Publications
Microplastics in snow of a high mountain national park: El teide, tenerife (canary islands, spain)
A study on microplastics (MPs) in the snow of Teide National Park, Canary Islands, revealed significant deposition of MPs at high altitudes (2,100-3,200 m), with concentrations increasing during periods of high anthropogenic pressure. The research identified a prevalence of blue and black fibers averaging 1259 µm in length, primarily composed of cellulose, polyester, and acrylic. Samples were collected in January and February 2021 using stereomicroscopy for visualization and quantification, followed by chemical composition analysis via micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The findings highlight the long-distance transport of MPs through atmospheric deposition and their potential ecological impacts on remote mountain ecosystems.
The Volcanic Geoheritage of El Teide National Park (Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain)
El Teide National Park boasts one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes globally. While its geodiversity is legally protected, public understanding lags due to inadequate outreach efforts and inconsistent scientific communication. This study identifies key challenges in disseminating the park's geological significance and proposes solutions: compiling existing knowledge, pinpointing critical geosites, developing targeted outreach programs, and training guides for effective knowledge transfer. By addressing these gaps, the research aims to elevate public appreciation of this unique volcanic heritage.
Proposals for Sustainable Transport in Natural Areas: A Case Study of Teide National Park
Teide National Park, one of the world's most visited natural areas, faces significant challenges due to mass tourism, including traffic congestion, pollution, and high noise levels. Research reveals that visitors are willing to adopt sustainable transportation options if given the opportunity. Studies show strong preference for a public bicycle-sharing system, willingness to pay for shuttle-bus services to reduce environmental impact, and substantial recreational economic value tied to the site's sustainability. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers to implement demand management strategies that balance visitor experience with ecological preservation, offering a model for other high-traffic natural parks.
Aphyllophoroid fungi in Teide National Park (Tenerife, Canary Islands)
A comprehensive survey of Aphyllophoroid fungi in Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, identifies 133 species, significantly expanding the known mycobiota of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study, published in Mycotaxon, utilizes annotated species distribution data to document fungal diversity in one of the most biodiverse volcanic landscapes on Earth. Researchers employed field sampling and taxonomic analysis to characterize these fungi, which play crucial roles in ecosystem processes such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. This work contributes to our understanding of fungal biodiversity in extreme environments and underscores the importance of preserving such unique habitats.
Using geotagged photographs and GPS tracks from social networks to analyse visitor behaviour in national parks
Geotagged data from social networks, including photographs and GPS tracks, can effectively analyze visitor behavior in national parks. A study on Teide National Park, the most visited in Spain, demonstrated that such data provides valuable insights into spatial distribution, points of interest, itinerary networks, temporal patterns, and visitors' origins. Additionally, this approach offers practical applications for determining optimal locations for new facilities like information stands. The research highlights the potential of social media-derived data as a tool for understanding and managing visitor behavior in protected areas.
Tourists’ travel time values using discrete choice models: the recreational value of the Teide National Park
Research reveals that the recreational value of Teide National Park, when calculated using discrete choice models independent of labor market factors, significantly differs from traditional wage-based approaches. By analyzing trade-offs between time and money in transport mode choices among 801 visitors, the study estimates distinct travel time values for different stages of the trip and transport modes. This novel method, combining Mixed Logit models with Zonal Travel Cost Method, challenges conventional practices by focusing on the opportunity cost of leisure rather than work time, offering a more accurate assessment of recreational value.
Visitors’ Attitudes towards Bicycle Use in the Teide National Park
A public bike-sharing system shows promise as a sustainable transportation solution for the Teide National Park (TNP), Spain's most visited national park. The study, combining revealed and stated preferences with ordered logit models, found that bicycles could significantly reduce car dependency—currently at 70%—mitigating environmental strain and enhancing visitor experience. This approach offers a practical strategy to improve mobility management in high-traffic protected areas, balancing ecological preservation with tourism sustainability.
An Application of the CHAID Algorithm to Study the Environmental Impact of Visitors to the Teide National Park in Tenerife, Spain
A significant link between visitor behavior and environmental impact at the Teide National Park (TNP), one of Europe's most visited sites, was identified through a CHAID algorithm analysis. The study revealed that visitors arriving by car tend to stay longer in the park, correlating with increased environmental footprint due to prolonged exposure and higher emissions from private vehicles. Conducted via 805 valid questionnaires in 2016, this research underscores the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions, such as promoting less polluting vehicles or alternative transportation modes, to mitigate ecological strain on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Automatic identification of shrub vegetation of the Teide National Park
Researchers have developed an innovative method to automatically identify populations of Teide broom, an endemic shrub in the Canary Islands, using remote sensing imagery. This approach combines superpixels as the minimum image processing unit with one-class classification, enabling precise location mapping of the species within Teide National Park. The methodology was validated in a known population area in the northwest of the park, demonstrating its potential to support conservation efforts by providing accurate and efficient vegetation monitoring. This technique offers significant applications for biodiversity assessment and environmental management.
Impact of the introduced honeybees (Apis mellifera, Apidae) on Teide National Park (Tenerife, Canary Islands)
Massive introduction of honeybees (Apis mellifera) in Teide National Park significantly disrupts native pollination networks, reducing floral visitor diversity and impairing reproductive success of key plant species. The study found that up to 3000 beehives, housing around 100 million bees, compete with native fauna for nectar and pollen, leading to decreased fruit and seed production due to inbreeding depression. While honeybees are not effective pollinators, their dominance alters the park's ecological balance, threatening its endemic flora and fauna. Researchers recommend banning introduced beehives to protect the park's biodiversity.
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