The document describes the different vegetation and fauna zones found in the Canary Islands, from sea level up to the highest mountain level. There are over 1700 plant species in the region, more than 500 of which are endemic to the islands. Each elevation band supports distinct flora and fauna adapted to the temperature and moisture conditions present. Species include cardones cacti, laurel trees, Canary pine, and the Tajinaste del Teide plant endemic to Mount Teide at the highest elevation. A variety of invertebrates, birds, mammals, and some endemic species inhabit each zone.
3.
Which types of plants
need we to know?
Endemic species
(Endémicas)
Tajinaste del Teide
Indigenous species
(Autóctonas)
Cat tail
There are in the region 1700 plant
species, of which more than 500 are
endemic to the islands. Fourth greatest in
the world.
6.
Vegetation(flora) and
fauna zones in the Islands
Sea level
- Sea level - 700m. Plants adapted for growing under dry conditions.
- This area of Tenerife is ideal for them, no precipitations or very rare.
- Examples: Cactus(Cardones) y Tabaibas
7.
Vegetation(flora) and
fauna zones in the Islands
Sea level
- Very poor of fauna
- Dry climate, almost no food
- Species are: Perenquén, common lizard, Pardela cenicienta, seagulls, scarabs…
8.
Vegetation(flora) and
fauna zones in the Islands
Thermophile forests level
- From 300 up to 650 m. Plants adapted for growing under high temperatures ,
50º in almost all cases, very strong trees.
- Examples: Canary Palm Tree y Dragon Tree
and Sabina Tree.
9.
Vegetation(flora) and
fauna zones in the Islands
Thermophile forests level
- Sea level – from 300 up to 650 m. Mostly invertebrates, they use the trees to
live , feed and hunt.
- Examples: Butterfly Vanesa Vulcania y spiders.
10.
Vegetation(flora) and
fauna zones in the Islands
Laurel or Laurisilva forest level
- From 500 up to 1000 m. Ancient forest and species from the dinosaurs time
period, very rainy zone and it has almost all day mist around, dense forest.
- Examples: Helecho, laurel tree, mushrooms (fungi kingdom)
11.
Vegetation(flora) and
fauna zones in the Islands
Laurel or Laurisilva forest level
- From 500 up to 1000 m. Very rich in invertebrates, a lot of endemisms in this
point, they live in the trees and in the caves.
- Examples: Canary Bat , spiders, pigeons ( Rabiche and Turqué).
12.
Vegetation(flora) and
fauna zones in the Islands
Pine forest level
- From 800 up to 2000 m. Strong pines live in this place, they are very resistant
and strong and they take all the nutrients of the soil for them, only other few
flora species grow here, the climate is variable because of the height, it can
snow and rain a lot here.
- Example: Canary pine.
13.
Vegetation(flora) and
fauna zones in the Islands
Pine forest level
- From 800 up to 2000 m. Only invertebrates , some mammals and birds live
here, they live in the trees and some of them are endemic, rabbits and
muflones are indigenous species.
- Example: Pinzón Azul , Pico Picapinos, rabbit, Muflón.
14.
Vegetation(flora) and
fauna zones in the Islands
High mountain level
- From 2000 up to 3718 m. only the stronger plants remain here, those who can
survive the hot sun rays, there is no water at all during the dry seasons, a
strong temperature change during the day and the night cycles takes place in
this zone, also here we find winds with intensity and it snows strongly
sometimes.
- - Example: Teide violet, Tajinaste del Teide, Retama Canaria.