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LOCAL Thursday 19 OcTOber 2023

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

or Spanish Lagoon Wet- es but it is also worthwhile
lands areas? It’s most likely to go beyond this and get
to be Roseate Spoonbills an idea of our entire island.
(Ajaia ajaja) or ‘Chucharon Lately there is a discussion
Cora’ as they are known in going on about the effect
ST. CRUZ — The national on Aruba's beaches? In Papiamento. This unusual certain activities have on
park Arikok comprises al- The national park Arikok the national park, a Least looking bird forages in shal- our nature, for example
most 18 % of the island. Its takes you on a memorable Tern (Sternula antillarum) low muddy water while the ATV vehicles cause a
rugged terrain, desert-like journey of the islands past keeps a strict eye on a very sweeping its flattened bill lot of dust, noise and leave
hills filled with tall cacti, offering unique geological, special event taking place from side to side to catch tire tracks. Animals live in
breathtaking coastline and cultural and historical sites. below on the beach: a small fish, crustaeceans these areas where the ve-
protected local flora and These can all be enjoyed majestic Leatherback (Der- and other aquatic inverte- hicles run, often with high
fauna welcome you to be and explored either on mochelys coriacea) heads brates. The Roseate Spoon- speed and with detrimen-
explored. There is numer- your own or during guided back to sea after laying bill remains an uncommon tal consequences to flora
ous wildlife to discover like tours. A wide variety of ed- her eggs, while another sight as they are vulnerable and fauna. Motorized vehi-
for example the sea turtle ucational and informative nest laid 2 months ago by to degradation of feeding cles are forbidden to drive
who lays his eggs on the programs and fun activities the same female hatches. and nesting habitats (Wet- on the sand dunes in the
park’s beaches. There are is available. A very rare occurrence lands). (Source: arikok na- Northern part of the island
more places on the island of daytime nesting and tional park) and all beaches in Aruba
that are a preserved area Did you know that four of hatching. Sea turtles pre- are forbidden for any mo-
like the Bubali Plas which is the in total seven species fer nesting in the cool and The aforementioned is just torized vehicle. Treasure
a bird sanctuary. of sea turtle lay their eggs dark hours of the night. And a part of what Aruba’s na- our island to enjoy it like
hatchlings usually wait for ture has to offer. We can- you do: as a tropical and
the cue of cooling surface not stress enough to go, see natural paradise. We truly
sand before emerging. for yourself. The island has appreciate it!q
the most beautiful beach-
Bubali Magic
This beautiful close-up im-
age of the pink bird is cour-
tesy of Michiel Overstee-
gen of the Aruba Birdlife
Conservation. This impor-
tant foundation showcases
and builds awareness of
Aruba’s birds and other na-
tive flora and fauna. You
may have seen a ‘pink
cloud’ lately at the Bubali