Site of Scientific Interest
Sitio de Interés Científico de Interián
Description
The Protected Natural Area of Interían is nestled within the Acantilado (cliff) de La Culata, reaching up to 500 m in altitude.
Recommended time to visit: All year-round.
Geology
The current shape of this cliff, which ended up inland after the succession of eruptions that created the Isla Baja, is a result of a combination of constructive and erosive processes.
The area is home to important plant communities on the island, in particular, of the Phoenician juniper (Juniperus phoenicea), cardón (Euphorbia canariensis) and rock-dwelling plants, adapted to the rocky terrain with very little substrate and steep slopes.
There are also some areas that are less well preserved, transformed by human activity, containing old farming structures.
Flora and fauna
Here the thermophile forest covers the base and some of the higher parts of the cliffs. In the interior we can find Phoenician juniper trees (Juniperus phoenicea), some dragon trees in the more inaccesible areas, Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica), espinero (Rhamnus crenulata) and Canary Islands St. John’s Wort (Hypericum canariense), among other species.
In abandoned agricultural plots we can find inciensos (Artemisia canariensis), vinagreras (Rumex lunaria), tabaibas (Euphorbias), orobales (Withania aristata) and duraznillos (Ceballosia fruticosa). This Site of Specific Scientific Interest also contains some of the best preserved palm groves in Tenerife.
Finally, the cliff walls are home to rock-dwelling species such as the pastel de risco (Aeonium tabuliforme), cardoncillo verde (Ceropegia dichotoma), helecho batatilla (Davallia canariensis), lengua de pájaro (Globularia salicina), cerrajón (Sonchus acaulis) and the amargosa (Vieraea laevigata); and provides shelter for many animal species.
Specifically, reptiles that can be found here include the Gallot’s lizard (Gallotia galloti), geckos and skinks.
Meanwhile, birds that choose this quiet spot to build their nests include the Barbary falcon, buzzard, Eurasian sparrowhawk, Scopoli's shearwater, plain swift, laurel pigeon, and many singing birds such as Eurasian blackcaps, canaries, chiffchaffs and robins.
The only native mammals to inhabit the protected landscape are three bat species: the lesser noctule, Madeira pipistrelle and European free-tailed bat.
Technical information sheet
Surface area
101.8 hectares (0.5% of the island)
Species of interest
Phoenician juniper (Juniperus phoenicea), dragon tree, Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica), espinero (Rhamnus crenulata), Canary Islands St. John’s Wort (Hypericum canariense), incienso (Artemisia canariensis), vinagrera (Rumex lunaria), tabaiba (Euphorbia), orobal (Withania aristata), duraznillo (Ceballosia fruticosa), Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis), pastel de risco (Aeonium tabuliforme), cardoncillo verde (Ceropegia dichotoma), helecho batatilla (Davallia canariensis), lengua de pájaro (Globularia salicina), cerrajón (Sonchus acaulis), amargosa (Vieraea laevigata), Gallot’s lizard (Gallotia galloti), gecko, skink, Barbary falcon, buzzard, Eurasian sparrowhawk, Scopoli's shearwater, plain swift, laurel pigeon, canary, chiffchaff, robin.
Ecosystems
Cliff, ravine, thermophile, rock-dwelling.
Regulations
To consult permits for use and updated regulations for this Protected Natural Area, visit the official website of the Government of the Canary Islands.
Municipalities
- El Tanque
- Garachico
- Los Silos
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