The “Canarian Islands endemic pollinators of the Laurel Forest zone - Conservation plan 2023-2028” focuses on four insect species – two butterflies, one bee, and one hoverfly – sharing a common, ancient habitat: the Laurel Forest. Once widespread in the Mediterranean area, this ecosystem supports rich biodiversity and many endemic species throughout the Canary Islands but has nevertheless suffered from destruction and degradation. The decline of this habitat due to human activity is a major threat to the species considered for this Action Plan, along with alien species and the changing climate.
1.1.1 Creation of a steering group
A steering group has been established as reported by the University of La Laguna
Status: Completed
Updated on: 6 February 2025
1.2.1 Motion for inclusion of laurel forest pollinators in the Biodiversity Strategy of Tenerife. (2024)
The University of La Laguna (ULL) and the Zerynthia Association report that Pieris cheiranthi is already included in the Canarian Regional Catalogue but that the population on the island of La Palma still does not have any protection.
Status: in progress (66.7%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2021
1.2.2 Inclusion of all four target pollinator species in the Canarian Regional Catalogue of Threatened Species (2027)
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
1.2.3 Inclusion of Pieris cheiranthi in the Spanish National Catalogue of Threatened Species (2026)
The Zerynthia Association made a formal proposal to include Pieris cheiranthi in the National Catalogue of Threatened Species. This is a legal document at state level that automatically implies the inclusion of the species in the Canarian Regional Catalogue of Threatened Species. However, it seems that this proposal has not been successful
Status: in progress (50%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
2.1.1 Systematic survey on distribution and abundance of the four selected species on the Canary Islands (including search for P. cheiranthi on La Gomera)
The Zerynthia Association maintains some transects in Tenerife and La Palma that include information on Pieris cheiranthi. However, this monitoring network requires a greater number of participants and sampling points. The search for P. cheiranthi in La Gomera has been carried out punctually, but it would be necessary to carry out systematic searches in an organized manner.
They add that it would be necessary to obtain samples from specimens deposited in museums and other collections. They need samples from specimens captured in the wild and not bred in captivity.
Status: In progress
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
2.1.2 Study on suitability of different Crambe species as host plants for Pieris cheiranthi on the Canary Islands
Status: Not Started
Updated On: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
2.1.3 Study on suitability of different Rhamnus species as host plant for G. cleobule on the Canary Islands
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
2.1.4 Study on host plant distribution for the four selected Canarian pollinator species
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
2.1.5 Research on nesting requirements of Lasioglossum chalcodes on the central and western Canary Islands
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
2.1.6 Research on larval and adult habitat requirements of Heringia adpropinquans on the Canary Islands
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
2.1.7 Study of the nectariferous sources of the four Canarian pollinator target species using environmental DNA techniques (pollen)
Status: Not Started
Updated On: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026 (2027 for butterflies)
2.2.1 Research on the major threats to Lasioglossum chalcodes
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
2.2.2 Research on the major threats to Heringia adpropinquans
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
2.2.3 Research on potential future habitats of all four species (and host plants) under climate change
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
2.2.4 Research on the role of parasitoids on population dynamics of P. cheiranthi
The Zerynthia Association states that there is partial information on the impact of Cotesia glomerata. However, it is necessary to collect caterpillars and calculate parasitism rates, as well as to know whether other parasitoids are involved.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
2.2.5 Research on the use of agrochemicals (pesticides and herbicides) in high altitudes and their potential impacts on pollinators in the Canary Islands, focusing mostly on the four species (Pieris cheiranthi, Gonepteryx cleobule, Lasioglossum chalcodes, Heringia adpropinquans)
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
2.2.6 Research on potential effects of honey bee keeping on native pollinators on the Canary Islands
An initial sampling was done in El Teide National Park for the action 2.2.6, as explained by the University of La Laguna
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
2.3.1 Taxonomic study to improve identification of L. chalcodes (distinguishing from L. viride)
The University of La Laguna reports that DNA barcoding of several populations of both species and various diagnostic character were observed
Status: in progress (75%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
2.3.2 Genetic study to clarify the management units of P. cheiranthi
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
2.3.3 Genetic study to clarify the taxonomic status of the different populations of G. cleobule
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
2.3.4 Research on systematic and population genetics of different subspecies of Lasioglossum chalcodes
DNA barcoding of several individuals of Lasioglossum chalcodes from Gran Canaria and La Palma. Populations of Tenerife and La Gomera should be sequenced. They also explain that DNA barcode of samples from Tenerife and La Palma has been obtained, and new samples from different populations in these islands as well as in La Gomera are needed.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
2.3.5 Population genetics of H. adpropinquans
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
2.4.1 Improve the population monitoring programme for butterflies by adding five transects on Tenerife and five on La Gomera
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
2.4.2 Establishment of monitoring protocols for L. chalcodes and H. adpropinquans on the Canary Islands
According to the Zerynthia Association, it is necessary to increase the transect network in order to obtain sufficient data to develop trends for Pieris cheiranthi and G. cleobule.
Status: in progress (12.5%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
2.4.3 Monitoring the effectiveness of conservation management actions for the four selected Canarian pollinator species and feeding back into management practices
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2023-2030
2.4.4 Monitoring the conservation status trends of pollinators of the Laurel Forest zone on the Canary Islands
Status: in progress (8.33%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
3.1.1 Species Recovery Plan for the Canary Large White
The Canary Islands Government commissioned Ruth Escobés to prepare a recovery plan, but it was never published. Therefore, it would be necessary to resume this action, which had already begun in 2019
Status: in progress (16.7%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
3.2.1 Identification of suitable source populations for the captive breeding programme for P. cheiranthi
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
3.2.2 Development of a captive breeding protocol for P. cheiranthi
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
3.2.3 Collection of eggs, caterpillars and/or adult females of P. cheiranthi
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
3.2.4 Captive breeding of P. cheiranthi on Tenerife
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
3.3.1 Feasibility study to determine suitable reintroduction habitats for P. cheiranthi on La Gomera and appropriateness of suitable source populations
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
3.3.2 Compiling a reintroduction strategy for P. cheiranthi on La Gomera
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
3.3.3 Preparation of recipient sites for new P. cheiranthi populations
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2028
4.1.1 Assessment of the suitability of water management plans for preserving the selected Canarian pollinator species on each island
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2022
4.1.2 Instigate amendments to water management plans on the Canary Islands where this is needed for the protection of the four Canarian pollinator species
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
4.2.1 Review the existing lists of potentially invasive alien species on the Canary Islands for potential gaps
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
4.2.2 Instruct inspection services for health of vegetable products regarding the risk of introducing P. brassicae eggs or caterpillars
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
4.3.1 Reduction of pesticide use in farmland adjacent to habitats of the four selected Canarian pollinators
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2022
4.4.1 Better consideration of threatened pollinator species in existing protected areas on the Canary Islands by facilitating collaboration between PA management and entomologists
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
4.4.2 Analyse existing habitat management plans for Natura 2000 areas on the Canary Islands for potential gaps regarding the conservation of the four selected Canarian pollinator species
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025
4.4.3 Creating habitat management principles for L. chalcodes and H. adpropinquans based upon the best knowledge and revise based on new knowledge
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2027
4.4.4 Delimitation of critical areas for the four selected species and creation of micro-reserves (special zones/ exclusion zones within larger protected areas, e.g. site of specific interest) across the Canary Islands
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2030
4.5.1 Review and update existing plans for laurel forest restoration on the Canary Islands with a focus on key areas for the four threatened pollinators
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2026
4.5.2 Avoiding degradation of laurel forest ecotones on the Canary Islands
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2027
5.1.1 Creating a website to share information on the Canarian pollinator conservation project, with pages dedicated to the four selected pollinators
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2023-2028
5.1.2 Organise a campaign to raise awareness among the general public for the threatened Canarian pollinators (press, educational centres, schools, farmers, municipalities, foresters)
In 2024, the University of La Laguna hosted an exhibition on the Canary Islands' pollinators. https://www.ull.es/portal/agenda/evento/exposicion-centinela-de-las-flores-descubriendo-los-polinizadores-canarios/.
Also a citizen science project was carried out to look for a lost species of pollinators: Melitta aegyptiaca clusia https://abejasdecanarias.wordpress.com/2024/04/09/en-busca-de-la-abeja-perdida/ and https://www.bienmesabe.org/noticia/2024/mayo/en-busca-de-la-abeja-perdida.
They also report that an informative website has been developed on the pollinators of the Canary Islands, with fact sheets, online games and various materials for use by different audiences (www.polinizadoresdecanarias.org). A blog has been raising awareness of Canary island bees https://abejasdecanarias.wordpress.com.
Status: in progress (8.33%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
5.1.3 Creating material for schools on the Canary Islands to inform about the threatened Canarian pollinators
Finally, a project with Canary Island pollinators has been set up with two secondary schools in Tenerife and La Palma
Status: in progress (16.7%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
5.1.4 Butterfly/Pollinator Oasis Campaigns (schools, municipalities, etc.) on the Canary Islands
Developed by the Zerynthia Association, the "Butterfly Oasis" project has established Butterfly/Pollinator Oasis in several areas of the Canary Islands. It is a very attractive initiative that can be promoted to create more of these Oasis. https://www.asociacion-zerynthia.org/oasis.
A self-guided game to discover Laurel forest pollinators of Anaga (Tenerife) has been developed as well. https://polinizadoresdecanarias.org/juego-rescata-a-los-polinizadores-en-anaga/
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2022
5.1.5 Create information signs along hiking trails (also visitor centres) where the four selected Canarian pollinator species occur
Status: in progress (12.5%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
5.1.6 Raise awareness of the importance of the four selected pollinators, and pollinators in general with specific local communities, by identifying those living closest to the last remains of laurel forest.
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
5.2.1 Increasing outreach of existing awareness campaigns on the Canary Islands regarding the risk of wildfires and the negative effects on threatened pollinators
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
5.2.2 Raising awareness of the risk of inter-island transfer of endemic organisms on the Canary Islands as a possible threat to their genetic diversity
According to the University of La Laguna, several posts on different blogs, as well as on social networks, have been made to raise awareness of the risks of inter-island transfer of endemic species
Status: in progress (8.33%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
5.3.1 Promote growth of Crambe spp. in habitats of P. cheiranthi on the Canary Islands
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
5.3.2 Promote planting of Rhamnus spp. as shrubs in the green spaces of towns and cities, as well as private gardens and schools on the Canary Islands
The Zerynthia Association reports that Rhamnus has been planted in some of the "Butterfly Oases".
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
5.3.3 Improve the habitats of selected Canarian pollinators by removing litter of human origin and invasive plants
Status: Not Started
Updated on: 6 February 2025
To be completed: 2025