Page 16 - AHATA

Tuesday 11 November 2025 locAl
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Fun facts about the ‘Lisinbein’

The ‘Lisinbein’ (Scolopendra populates, which could dis- risks in the moist environments
gigantea), also known as the rupt local biodiversity. these centipedes often in-
Giant Centipede, is one of habit. The mother maintains
the largest centipedes in the Its presence can indicate a a clean environment for the
world and is found in Aruba. healthy, functioning ecosys- eggs by carefully grooming
Its size and hunting prowess tem. Its sensitivity to environ- them, which helps prevent
make it a fascinating, if often mental changes makes it a fungal growth that could
misunderstood, creature. bioindicator of ecological endanger the brood. This
balance. behavior may continue until
Despite its fearsome reputa- the young centipedes have
tion, it plays a crucial eco- It can reach an impressive undergone their first molt,
logical role that often goes length of up to 30 centime- making them more capable
unnoticed. ters (approx. 12 inches) and of independent survival.
live for around 5 to 10 years
As an apex invertebrate in the wild. Its size and lon- This form of parental care is
predator, Scolopendra gevity makes it a significant beneficial in increasing the
gigantea helps maintain and long-term part of the survival rates of offspring, as
balance in the ecosystem. ecosystem. the mother’s protection pro-
Moreover, they themselves vides a safe ‘environment’
are a food source for birds A mother’s love during their vulnerable devel-
such as the Crested Caraca- In Scolopendra species, the opmental stages. It’s a fasci- The lisinbein is known locally natural beauty of Aruba by
ra (Warawara) and the Aru- ‘mother’ typically exhibits nating adaptation because for having a really painful keeping the ecosystem in
ba burrowing owl (Shoco). maternal care by curling it shows a form of care that sting. While venomous, the harmony.
around her eggs and newly resembles more complex Lisinbein is generally not ag-
It controls populations of hatched young. She stays behaviors observed in ver- gressive toward humans un- Editor’s note: Information
smaller invertebrates and coiled around the clutch, tebrates. less provoked. Its role as a and pictures provided by Ms.
even small vertebrates, en- protecting it from predators guardian of balance in the Natasha Silva from the Aruba
suring that no species over- and fungi, which are serious No bark, but all bite! ecosystem helps protect the Conservation Foundation.q

Ayo & Casibari: Aruba’s famous rock formations

(Oranjestad)—The Ayo and Casi- to the Natural Bridge. The Ayo is a
bari Rock Formations are known fenced terrain that consists of sev-
locally as one of the crucial sites eral giant boulders, resting neatly
to have in your “off-road” trip itin- on top of or side by side each oth-
erary. These naturally formed rock er, adding gorgeous natural archi-
formations as just one of the few tecture to the surrounding “mon-
places on the island that hold a di”*. This is also one of the few sites
rich history of our culture and of our to contain prehistoric markings of
ancestors. our indigenous ancestors. The Ayo
Rock formation contains stairs that
Ayo lead you to the top of the highest of the island. However, this adds Casibari
The Ayo Rock Formation is located boulder, offering a breath-taking another layer of charm: the quiet Probably the busier rock formation
in the northern part of the island, view of the Aruban backyard. The area and the refreshing breeze of- site, the Casibari is situated more
right on the road that leads you to site is usually quiet, as it is situated fer a sense of comfort and peace. in the center of the island, much
the Black Stone Beach, and close farther away from the busier parts closer—and more accessible—to
the general public. Just like Ayo,
Casibari is a fenced area contain-
ing several boulders that lay on top
or lean on each other. The best as-
pect of the Casibari Rock Forma-
tion is the accompanying view
when you climb up the top of the
round, flat bolder. For this position,
you can see the majority of the is-
land and the ocean in the south.

Both sites are open free to the
public, 24 hours a day. However,
unless you are taking a trip with a
professional tour guide, there are
no guides at the sites to help you
climb the rock. So, do be careful
when trudging on the boulders,
and make sure to befriend any
roaming goats you see along the
way!

*Mondi: what we call our Aruban
wilderness. We don’t have for-
ests, or deserts, but we do have
mondi!q