Reptiles, birds, invertebrates and marine life take on particular importance thanks to the conservation of both land and underwater habitats.
The fauna of El Hierro depends on the diversity of habitats created by relief and coastline: birds, reptiles, invertebrates and marine life occupy clearly different spaces.
Among its main reference points are Myth of the edge, Biosphere Reserve, Energy innovation, which connect landscape, memory and everyday life. Protecting these habitats turns biodiversity into part of island identity.
Key points
The giant lizard of El Hierro
The El Hierro lizard (Gallotia simonyi) is one of the largest endemic reptiles in the Canaries; it was believed extinct until 1975 and now survives thanks to a captive breeding programme.
Birds of the high ground
The raven, the chaffinch and the common kestrel are frequent sights in the pine and laurel forests; the wood pigeon nests in the surviving woodlands of the north.
Cetaceans and marine life
The waters around El Hierro are frequented by short-finned pilot whales, dolphins and sperm whales; the Marine Reserve and the low human pressure favour the presence of large marine mammals.
The El Hierro submarine volcano
The 2011-2012 underwater eruption at Tagoro had a marked impact on the seabed off La Restinga; the recovery of marine biodiversity was monitored in real time.
Species of El Hierro
El Hierro giant lizard
Gallotia simonyi
An endemic reptile of El Hierro and a symbol of threatened island fauna.
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Laurel pigeon
Columba junoniae
An endemic pigeon associated with Canarian laurel forest and monteverde.
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Bolle’s pigeon
Columba bollii
An endemic pigeon of Canarian monteverde, closely tied to humid forests.
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