Sitio de Interés Científico La Caleta

The plants in this natural area have adapted to high temperatures, low precipitation and poorly developed soil with high salinity. 

• The best flora can be found concentrated along ravine watercourses, where there is greater humidity.  
• Along the more rocky coast there are plants such as sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca), tomillo marino (Frankenia capitata) and uva de mar (Zygophyllum fontanesii). 
• Dominating the interior flatland is the balsam spurge (Euphorbia balsamifera), the espino de mar (Lycium intricatum) and cardoncillo (ceropegia). 
• In the ravines you can find the cardón (Euphorbia canariensis), cornical (Periploca laevigata), verode (Kleinia neriifolia), balo (Plocama pendula), balillo (Atalanthus pinnatus). 
• The following grow in the more degraded zones: aulaga (Launaea arborescens), grand statice (Limoniastrum monopetalum) and magarza (Argyranthemum frutescens), as well as the prickly pear and other introduced species.

Among the terrestrial animals in this area are the three endemic reptile species: geckos, skinks and Gallot’s lizard (Gallotia galloti). 

But the true value of the La Caleta as a natural area lies in the presence of almost 30 bird species: 

• In the interior areas you can find species such as the Berthelot's pipit, spectacled warble, and the grey wagtail. 
• In the walls of the ravines, the common kestrel, plain swift and long-eared owl build their nests. 
• Until recently the Scopoli's shearwater would breed along the rocky coasts, but it appears that the passing of people and dogs as well as the presence of cats and rats in the area have put an end to the colony.

Links

• Medio Ambiente de Tenerife - La Caleta - Cabildo de Tenerife