Charles Darwin described Tenerife as 'Perhaps one of the most interesting places in the world'. Since his abortive visit many of the habitats have been damaged by agriculture and tourism but fortunately there are still unspoilt areas containing ancient forests, volcanic deserts and a large number of endemic species. Many of the important wildlife areas are now covered by some kind of protective legislation although it remains to be seen how effective this will be at preventing further extinctions.
- Mt Teide A 3718m high volcano in the centre of the island. Barren volcanic landscapes at higher levels with many different types of lava, volcanic cones and deserts. There are however a few plants and animals including Canary or Tenerife endemics such as the huge red-flowered Echium wildpretii and canary lizard. It is a large area well worth exploring if you can get away from the tourist buses.
- Teno peninsula in the north west corner. An area of cliffs and black sand seashore but also very rich in endemic plant species. 'Cardon' or Euphorbia canariensis show in the foreground [picture right] The precarious coast road goes past plantations and greenhouses then up through cliffs containing huge (1.5m) dandelion like Sonchus acaulis species [below] and on past steep gullies with banks of mixed Euphorbias[Euphorbia atropurpureashown below] and eventually reaches the black sands where several halophyte (salt tolerant) species such as Mesembryanthemum grow. The third species pictured in the centre below, growing on the black volcanic rock, may be Senecio echinatus
- Ananga A region of very steep mountain scenery and laurel forests in the far north east of the island. Subtropical evergreen forest with several good tracks. However the region is often covered in cloud and cold even in summer. I was particularly pleased to find the canary bellflower (Canaria canariensis)[right] scrambling over the woodland floor, it is quite common here.
- Monte de Agua Another area of evergreen laurel forest, this time in the north west. A good place for seeing the rare laurel pigeons while walking along one of the many quiet forest roads.
- Cloud sea Cool moist trade winds often blanket the northern part of the island in cloud up to a height of around 1500m. They also provide water for cloud forest epiphytes such as grey lichens (Usnea sp.) which blanket old canary pines (Pinus canariensis). This is certainly worth bearing in mind when planning a holiday. Accommodation in the north is generally cheaper and nearer the wildlife sites but may have much less sun than in other parts of the island.
Three more images to finish Isoplex canariensis a shrub growing in the laurel forests at Anaga, the canary gecko? found under a pile of rubbish near the airport, and Sideritis macrostachys another shrub growing in the laurel forests on the Anaga peninsula.
References
Natural History Excursions in Tenerife (1989). Ashmole, M and P. Kidson Mill Press. Scotland. 252p.
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