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LOCAL Friday 29 august 2025

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

of sea turtle lay their eggs
on Aruba’s beaches? In the
national park, a Least Tern
(Sternula antillarum) keeps a
strict eye on a very special
event taking place below seen a ‘pink cloud’ lately most beautiful beaches but
on the beach: a majestic at the Bubali or Spanish La- it is also worthwhile to go be-
Leatherback (Dermochelys goon Wetlands areas? It’s yond this and get an idea
coriacea) heads back to most likely to be Roseate of our entire island. Lately
sea after laying her eggs, Spoonbills (Ajaia ajaja) or there is a discussion going
while another nest laid 2 ‘Chucharon Cora’ as they on about the effect certain
months ago by the same are known in Papiamento. activities have on our na-
female hatches. A very rare This unusual looking bird for- ture, for example the ATV
occurrence of daytime nest- ages in shallow muddy water vehicles cause a lot of dust,
ing and hatching. Sea turtles while sweeping its flattened noise and leave tire tracks.
The national park Arikok prefer nesting in the cool bill from side to side to catch Animals live in these areas
comprises almost 18 % of The national park Arikok and dark hours of the night. small fish, crustaeceans and where the vehicles run, of-
the island. Its rugged ter- takes you on a memorable And hatchlings usually wait other aquatic invertebrates. ten with high speed and with
rain, desert-like hills filled journey of the island’s past for the cue of cooling sur- The Roseate Spoonbill re- detrimental consequences
with tall cacti, breathtaking offering unique geological, face sand before emerging. mains an uncommon sight to flora and fauna. Motor-
coastline and protected lo- cultural and historical sites. as they are vulnerable to ized vehicles are forbidden
cal flora and fauna welcome These can all be enjoyed Bubali Magic degradation of feeding to drive on the sand dunes
you to be explored. There is and explored either on your This beautiful close-up image and nesting habitats (Wet- in the Northern part of the
numerous wildlife to discover own or during guided tours. of the pink bird is courtesy lands). (Source: arikok na- island and all beaches in
like for example the sea tur- A wide variety of educa- of Michiel Oversteegen of tional park) Aruba are forbidden for any
tle who lays his eggs on the tional and informative pro- the Aruba Birdlife Con- motorized vehicle. Treasure
park’s beaches. There are grams and fun activities is servation. This important The affore mentioned is just our island to enjoy it like you
more places on the island available. foundation showcases and a part of what Aruba’s na- do: as a tropical and natural
that are a preserved area builds awareness of Aruba’s ture has to offer. We cannot paradise. We truly appreci-
like the Bubali Plas which is Did you know that four of birds and other native flora stress enough to go, see for ate it!q
a bird sanctuary. the in total seven species and fauna. You may have yourself. The island has the

Aruba to me

ORANJESTAD — You are back or still enjoying your vaca-
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