Canary Island Fires Harm Endemics

Posted by Dawn M. Smith Aug 4, 2007

Much attention has been focused on the loss of homes and tourism business in the wake of this week’s blazes on the Canary Islands. But 30 endemic species of plants and animals have also been badly affected by the wildfires that have swept through Gran Canaria. Tenerife seems to have been hit less hard but only post fire surveys will tell the real damage toll on either island.

Islands are often home to rare species. Animals and plants that end up on them diverge genetically from mainland species in very short time, becoming specialized to the local habitat and food sources. Darwin’s finches are probably the most famous example of this phenomenon. On Gran Canaria one of those seriously threatened by the wildfires is the blue chaffinch (Fringilla teydea polatzeki). Researchers in prime chaffinch habitat were the first to have to be evacuated from the forest when the blazes broke out. With only 250 or so birds of this local subspecies (another subspecies- Fringilla teydea teydea- lives on Tenerife but its population is larger), every one is valuable. Their habitat and major food source is an endemic pine (Pinus canariensus), which is also under threat.

The worst part of all this is that the Gran Canaria fire was set by a forest ranger whose contract was about to expire. The EU Action Plan for the blue chaffinch specifically mentions the need to prevent forest fires in order to protect the species, as previous fires had eroded their diminishing habitat. A jail term for the offender will not bring the plants and animals of this unusual island back.