Forest birds, endemic reptiles, invertebrates and marine life reveal the interplay between isolation, altitude and conservation.
The fauna of Tenerife 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 Teide and sacred landscape, Historic La Laguna, Port and mobility, which connect landscape, memory and everyday life. Protecting these habitats turns biodiversity into part of island identity.
Key points
Teide blue chaffinch
Endemic to the pine forests of Teide, the blue chaffinch is one of the island's faunal emblems and a subject of study for its evolution in isolation.
Tenerife lizard
The lagarto tizón, present in several island subspecies, is the most conspicuous land reptile and a good indicator of ecosystem health.
Birds of Anaga
The laurel forest of Anaga shelters endemic pigeons such as the laurel pigeon and the Bolle's pigeon, along with other forest birds that depend on the humid woodland.
Cetaceans and marine life
The channel between Tenerife and La Gomera is one of the busiest cetacean corridors in the eastern Atlantic, with dolphins and sperm whales seen regularly.
Endemic invertebrate fauna
The variety of microhabitats between Anaga, Teide and the coast has driven intense speciation among invertebrates, many of them still barely studied.
Species of Tenerife
Tenerife blue chaffinch
Fringilla teydea
An endemic bird of Tenerife linked to Canary pine forest.
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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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