The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has formally requested the Government Subdelegation for permission to set up security cameras in the vicinity of the ponds and the flower clock at García Sanabria park. This request comes in light of recent incidents of vandalism and the illicit introduction of animals.
Carlos Tarife, the Councilor for Environmental Sustainability, revealed that a report advocating for the camera installation has been prepared by the Neotropic Foundation. The primary goal is to safeguard the iconic elements of García Sanabria Park and prevent any potential harm.
Additionally, Tarife mentioned that the City Council is awaiting a definitive response from the Subdelegation. They have asked for an extended period to deliberate on the specific camera types to be deployed and the responsible authority behind their operation, which in this instance would be the Local Police of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
“We anticipate a positive response within a reasonable timeframe based on the information provided. This will enable us to secure the pond surroundings, preventing the unauthorized introduction of animals in the Canary Islands and preserving the area as a focal point of García Sanabria,” he concluded.
Crustaceans in the Water Feature
In September, close to 400 specimens of an imported crayfish species (Procambarus fallax virginalis) were discovered in the park’s frog pond. The Neotropic Foundation, the sole facility for exotic fauna in the Canary Islands, promptly identified and removed the invasive specimens.
Due to the challenges in complete eradication, the City Council introduced European eel (Anguilla anguilla) specimens to curb the crayfish population explosion. The crayfish species Procambarus fallax virginalis is adept at escaping detection and reproduces through parthenogenesis, with each female capable of producing offspring without male involvement. They can lay up to 700 eggs at a time, which incubate for one to two months depending on the ambient temperature.
