A restaurant is reported to Seprona for using an endemic plant to decorate the tables

The Bejeque de malpaís is included in the catalog of protected species of the Canary Islands and is only found in Lanzarote

June 24 2021 (11:16 WEST)
Updated in June 24 2021 (12:16 WEST)
Endemic species from Lanzarote decorating a restaurant table
Endemic species from Lanzarote decorating a restaurant table

A citizen has reported to Seprona the cutting and collection of specimens of Bejeque de malpaís, an endemic species that is only found in Lanzarote and was being used to decorate the tables of a restaurant in Puerto del Carmen. According to him, after his complaint, a Civil Guard patrol went to the place, which confirmed that there were indeed several specimens "cut and with their flowers" on the tables of the terrace.

"The Bejeque del malpaís is an endemic species that is only found in Lanzarote, which is protected by Annex II of the catalog of protected species of the Canary Islands, which includes vulnerable species, being subject to prior authorization from the Environment Area of the Cabildo of Lanzarote the removal, collection and cutting, cultivation in nurseries, transfer between islands, introductions and reintroductions of this species", emphasizes the researcher Alberto Ucero.

Bejeque de malpaís decorating a table of a restaurant in Puerto del Carmen

In addition, he adds that the Law on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity states that "the destruction and unauthorized collection of flora and fauna species classified as vulnerable, as well as the removal and cutting of flora species in those cases in which administrative authorization is necessary and it has not been requested or has not been granted, is considered an administrative sanction classified as serious", and can be punished with fines from 3,001 to 200,000 euros.

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