Late Anthropocene

Welcome to the Late Anthropocene!

This era is characterized by human influence worldwide, leading to the absence of megafauna and the presence of species related to humans, such as livestock, feral pets, and invasive species.

Now, let's journey to the enchanting Guayota Island, emerged from the ocean due to volcanic activity in the Canary archipelago. Since its inception, this island has been embraced as a sanctuary by seabirds nesting on its shores, initiating the process of vegetation colonization. The wind and birds became carriers of seeds, gradually populating Guayota's landscape with a diverse array of flora.

Guayota Island, in the Canary Islands, features a subtropical climate with moderate temperatures, mild winters, and warm yet not excessively hot summers. Its location in the ocean brings high humidity, and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with more precipitation in the winter months. The dominant vegetation consists of Canary pine trees (Pinus canariensis), species adapted to fires and volcanic zones, finding a suitable haven por their growth on Guayota.

In the drier regions of the island, native vegetation includes the tabaibales (Euphorbia spp.), well-adapted to arid conditions. However, we also find the presence of tuneras (Opuntia spp.), an invasive species introduced in the past for cochineal cultivation. Despite being invasive, the tuneras coexist with the native flora of Guayota.

A very particular habitat is the Malpaís, large regions of relatively recent volcanic origin with little soil and limited vegetation. 

Guayota Island in the Late Anthropocene serves as a captivating example of how life evolves and adapts in a human-influenced environment while remaining a natural treasure and sanctuary for the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit it. 

Advance to the next era, the Desertocene.