Fauna
Neither Tenerife or La Gomera are renowned for their animal life. Though there is evidence that at one time giant rats, metre long tortoises and even large lizards (similar to those on the neighbouring island El Hierro) used to roam here, it seems certain that, not having evolved to cope with predators, all three were easily hunted to extinction by the Guanches. So today the only wild animals you'll see on the island are likely to be rabbits and hares and a variety of geckos and lizards - some up to 25cm in length. But the islands are home to a much wider variety of birds , some difficult to see elsewhere in Europe, and up to two hundred different species have been seen on Tenerife. Of the more unusual birds swifts, blue chaffinches, Berthelot's pipits and trumpeter finches, quails, owls, and various birds of prey are all relatively common. Although there are few endemic birds on the island, a number of interesting sub-species have emerged, thanks to a separate evolutionary development from the main species elsewhere. Though probably not the reason for the archipelago's name , the canary does live in the forested areas of the island. In the wild the bird is naturally a sparrow-like colour and appearance (it only turns to the familiar eye-catching yellow in captivity) and so it's difficult to spot and easier to recognize by the distinctive song of male birds (females don't sing). The only form or fauna where there is a high level of endemicity on the island is among insects , in particular many unique butterflies. None of the endemic insects are however harmful - expect for a rare and shy centipede with a mean bite. Due to the cool Canary current and the fact that the coast drops steeply and suddenly into the ocean there is relatively little marine life here. Nevertheless, in spite of these conditions, some 350 species of fish and 600 species of algae have been identified around the island. Dolphins can often be seen from the shore, playing in the surf, however, while sharks (none of which are dangerous) and whales , though not common, do visit the waters further from the shore.
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