Did you know that there are many species which are endemic to the Canary Islands?
Of course, we have a very special canary (Serinus Canaria) but the islands are also home to other wonderful, colourful birds, such as the Tenerife blue chaffinch and the Canary Islands stonechat.
There are four endemic species of geckos on the island, and eight species of lizard that only live here! Never try to harm them, as there is one species identified as vulnerable, therefore protected by law.
The Atlantic Ocean around the islands also contains many species of marine life that love to swim in the waters around the archipelago. But perhaps the strangest of all the animals specific to the islands is the Canary big-eared bat (plecotus teneriffae). It’s not very pretty, but it forms part of our ecosystem and is also a protected species.
Saint Andrew’s pupils have been leaning about classification, animals and their habitats. It seems that the diverse landscape and flora of the islands, from volcanic caves to deep oceans and lush woodland, provide an ideal habitat for many weird and wonderful creatures!
