Dattier des Canaries

One of the principal threats to this taxon is the threat of hybridisation with P. dactylifera (the Date Palm), which has been present on the islands for a long time since being introduced, however its popularity as an ornamental has increased, making hybridisation events more likely (González-Pérez and Sosa 2009). This palm is also threatened by the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) which principally affects male trees, however this weevil, which was introduced to the islands in 2005 on adult palms from mainland Spain and from North Africa, has been eradicated from the archipelago at present. The Four-Spotted Coconut Weevil (Diocalandra frumenti) continues to be a problem. The invasive South American Palm Borer (Paysandisia archon) is not yet reported from the Canaries, but is another potentially significant threat to this endemic palm, and has been found to have infected P. canariensis palms cultivated in Spain and imported to the UK (Reid and Moran 2009). The species is also is affected by common Canary Island threats such as fires and habitat degradation (Bañares et al. 2008).

The species is listed as Near Threatened in its natural range (Bañares et al. 2008). Phoenix canariensis groves are listed in the EU Habitats Directive Annex I (Habitat Code 9370), and the habitat type is considered to be in 'Unfavourable-Inadequate' conservation status in the Macaronesian region (EUNIS 2017). Much of the population is held in Sites of Community Importance or Protected Areas. There are also legal measures in place to promote conservation of the genetic identity of Phoenix canariensis. Efforts to eradicate the Red Palm Weevil (Bañares et al. 2008) have been successful, however more research is required to control the Four-Spotted Coconut Weevil. Phoenix canariensis is reported as held in 151 ex situ collections (BGCI 2016). 

The species is the official symbol of the Canaries government, and it is a protected species.