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FLORA & FAUNA

Land and Marine Ecosystems.

Given the lack of vegetation, the most important aspect of the landscape is its geomorphology, with the presence of formations that are significant due to their unique appearance and scientific, cultural and educational interest. The most important formations are to be found in the areas that have had the most recent volcanic activity, those that present the eroded shapes of ancient volcanic structures, areas covered by pumice sand (“ jable ”), the sedimentary formations of the basal complex, which contain fossils that enable geological dating.

Dunas de Corralejo Natural Park and Lobos Isle, with incredible and evocative landscapes of golden sand and beautiful beaches with transparent waters of amazing blues and turquoises; Tindaya Mountain, the Bayuyo lava stream, a true geological extension of the island, and in particular, the line of cinder cones, visible from the tracks made for this purpose; the Las Arenas lava stream , the Los Arrabales lava stream and the area of the Jacomar cauldron, the coastal area of Puerto de la Peña , and the raised beaches; the pumice sand areas of Lajares and the La Pared Isthmus ; the Cuchillete de Buenavista and the Jandia Massif.

Despite the scarce vegetation, microclimate factors favour the presence of endemic flora in entire areas, some of which are of significant botanical value being examples of almost natural formations.

Amongst these, some of the most important areas are: the slopes of Vallebron, the Vigan Massif or the Cardones Mountain . Also of significant importance are the protected areas of the Jandia salt marshes, and the El Carnicero and Jandia Massif crags. Finally, the palm forests of Gran Tarajal Valley and Ajuy are also of importance due to the wealth of Date palms ( Phoenix dactylífera ) and Canary Island palms ( Phoenix canariensis ) found there.

FUERTEVENTURA FAUNA.

Fuerteventura contains some of the best bird life in the Canary Islands, with a number of import nesting (many endemic) and migratory species. The virgin coasts of Fuerteventura serve as a “stop-off point” for these species, with the components of the colonies varying depending on the season. As regards marine birds, the most important are the Cory Shearwater, in terms of nesting birds, whilst migratory species include the European Sandpiper, the Grey Plover and the Heron.

The abundant caves in the area of La Arena lava stream, as well as Lobos Isle, make ideal nesting grounds for the European Sandpiper, a marine species that can only be seen during its nesting season, from April to September.

In the sandy and earthy plains, the most characteristic birds found are: the Canary Island Houbara Bustard, the Sparrow Hawk, the Courser, and the Hoopoe, among others. The worldwide distribution of the bustard runs from the North of Africa to Asia and the hills between La Oliva and Lajares constitute one of their main breeding areas. They feed on coleopterans, gorse flowers, grasses, etc. Probably one of the bird species most in danger of extinction on the archipelago, due to their small numbers, both Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have applied programmes for their recuperation.

The ravines are home to the Lesser Short-toed Lark, the Fuerteventura Chat, the Blue Tit, the Spanish Sparrow, etc.

In the mountainous areas several species of nesting birds are to be found, such as the Egyptian Vulture, the Buzzard, the Osprey (on cliffs), the common owl, etc.

As regards marine life, over 390 species of fish have been classified, grouped in 117 families. The islands' marine currents produce abnormalities in the salinity and temperature of the waters that affects the aquatic life, enabling the existence of fish that would normally be found in a variety of different animal life regions.

Fauna In terms of non-domestic mammals, one finds hedgehogs, bats, rabbits, the Barbary Ground Squirrel, etc. Originating from Africa, the Barbary ground squirrel is of recent introduction in the island and has caused significant devastation in the island's agriculture.

Among domestic animals, there are “Bardino” dogs, which is a local species, Majorero (Fuerteventura) goats, sheep, pigs, horses, dromedaries, donkeys, etc.

Both the flora and fauna of the island are distributed in protected areas called “Areas of Ecological Interest”.

THE ISLAND'S FLORA.

Palm Palm trees and salt-cedars, almost the only local trees on the island, are located in the ravine courses, valleys and, particularly, the borders of old gavias: farming terraces that optimise the use of the ground and water, minimising the loss of this extremely scarce resource. Shrubs are found equally on north facing and south facing slopes, indicating the great capacity of these plants to adapt to the island's climate. Apart from gorses, there are also more limited communities of spurge, which is found mostly on the peaks of medium altitude, both on humid and sunny slopes, though with preference for the latter.

In the salt marshes the prevailing vegetation comprises shrubs of the family Chenopodiaceae, such as Samphires, Alkali Sea-Blite, Shrubby Sea-Blite, Wild Beet, Saltbushes, Marine Thyme, Canarian Bean-Caper, etc. The special ground conditions in the salt marshes lead to the appearance of a specific vegetation consisting of halophytes.