The establishment of Teide National Park in 1954 in Tenerife, through an official decree, aimed at preserving its exceptionally beautiful landscape. Its distinctive geological features, coupled with a diverse range of flora and fauna, have rightfully earned it the status of a National Park.
In 1981, Teide National Park was reclassified, introducing a special legal framework for its management. Gaining significant recognition, it was awarded the European Diploma by the Council of Europe in 1989, a testament to its exceptional management and conservation efforts. This prestigious award was subsequently renewed in 1994, 1999, and 2004.
The park encompasses a large ovoid caldera with a 14-kilometre diameter. While there are several theories about the origin of this caldera, the most accepted one attributes its formation to the collapse of the underlying stratum due to the draining of a magmatic chamber.
On 2 July 2007, UNESCO recognized Teide National Park as a Natural Property and added it to the World Heritage List. This accolade was bestowed during the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Diverse Species Inhabiting Teide National Park
Teide National Park is home to a remarkable array of species. It boasts 139 species of vascular flora, about a third of which are endemic to the Canary Islands. The park’s vegetation is predominantly high mountain scrub, but it also includes phanerogamous plants like the Teide violet.
Near the fumaroles, one can find the mountain borriza. The tajinaste, notable for its distinctive and variable colours, is another remarkable species found here.
The park’s fauna is largely made up of invertebrates, with over 400 species, almost 70% of which are endemic. Insects represent the largest category within this group, underlining the park’s ecological significance and biodiversity.
