We use the term endemic species for species that live only in specific areas. Protecting them is very important, as their disappearance would mean the extinction of those species on the planet.

Tenerife is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several endemic species. Here are some of them:

• Teide violet (Viola cheiranthifolia): another species endemic to Tenerife, it is considered one of the flowering plants that grows at the highest altitude in the whole of Spain.

• Red tajinaste (Echium wildpretii): a red-flowered plant endemic to Tenerife and commonly seen in Teide National Park.

• Tenerife giant lizard (Gallotia intermedia), or Canary speckled lizard: this lizard is endemic to Tenerife and is found in several parts of the island, including Teide National Park. There are four other species: the lisa (skink) and the lagarto tizón (western Canaries lizard), which have distinct subspecies and are also present on other islands, and the perenquén (gecko) and the salamanquesa rosada (Turkish gecko).

As for amphibians, two endemic species of frog are known on the island, introduced by Europeans and abundant in reservoirs and watercourses; one of them is called the Escuerzo de Tenerife (Pelobates cultripes). The presence of eels, an endangered species, has been confirmed in some ravines of Anaga and Teno.

The abundance of microclimates, and therefore of natural habitats, is clearly reflected in the island’s vegetation, made up of a rich and varied flora (1,400 species of higher plants), including numerous Canary Island endemics (200) and Tenerife endemics (140). Tenerife’s fauna is estimated at 400 species of fish, 56 of birds, 5 of reptiles, 2 of amphibians, 13 of land mammals and several thousand invertebrates, as well as some species of sea turtles and cetaceans.

These are just some of the endemic species you can find in Tenerife. The island offers a great diversity of unique wildlife thanks to its geographical location and varied microclimates. If you are interested in wildlife watching, you might consider visiting Teide National Park, where you will find many of these species in their natural habitat.

However, always remember to respect the regulations and keep a safe distance from wildlife, both for its conservation and for your own safety.