Page 11 - AHATA

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LOCAL Tuesday 13 June 2023

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

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