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local Friday 22 September 2023

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

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

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