The Canary camel is a dromedary that arrived in the archipelago from the African continent at the beginning of the 15th century, probably through Lanzarote, and then spread throughout the Canary Islands for agricultural and transportation tasks.
Since 2011, it has been a species recognized as native, because although it shares a genetic origin with the dromedary of Tindouf, in Algeria, the selection over time of the specimens most suitable for agricultural work resulted in a species with greater strength and musculature than its Algerian relative.
In an interview with Ekonomus, councilor Águeda Cedrés, responsible for the camel sector in the Yaiza City Council, highlights the essential role of the camel in the history and traditions of Lanzarote, explains the main economic variables of the sector today, and confirms that there will be a sanction for the treatment given to a specimen in June of last year, whose images went viral.
"The camel has been essential to creating the landscape of La Geria "
"The camel is a reference figure not only for Yaiza, but for the entire island. It has been historically essential for tilling the land and creating the landscape of La Geria. It was also used for transportation; grandparents say that they went by camel from Femés to San Bartolomé to exchange grain for sweet potatoes," explains Cedrés.
Currently, there are about 1,000 specimens in the archipelago, of which almost a third are in Uga. The Yaiza City Council manages the loading area of the Timanfaya National Park, from where excursions depart for tourists.
"Each company has its shifts; the camels don't work every day"
As tourism arrived, the camels were losing their traditional function and began to dedicate themselves to the new dominant industry on the island. "Even before Timanfaya was declared a national park in 1974, residents, especially from Yaiza and Uga, were already organizing unregulated trips with tourists," explains the councilor.
Currently, there are 14 companies conducting excursions with 220 active camels, out of a total of 290 licensed camels. "Each company has its shifts; the camels don't work every day," clarifies Cedrés. According to city hall sources, with the distribution of shifts, each camel works an average of 13 days a month.
She also explains that the camel sector in Lanzarote "employs 30 families" and generates an economic volume of "almost two million euros", thanks to the increase in the price of tariffs, which went from 6 to 11 euros per person in 2022. 10% of the income is dedicated to paying the salaries of the officials who support the sector in the city council and the production of tickets.
Cedrés confirms that the increase in tariffs for the camel ride was not detrimental to visits, which increased by 26% in 2023, reaching almost 200,000 customers.
"I would like the camel museum to start operating at the end of the year"
The camel is still used in Lanzarote for commemorative events that recall ancient traditions, such as the recreation of the grape harvest with camels in La Geria.
"We want to encourage activities that help the sector not to lose that traditional culture. We have a duty as politicians and as citizens to maintain traditions. I would like the camel interpretation museum in Uga to start operating at the end of the year. We are now with the bidding process."
"There will be a sanction. I hope to have the file next month"
Regarding the treatment suffered by an animal, whose images set social networks on fire in June of last year, Cedrés recognizes that it was "a deficient practice that angered both the sector and the City Council." The councilor explains that "the police came after the complaint on social networks, made a report, and subsequently an investigation was carried out."
Cedrés wanted to clarify that "the animal was not a baby, but was 4 years old," according to the veterinary report that is part of the file they are preparing. "There will be a sanction. I hope to have the file finished next month."
