The ecological landscape of camel farming: Impacts on wild animal diversity in the Canary Islands

Abstract Although previous research has demonstrated the potential benefits of agricultural livestock activities for biodiversity conservation, the ecological role of camels in productive environments—particularly their influence on surrounding wild animal diversity—remains poorly understood. The present study analyses patterns of wild animal species richness around camel livestock farms in the Canary Islands (Spain) using cartographic data and discriminant analysis. The Canary Islands host the largest population of the endangered Canarian Camel, the only European camel breed. Results from discriminant analyses confirmed significantly (Pillai trace p < 0.05) higher richness of wild animal species within a 1 km radius of camel farms, particularly among mammals, birds, arachnids, and molluscs. Officially protected species of wild mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and molluscs also exhibit increased richness in this influence zone. Additionally, bioclimatic factors significantly (Pillai trace p < 0.05) influence the spatial patterns of wild animal species. These findings suggest that the sustainable management of Canarian Camel farms could support the preservation of local agroecosystems and the survival of coexisting wild animal species, reinforcing their potential ecological role.