A team of dedicated paleontologists conducting fieldwork in La Laguna, located on the island of Tenerife, has unveiled what they term a sensational discovery. They have unearthed petrified remnants of trees that date back to the Pliocene Epoch, spanning a period between 4.5 and 3.2 million years ago. These crucial specimens, which manifest as detailed imprints of both trunks and branches, were found encased within hard basalt rock formations. This geological context establishes a direct link between the ancient flora and the intense volcanic activity that was instrumental in the island's formation.
This finding is not merely significant; it shatters previous records, marking the earliest paleontological evidence ever registered on Tenerife, thereby pushing back the island's known biological history by well over a million years. The physical evidence collected thus far is substantial. The complex includes eighteen distinct cylindrical structures, with some individuals reaching an impressive length of two and a half meters (2.5 meters). The presence of such large, well-developed fossils strongly suggests that a vast, mature, and thriving forest ecosystem once dominated this territory during the Pliocene period, a time known globally for significant environmental shifts.
Researchers are particularly excited because, by cross-referencing their findings with the historical notes of Viera y Clavijo, they believe this unique location could unlock critical data regarding how ancient plant life successfully adapted to radical global climate changes. The Pliocene was a warmer period, and understanding how these specific species survived and flourished provides invaluable, practical importance for scientists grappling with modern environmental and climate challenges, offering a potential analog for future ecological resilience.
The critical nature of this discovery is amplified by its precarious location. Since the site falls within the boundaries of modern urban development, the scientific team has issued an urgent and formal appeal to the Government of the Canary Islands. They are demanding the immediate implementation of protective measures to secure the area. The vulnerability of these millions-of-years-old specimens to encroachment and damage necessitates swift governmental action to ensure this irreplaceable window into deep time is not lost to construction or neglect.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to significantly broaden their search operations in the immediate vicinity during the upcoming months. Their goal is to conduct a more detailed analysis of the fossil composition, utilizing advanced techniques, and to establish the most precise dating possible for these exceptionally well-preserved ancient trees. This meticulous investigation aims to paint a complete picture of the Pliocene environment of the Canary Islands. The study of such profound geological and biological history serves as a powerful reminder of the relentless cycle of destruction and subsequent rebirth driven by immense geological forces. This dynamic history is perhaps best illustrated by the massive volcanic event that occurred approximately 733,000 years ago, which resulted in a substantial fragment of land being cleaved away from the southern coast of Tenerife, demonstrating the island's continuous transformation.