Pinus canariensis woodland

This pine forest is dominated by the Canarian endemic Pinus canariensis, which constitutes the potential natural vegetation or dominant habitat type in the corresponding vegetation belts of the western Canary Islands, where volcanic mountains reach sufficient elevation. It occupies an altitudinal range between 1,250 and 2,000-2,300 m on northern slopes, above the cloud layer (mar de nubes) caused by the trade winds. There it occurs above the lauroid forest belt (monteverde), while on southern slopes it is in contact with the xerophytic lowland Canarian habitats with junipers. Locally, on rocky outcrops, it can extend down to 500 m and it is also a colonizer of lava depositions (malpaíses). These woodlands vary from open to dense depending on the soil and slope conditions, and consist of pine stands in most places, having an understory of woody legumes (Adenocarpus viscosus, Chamaecytisus proliferus), Lamiaceae (Bystropogon origanifolius, Sideritis soluta) and Cistaceae (Cistus symphytifolius). They are out of the mist influence of the cloud layer and subsist under dry sunny conditions.

This habitat is the remnant of an ancient forest which was widespread in the western Mediterranean basin in the late Tertiary period (remnants have also been found in southern France and mainland Spain), but it is now only restricted to the Canary Islands, hosting lineages of a genuine Mediterranean flora. Stands have been extensively logged in the past due to their timber value and they continue to be exploited as an important resource, particularly in artificial plantations located on deep soils and in the moister areas naturally occupied by the lauroid forest. The Canary Pine (Pinus canariensis) is a fire-adapted tree, with a thick bark that resists fire and the capacity to resprout.

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats