Fauna of Lanzarote

Lanzarote may seem like a barren and almost lifeless island, but it hosts a surprising fauna, with endemic species of the Canary Islands that only live here and in neighboring Fuerteventura, and some that only exist in Lanzarote.

Species to be aware of

• Atlantic lizard (Gallotia atlantica): a small endemic lizard from the eastern islands, very easy to see sunbathing among the rocks.
• Majorero gecko): a nocturnal gecko endemic to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
• Canary shrew (Crocidura canariensis): a tiny mammal endemic to these two islands, which even lives in the malpaís.
• Canary hubara): a threatened steppe bird, which inhabits the arid plains and the jables.
• Blind crab of the Jameos (Munidopsis polymorpha): a tiny white crustacean that only lives in the lake of the Jameos del Agua.

Unique habitats

The malpaíses, the jables or sandy areas, the cliffs of Famara and the volcanic tubes, like that of La Corona, are the main refuges of the island's fauna. The islets of the Chinijo Archipelago, to the north, are also key areas for seabirds such as the Cory's shearwater.

Protecting biodiversity

The entire island has been a Biosphere Reserve since 1993. To protect its fauna, do not stray from the paths, do not disturb the animals, and do not release exotic pets. If you want to see the island's landscapes live, take a look at our webcams of Lanzarote.