Salt marshes in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands, Spain): Biogeographic characterization, conservation and threats

Abstract

The salt marshes in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) are analyzed. A biogeographic characterization is carried out based on the recognition of their spatial distribution on the island along with the study of ecological factors such as geomorphological, climatic and edaphic conditions of the different enclaves in which the salt marshes develop and thrive. Their relationship with other plant associations and especially the effects that the urban-tourist development has had on their evolution and conservational state are examined and the threats to the training and the measures adopted institutionally to preserve them are addressed. To this end, extensive fieldwork was carried out, which included the whole coastal strip of Fuerteventura, between 2013 and 2017. The information obtained was combined with photointerpretation and interviews, and it was used to set up a georeferenced database in a GIS. As a result, a map has been produced in which Zygophyllo fontanesii – Arthrocnemetum macrostachyi, Frankenio capitatae – Suaedetum verae and Halimiono portulacoidis – Salicornietum perennis are represented, and the current state and dynamics of the different communities are specified.