to contact our Experience Centre and they will make it possible.
