Page 14 - AHATA

Saturday 5 OctOber 2024 locAl
A10

Shoco Owls Facing Difficult Times and in Need of Funds for

Preservation Projects

In a statement, Aruba Bird- In July, ABC had expressed
life Conservation has an- concerns on their Face-
nounced an urgent need book page about the harm
for funds to continue plac- some Shocos are suffering.
ing artificial nests to pre-
serve the Shoco owls. The foundation stated that
in June, Shocos faced vari-
In recent years, Shocos ous difficulties—three died
(Aruban Burrowing Owls) from poisoning, one died
have faced increasingly se- during road maintenance,
vere challenges in finding and two were hit by vehi-
safe and suitable breeding cles. The NGO noted that
areas around the island. these are only the cases
they are aware of, and the
Tera Cora, the area be- mortality rate is likely higher
hind the Tierra del Sol golf since not all incidents are
course, was once a high- reported to them.
biodiversity zone and one
of the most important "We are happy when we
breeding grounds for the can help those that sur-
Burrowing Owl (Athene cu- vived return to the wild life
nicularia arubensis), locally of Aruba. However, some
known as “Shoco.” cases require intensive
treatment, which can take
In 2019, to improve the more than a year before a
chances of survival for the More than 90% of their nat- tions and improvements. Shoco can be released or
Shoco, the first 20 artificial ural nests in Tera Cora have Now, after five years, they Additionally, 12 new artifi- partially released back into
nests were installed at the been destroyed over the are pleased to report that cial nests will be added in the wild. It requires special-
Tierra del Sol golf course. years, primarily due to reck- these artificial burrows secure areas around the ized knowledge and great
The main reason for this less off-road vehicle use. It are making a difference golf course, increasing the dedication to reach the
was to provide alternative is widely recognized, both and improving the survival total to 32. point of returning a Shoco
breeding opportunities due locally and internationally, chances of the Shoco owls. to its natural habitat," ABC
to the systematic destruc- that Aruba’s unsustainable This specific Shoco conser- emphasized.
tion of their natural nests in tourism, including so-called So far, more than 60 arti- vation project, led by Aru-
Tera Cora by the unregu- “adventure” tourism, has ficial burrows have been ba Birdlife Conservation, The photos they published
lated use of UTV and ATV taken a heavy toll on the installed. Their goal is to will be integrated into the in July depicted a Shoco
activities. island’s environment and reach 500 in the coming new design and branding that had clearly lost sight in
biodiversity. years by placing them in of the golf course, incor- one eye, and another Sho-
safe locations around the porating an educational co appeared to have par-
island to give the Shocos component as part of the tially lost vision in the other
an alternative nesting op- overall experience for golf- eye. ABC explained that
tion. ers. Shocos need their sight to
find food. If they can suc-
To achieve this goal, they Information about the Sho- cessfully do so, they can
need funding. As they ap- co conservation project maintain their nests and
proach the last quarter of will be available at the pro take care of their baby
2024, they are hoping that shop and on social media, Shocos as best as possible.
companies, organizations, helping to raise aware- However, when their vision
clubs, and others will con- ness among visitors, local is impaired, it requires more
sider including the Shoco golfers, and staff, who will effort from the Shoco to
Conservation Project in be trained to answer the care for itself and its family.
their donation lists. Every many questions visitors of-
contribution makes a differ- ten have. The foundation also shared
ence. tips on how people can
This initiative will enhance help prevent accidents
At the beginning of this the overall golf experience that harm the Shocos.
year, discussions began in Aruba for both visitors
with the new owners of the and locals while giving the It is important for drivers to
golf course about the ex- endangered Burrowing be more cautious when
isting Shoco conservation Owl a better chance at near a Shoco nest or when
project. The new owners, survival. they spot one nearby. Ad-
the Iberostar group, have ditionally, when engaging
agreed to continue sup- The non-governmental or- in off-road activities with
porting the project and are ganization (NGO) Aruba ATVs or UTVs, it’s crucial to
committed to taking it a Birdlife Conservation (ABC) ensure these vehicles stay
step further. Foundation also regularly on designated paths, as
raises concerns about en- Shoco nests are not easy to
Maintenance will be car- vironmental protection, as spot and are more likely to
ried out on the existing well as cases where nature be damaged or destroyed
artificial nests as the golf and wildlife are harmed. accidentally.q
course undergoes renova-