Page 10 - AHATA

a8 local
Friday 14 June 2024

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

ST. CRUZ — The national park iel Oversteegen of the Aruba
Arikok comprises almost 18 % of Birdlife Conservation. This im-
the island. Its rugged terrain, des- portant foundation showcases
ert-like hills filled with tall cacti, and builds awareness of Aruba’s
breathtaking coastline and pro- birds and other native flora and
tected local flora and fauna wel- fauna. You may have seen a
come you to be explored. There ‘pink cloud’ lately at the Bubali
is numerous wildlife to discover or Spanish Lagoon Wetlands ar-
like for example the sea turtle eas? It’s most likely to be Rose-
who lays his eggs on the park’s ate Spoonbills (Ajaia ajaja) or
beaches. There are more places ‘Chucharon Cora’ as they are
on the island that are a preserved known in Papiamento. This un-
area like the Bubali Plas which is usual looking bird forages in shal-
a bird sanctuary. low muddy water while sweeping
its flattened bill from side to side
The national park Arikok takes to catch small fish, crustaeceans
you on a memorable journey of and other aquatic invertebrates.
the islands past offering unique The Roseate Spoonbill remains an
geological, cultural and historical uncommon sight as they are vul-
sites. These can all be enjoyed nerable to degradation of feed-
and explored either on your own ing and nesting habitats (Wet-
or during guided tours. A wide lands). (Source: arikok national
variety of educational and infor- park)
mative programs and fun activi-
ties is available. The aforementioned is just a part
of what Aruba’s nature has to of-
Did you know that four of the in fer. We cannot stress enough to
total seven species of sea turtle go, see for yourself. The island has
lay their eggs on Aruba's beach- the most beautiful beaches but it
es? In the national park, a Least is also worthwhile to go beyond
Tern (Sternula antillarum) keeps this and get an idea of our entire
a strict eye on a very special island. Lately there is a discussion
event taking place below on the going on about the effect certain
beach: a majestic Leatherback activities have on our nature, for
(Dermochelys coriacea) heads example the ATV vehicles cause
back to sea after laying her a lot of dust, noise and leave tire
eggs, while another nest laid 2 tracks. Animals live in these areas
months ago by the same female where the vehicles run, often with
hatches. A very rare occurrence high speed and with detrimental
of daytime nesting and hatching. consequences to flora and fau-
Sea turtles prefer nesting in the na. Motorized vehicles are forbid-
cool and dark hours of the night. den to drive on the sand dunes
And hatchlings usually wait for in the Northern part of the island
the cue of cooling surface sand and all beaches in Aruba are
before emerging. forbidden for any motorized ve-
hicle. Treasure our island to enjoy
Bubali Magic it like you do: as a tropical and
This beautiful close-up image of natural paradise. We truly appre-
the pink bird is courtesy of Mich- ciate it!q