Integral Natural Reserve of the Roques de Anaga

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Leisure · Subcategory: Green spaces

The natural reserve consists of two isolated roques off the northeast coast of the Anaga peninsula, due to marine erosive action that has caused the ancient coastline to retreat more than one and a half kilometres. They are two phonolitic peaks belonging to the ancient series of outcrops in this part of the island, mainly composed of phonolites.

The Roque de Dentro or de Tierra, the closest to the current coastline, is larger, with a height of 180 m and an area of 7 hectares. It is connected to the massif by a semi-submerged land arm about 200 m long, passable only during low tide. The roque is quite steep, with a vertical-walled rock at its summit known as La Pica.

The Roque de Fuera is smaller, covering just over 3 hectares. Its shape is elongated, with two peaks, the Picacho and the Pica de Tierra, each about 65 m high. On its eastern side there is a slope known as La Pedrera, due to the chaotic accumulation of fragmented rocks covering it. This roque is also very steep.

The vertebrate fauna of these peaks is notable for the presence of several endemics. Some, like the giant lizard of Roque de Fuera ( Galliota galloti insulanagae ), have their only known population here. Among the birdlife, valuable breeding populations stand out, such as Bulwer's petrel ( Bulweria bulwerii ) – the best in the Canary Islands – Madeira storm petrel ( Oceanodroma castro ) and shearwaters ( Calonectris diomedea ), among others.

The vegetation consists of xerophytic and halophytic species. On the summit of Roque de Tierra stands a spectacular dragon tree forest, with nearly a hundred specimens, and there are also signs of the ancient presence of a juniper forest. Of the 65 vascular plant species recorded on both islets, some rare forms stand out, such as a bindweed ( Convolvulus fruticulosus ), several houseleeks ( Aeonium haworthii ) and a threatened lotus ( Lotus maculatus ), of which very few specimens are known on Roque de Tierra. This last species is strictly protected by the international Bern Convention.

The roques have traditionally been visited for shellfish gathering and shearwater hunting, activities now prohibited. Also, the sea surrounding them is a rich fishing area.

There is evidence of human presence in pre-Hispanic periods, as indicated by findings in a sepulchral cave located in an almost inaccessible place on the walls of Roque de Tierra.

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