Lobos Island
This tiny island (4.5 km2) is located to the northeast of Fuerteventura from which it is separated by La Bocaina Strait, less than 30 m deep. The highest point is La Caldera (127 m), a volcanic cone that has collapsed on the west side facing the sea. The island takes its name (Lobo means ‘wolf’) from the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), whose cry was likened to that of the wolf. Until the 15th century, this sea mammal frequently visited the island in the breeding season. Today this species is no longer found in the Canary Islands and is critically endangered in the rest of its original habitat, with just one important colony in Mauritania and smaller ones in the Desertas Islands (Madeira) and at several points around the Mediterranean.
Vegetation on Lobos is similar to that of the Chinijo Archipelago, an important difference being the appearance of saltwater lagoons that completely submerge all plant life at high tide. The endemic Limonium bollei, native to Lobos, grows in these lagoons.
There are also several colonies of seabirds, mainly seagulls and Cory’s shearwaters, and the houbara bustard is an occasional visitor.
Lobos is a favourite haunt for fishermen, tourists, sunbathers, divers and surfers, particularly because wave formation at the foot of La Caldera is ideal for surfing. And there is a regular sea link between Lobos and Corralejo, in Fuerteventura. On the south coast, there are several houses, a restaurant and a camping site.