Formentera › Flora and fauna

Flora and fauna

The small island of Formentera has always attracted attention for its almost untouched Mediterranean landscapes. Much of its land and sea area is protected within the Ses Salines d'Eivissa i Formentera Natural Park , one of the most valuable natural areas in the Mediterranean. Posidonia oceanica Beneath the turquoise waters grows Posidonia oceanica , a marine plant—not an alga—whose meadows between Ibiza and Formentera are a UNESCO World Heritage Site . One of its specimens is considered one of the longest-living organisms on the planet, at around 100,000 years old . Posidonia oxygenates the water, keeps it crystal clear, stabilizes the sand on the beaches, and provides shelter for hundreds of species. Anchoring on it is prohibited ; initiatives like the Save Posidonia Project work to protect it. Vegetation Inland, pine forests and the resilient juniper —sculpted by the wind—cover the island. On the coast, dune systems stabilized by marram grass and sea holly protect the shoreline, while Mediterranean scrubland of rosemary, thyme, and juniper perfumes the paths. The salt flats and the birds The Ses Salines , Estany Pudent, and Estany des Peix lagoons together form a wetland of international importance and a key stopover on migratory routes. Formentera is home to more than 210 species of birds , including flamingos , black-winged stilts, and numerous waders that feed in the lagoons. Terrestrial fauna The most emblematic animal is the Pitiusas Island lizard ( Podarcis pityusensis ), an endemic species with striking color variations depending on the islet it inhabits. It is harmless and easy to spot basking in the sun on walls and paths. Marine reserves The Es Freus and Punta de Sa Creu Marine Reserves protect rock, sand and posidonia seabeds where groupers, salps, fan mussels and a rich fauna live, making diving and snorkeling an exceptional experience. How to help preserve it Do not step on or cross the dunes: always use the designated walkways. Do not anchor over Posidonia seagrass; use authorized buoy fields. Take all your trash with you and reduce single-use plastics. Respect the fauna and flora, both in and out of the water.