Canary Islands Launch Port Inspections to Curb Invasive Species Spread

To protect the Canary Islands' unique environment, authorities have launched a new preventive operation at the Port of Agaete, a key link between Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The Civil Guard, working alongside the REDEXOS program and the Canary Islands’ biodiversity department, is focusing on stopping non-native animals from spreading between the islands.

Island ecosystems are incredibly fragile, and the introduction of foreign species—whether by accident or on purpose—can cause permanent damage to local plants and wildlife. During this operation, officers thoroughly inspected cargo and private vehicles, using specialized dogs trained to sniff out California kingsnakes and squirrels, both of which are known to thrive and cause harm in the local environment.

While no invasive species were found during this specific check, the operation did uncover other issues. Officers issued several reports after finding that some livestock being transported lacked the required health documentation. These findings highlight why constant monitoring at ports is essential, not only to keep invasive species out but also to ensure animal health and safety regulations are followed.

The Canary Islands have been working for years to control and eradicate invasive species. Because the islands are geographically isolated, their native wildlife lacks natural defenses against introduced predators. Close cooperation between security forces and environmental agencies remains vital to protecting this unique natural heritage from the risks posed by human activity.