Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands: An Anchialine UNESCO Global Geopark

Abstract

The Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands UNESCO Global Geopark hosts one of the most extensive and diverse volcanic anchialine ecosystems in the world, consisting of water bodies with marine origin that penetrated inland through coastal crevicular systems. Marine infiltration is facilitated by the low rainfall and the permeability of the coastal terrains. Best known for Tunel de la Atlantida, Lanzarote has other types of anchialine habitats, such as pools, lakes, and even hand-made wells, all of them interconnected with the crevicular system. So far, 39 endemic stygobitic species of crustacean, annelids, and platyhelminthes have been described in the island. Some of them belong to lineages previously interpreted as Tethyan vicariant relicts because they belong in ancient groups restricted to caves situated in areas along the coastline of the ancient Tethys Sea, such as Mexico, Bahamas or Western Australia. Others, instead, have clear affinities with deep-sea lineages, suggesting that their ancestors might have dispersed into the island from surrounding deep-sea environments. In overall, while the anchialine habitats of Lanzarote are relatively small in comparison to other regions, the presence of so many species with such a diverse origin have puzzled zoologists and biogeographers throughout the 20th century, who have regarded the island as a model to understand the origin and evolution of similar groups in other areas of the world. The anchialine habitats in Lanzarote are subject to intense recreational use and the island itself is a major touristic destination. However, geologist and biologist working in the local government offices, as well as in UNESCO Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve Institutions have started close collaborations with the touristic centers and independent scientist from several universities and research centers around the world with the goal of implementing novel conservation policies based on the results of state-of-art research. This strategy will ensure not only a better understanding of the anchialine ecosystems in the island in the near future, but also its long-term preservation.