The International Committee of the World Biological Corridor has declared the waters between Tenerife and La Gomera, including the ZEC Teno-Rasca zone by the Teno lighthouse off the coast of Palm-Mar, as the “world kilometre zero” of the pilot whale or short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus).
At the same time they have sent a petition to the UN, the EU, the Government of Spain, and the Government of the Canary Islands, to designate March 5th as the International Day of Pilot Whales to raise awareness about the species.
This appointment is made in one of the most beautiful places in the world, with crystal clear waters and one of the most diverse marine habitats, to highlight the importance of this unique environment for this species that is protected nationally and internationally.
This marine strip between Tenerife and La Gomera is home to a resident population of hundreds of pilot whales, and sightings occur daily throughout the year because the social groups of these whales maintain a high fidelity for a given area.
Pilot Whales are the second largest dolphin species behind only the Orca or Killer whale. In southern Tenerife they are found in pods of between 10 to 20 individuals, but groups of up to 100 can be observed. They hunt at depths of 300 to 700 metres looking for their favourite food, squid.
Resident populations of pilot whales are only known in Hawaii, California, Japan, Madeira, and the Marianas, so it is vitally important to protect their marine habitat in which hundreds of species of fauna and flora coexist.
