Canarian Islands endemic pollinators of the laurel forest zone
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.
Objective 1.1 Governance
1.1.1 Creation of a steering group
A steering group has been established as reported by the University of La Laguna
Status: in progress (75%)
Updated on: January 2026
Objective 1.2 Inclusion of pollinators in key legal documents
1.2.1 Motion for inclusion of laurel forest pollinators in the Biodiversity Strategy of Tenerife
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.
In Tenerife, the target pollinator species have been included in the document Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity on the Island of Tenerife 2020 - “2030.
Status: completed
Updated on: April 2026
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
Two monitoring programmes are ongoing with one being led by volunteers and the other officials in the NPs (only butterflies). Monitoring for the threatened species needs to be more focused and specific to the species. In Spain, In the Canary Catalogue of Protected Species, only *Pieris cheiranthi cheiranthi* is listed: the Tenerife subspecies (which may currently be extinct). This subspecies was protected in 2010 at the initiative of the Canary Islands Government. The other species have not, as yet, been formally proposed for inclusion.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
1.2.3 Inclusion of Pieris cheiranthi in the Spanish National Catalogue of Threatened Species
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. A new submission is expected to be prepared in the first quarter of 2026.
Status: in progress (50%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2026
Objective 2.1 Distribution and ecology
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 (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
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: in progress (25%)
Updated on: January 2026
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
ZERYNTHIA reported that there was action required to compare suitability between different Rhamnus species, but rigorous comparative data is still lacking.
Status: in progress (50%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
2.1.4 Study on host plant distribution for the four selected Canarian pollinator species
ZERYNTHIA conducted independent fieldwork in El Hierro, Tenerife and La Palma in the summer of 2025, gathering data for host-plant mapping and distribution of the threatened butterflies.
Regarding Research on larval and adult habitat requirements of Heringia adpropinquans on the Canary Islands, two field visits on the biology of H. adpropinquans are planned in March and May 2026.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
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: 11 July 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: 11 July 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: 11 July 2025
To be completed: 2026 (2027 for butterflies)
Objective 2.2 Improving knowledge to mitigate threats
2.2.1 Research on the major threats to Lasioglossum chalcodes
The conservation status of L. chalcodes has been reassessed as Vulnerable (VU) B1ab(ii,iii)+2ab(ii,iii) in the latest European Red List of bees https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/19198723/222205456. The main threats affecting the species were assessed, particularly wildfires.
Regarding Research on the major threats to Heringia adpropinquans, two field visits to focus on the biology of H. adpropinquans are planned in March and May 2026.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2025
2.2.2 Research on the major threats to Heringia adpropinquans
Two field visits to focus on the biology of H. adpropinquans are planned in March and May 2026.
Status: not started
Updated on: April 2026
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: 11 July 2025
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
2.2.4 Research on the role of parasitoids on population dynamics of P. cheiranthi
During the 2025 fieldwork, old parasitised pupae of P. cheiranthi were found in Tenerife. The parasitoids are currently being identified. In 2026, focus will be to collect eggs, larvae and pupae from the La Palma population in order to study parasitism rates and identify the parasitoid species involved.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
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: 11 July 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
Studies have shown that honey bees were found to compete with wild bees, however this needs to be assessed specifically on laurel forest.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2025
Objective 2.3 Taxonomy, systematics and population genetics
2.3.1 Taxonomic study to improve identification of L. chalcodes (distinguishing from L. viride)
There is a PhD student that will include studying all wild bees and so the target bee is included. One chapter will be on pathogens in wild bees. There is a morphologically similar species with which it can easily be confused, as most of the diagnostic characters are only visible under a microscope. Therefore, the aim is to develop visible diagnostic traits that allow the two species to be distinguished from photographs or in the field. As a result, both species can now be confidently identified using citizen science images. The PhD candidate has already completed the species delimitation analyses and is currently finalising the manuscript. The plan is to submit it for publication before summer 2026.
Status: in progress (75%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
2.3.2 Genetic study to clarify the management units of P. cheiranthi
The lab work on the genetic study to clarify the management units of P. cheiranthi has been finished in June this year. Some additional genomes of Pieris cheiranthi and P. wollastoni sequences were obtained and the results are still being analysed. The Pieris phylogeny analysis has been mostly done, but no manuscript has been written yet. Further, in Spain, a study addressing this issue, based on the complete genome of Pieris cheiranthi, is currently being prepared for publication in 2026.
Status: in progress (50%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2026
2.3.3 Genetic study to clarify the taxonomic status of the different populations of G. cleobule
Although published data indicate that there is divergence among the island populations of G. cleobule (Dapporto et al., 2022), a dedicated monographic study addressing this issue is still needed. Samples collected in 2025 will make it possible to obtain the species complete genome, enabling a thorough assessment of this question and informing decisions on whether these populations should be treated as subspecies or as separate species.
Status: in progress (50%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2026
2.3.4 Research on systematic and population genetics of different subspecies of Lasioglossum chalcodes
A PhD student is currently conducting the analyses for a barcoding and species delimitation paper on the wild bees of the Canary Islands, including Lasioglossum chalcodes. The manuscript should be ready for publication in 2026. In Spain, populations of the three subspecies of Lasioglossum chalcodes have been sequenced. Sequences from all islands except El Hierro have been included.
Status: in progress (75%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2025
2.3.5 Population genetics of H. adpropinquans
Population genetics studies of H. adpropinquans in populations from Tenerife and La Palma have already been sequenced. DNA results confirm independent position of endemic Heringia from Canary Islands in relation to European populations of Heringia heringi.
Status: Completed
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2028
Objective 2.4 Population monitoring
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: January 2026
To be completed: 2025
2.4.2 Establishment of monitoring protocols for L. chalcodes and H. adpropinquans on the Canary Islands
Status: not started
Updated on: January 2026
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: January 2026
To be completed: 2023-2030
2.4.4 Monitoring the conservation status trends of pollinators of the Laurel Forest zone on the Canary Islands
In Spain, the work being carried out on Pieris cheiranthi allows us to assess trends in the conservation status of this species. For the other species, the available information is much more limited.
Two field visits to focus on the biology of H. adpropinquans are planned in March and May 2026.
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: 2028
Objective 3.1 Species Recovery Plan
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 (25%)
Updated on: January 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
Objective 3.2 Captive breeding programme for Pieris cheiranthi
3.2.1 Identification of suitable source populations for the captive breeding programme for P. cheiranthi
Status: not started
Updated on: January 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
3.2.2 Development of a captive breeding protocol for P. cheiranthi
Status: not started
Updated on: January 2026
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: January 2026
To be completed: 2025
3.2.4 Captive breeding of P. cheiranthi on Tenerife
Status: not started
Updated on: January 2026
To be completed: 2026
Objective 3.3 Reintroduction of Pieris cheiranthi on La Gomera
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: January 2026
To be completed: 2025
3.3.2 Compiling a reintroduction strategy for P. cheiranthi on La Gomera
Status: not started
Updated on: January 2026
To be completed: 2028
3.3.3 Preparation of recipient sites for new P. cheiranthi populations
Status: not started
Updated on: January 2026
To be completed: 2028
Objective 4.1 Assessment of water management in laurel forest
4.1.1 Assessment of the suitability of water management plans for preserving the selected Canarian pollinator species on each island
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: January 2026
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: January 2026
To be completed: 2025
Objective 4.2 Reduce the risk of importing potentially harmful alien species
4.2.1 Review the existing lists of potentially invasive alien species on the Canary Islands for potential gaps
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: January 2026
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: January 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
Objective 4.3 Pesticide reduction
4.3.1 Reduction of pesticide use in farmland adjacent to habitats of the four selected Canarian pollinators
Status: not started
Updated on: January 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2022
Objective 4.4 Improving pollinator conservation in protected areas
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: January 2026
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: in progress (25%)
Updated on: January 2026
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: January 2026
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: in progress (25%)
Updated on: January 2026
To be completed: 2030
Objective 4.5 Laurel forest restoration and conservation
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: January 2026
To be completed: 2026
4.5.2 Avoiding degradation of laurel forest ecotones on the Canary Islands
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: January 2026
To be completed: 2027
Objective 5.1 Public awareness of endemic pollinator species
5.1.1 Creating a website to share information on the Canarian pollinator conservation project, with pages dedicated to the four selected pollinators
Conversations started with Fenix Canarias, Loro Parque, ULL and ZERYNTHIA to see if they can help each other by providing the best content for everyone to share.
The current situation of Pieris cheiranthi has been reported in one of Spain’s leading newspapers https://elpais.com/clima-y-medio-ambiente/2025-12-31/la-agonica-busqueda-de-la-mariposa-capuchina-la-mas-amenazada-de-espana.html It has also been covered by another widely read outlet, albeit not as dominant, 20minutos: https://www.20minutos.es/medio-ambiente/blogs/cronicaverde/nadie-se-dio-cuenta-pero-esta-mariposa-exclusiva-canarias-podria-haberse-extinguido-tenerife_6919128_0.html
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
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)
Changes in the conservation status of wild bees in the Canary Islands, including Lasioglossum chalcodes, have been reported in press releases. The University of La Laguna issued a press release. https://www.ull.es/portal/noticias/2025/investigador-ull-elaboracion-lista-roja-abejas-peligro/ This was echoed by the local press https://www.atlanticohoy.com/sociedad/ocho-especies-endemicas-abeja-canaria-estan-amenazadas-ellas-lleva-decadas-sin-verse_1553178_102.html and was also published on the blog of Polinizadores de Canarias https://polinizadoresdecanarias.org/endemismos-en-riesgo/
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
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.
ZERYNTHIA reported that there are already some resources that could be useful for schools. For example, Pieris cheiranthi was chosen as Butterfly of the Year in Spain, and as part of that campaign a mask of the species was produced for children to cut out and colour. https://www.asociacion-zerynthia.org/recursoshttps://www.asociacion-zerynthia.org/recursos
Status: in progress (25%)
Updated on: April 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2023
5.1.4 Butterfly/Pollinator Oasis Campaigns (schools, municipalities, etc.) on the Canary Islands
ZERYNTHIA reported that Butterfly Oases is ongoing as a public-engagement and environmental-education programme. It can complement restoration, but meaningful conservation benefit requires planting in natural habitats where these butterflies occur.
Status: in progress (50%)
Updated on: April 2026
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: not started
Updated on: January 2026
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: January 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
Objective 5.2 Behaviour change
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: January 2026
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: not started
Updated on: January 2026
To be completed: initial end date - 2024
Objective 5.3 Citizen engagement
5.3.1 Promote growth of Crambe spp. in habitats of P. cheiranthi on the Canary Islands
Status: not started
Updated on: January 2026
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
Status: not started
Updated on: January 2026
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: January 2026
To be completed: 2025