Birds, reptiles, invertebrates and marine life reveal the biological singularity of an island that has been heavily transformed yet remains diverse.
The fauna of Gran Canaria 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 Historic Las Palmas, Aboriginal landscape, Natural contrasts, which connect landscape, memory and everyday life. Protecting these habitats turns biodiversity into part of island identity.
Key points
The wildlife of Guayadeque
The Guayadeque ravine is a refuge for reptiles, invertebrates and insect-eating birds that depend on the scrubland and cardones of the interior.
Birds of the pine forests
The pine forests of Tamadaba and Pajonales are home to the Gran Canaria blue chaffinch, listed as critically endangered and the focus of active conservation programmes.
Turtles and cetaceans in the south
The warm waters off southern Gran Canaria are frequented by sea turtles and several species of cetaceans, with whale-watching boats sailing from Pasito Blanco.
Giant lizards in Galdar
Populations of the lizard endemic to Gran Canaria are recorded on the northern crags, related to species driven to extinction in the past by human predation.
Species of Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria blue chaffinch
Fringilla polatzeki
An endemic bird of Gran Canaria and one of the island’s most distinctive forest species.
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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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