Zonal ecosystems in the Canary Islands
The limitation of Canary lands has led to widely varied ecosystems. The zonal distribution of ecosystems is governed by climatic factors and altitude.
El Cardonal-Tabaibal It is the most arid ecosystem of the Canaries. In such areas, average temperatures are around 20 º C, rainfall is scarce, not exceeding 200mm and altitude goes from 50 to 300 meters above sea level.
The species of this ecosystem have suffered a number of adaptations that allow them to endure aridity.
They are a very homogeneous plant community consisting of various species. The most prominent are:
El cardón (Euphorbia canariensis)
La tabaiba dulce (Euphorbia balsamifera)
La tabaiba amarga (Euphorbia obtusifolia)
Verode (Klenia nerifolia)
The living parts of tabaibas and cacti are not consumed, but the dead serve as food for a specific and endemic fauna. Among vertebrates we find:
Lagartos (Gallotia sp)
Perenquenes(Tarentola angustimentalis)
Caminero(Anthus berthelotii)
Alcaudón (Lanius excubitor)
Cernícalo (Falco tinnunculos)
Pájaro moro (Bucanetes githagineus)
STATE OF CONSERVATION AND MAIN THREATS. This is the most degraded ecosystem since the good environmental conditions have favored the settlement of major urban centers, which have been increased by the tourism.