Plants and animals

Fuerteventura is characterized by low vegetation. The flora on the island is not abundant, although there are large numbers of endemic species, due to the peculiarities of the climate.   Tarajal palm trees are concentrated in the channels of ravines and valleys. In Pico de la Zarza there is a very valuable plant endemism, the Ononis Christii, which has a very beautiful head.

Salt is found in areas periodically flooded by the tide, resulting in halophilic elements. The Salado and the Matomoro Uva de Mar are found here. Its ecosystem highlights include the salt of the Site of Scientific Interest Matorral beach, protected by the Government of the Canary Islands since 1994.   As for the fauna, the most notable are the numerous species of birds, many of them migratory. Thus we have the hubara canaria, shearwater, the Guirre, the hawk, the kestrel, the chorlitejo, the gray plover, the egret, the broker, the hoopoe, and so on.

The common Guirre or vulture is the only species of vulture that lives in the Canary Islands and is listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Catalogo de Canarias. Today its population is estimated at about 150 individuals and one couple in Fuerteventura Lanzarote.  There is currently a project by the European Union Life whose purpose is to conserve the bird. This will aim to eliminate as far as possible, the dangers which threaten it.

These include high-voltage lines, poisoning from lead shots used for hunting and discomfort caused by tourism. It is also intended to monitor the nesting areas to prevent premature deaths of chickens and the creation of controlled feeding so they do not lack food. The total project cost amounts to €829,937.00 of which LIFE will provide up to €414,968.00

The case of the shearwater is also special. Cinderella shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), is one of the two most common shearwater subspecies on the Canary Islands.  It is a migratory bird with a short lifespan.

Between mid-October and November, chicks leave the nest, so they are very vulnerable at that time. Furthermore, in its first flight towards the sea, they may be disoriented by light pollution and collide with a lot of obstacles. Shearwater subspecies of this bird are a protected scientific interest, so it annually conducts a rescue campaign that involves both local authorities and the Guardia Civil.
We can also find on the island: hedgehogs; lizards; bats; turtles, rabbits, etc.