Page 16 - AHATA_Neat

A8 LOCAL
Saturday 16 March 2024

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

ST. CRUZ — The national park Arikok to catch small fish, crustaeceans
comprises almost 18 % of the is- and other aquatic invertebrates.
land. Its rugged terrain, desert-like The Roseate Spoonbill remains an
hills filled with tall cacti, breathtak- uncommon sight as they are vul-
ing coastline and protected local nerable to degradation of feeding
flora and fauna welcome you to be and nesting habitats (Wetlands).
explored. There is numerous wild- (Source: arikok national park)
life to discover like for example the The aforementioned is just a part
sea turtle who lays his eggs on the of what Aruba’s nature has to of-
park’s beaches. There are more fer. We cannot stress enough to
places on the island that are a go, see for yourself. The island has
preserved area like the Bubali Plas the most beautiful beaches but it
which is a bird sanctuary. is also worthwhile to go beyond
this and get an idea of our entire
The national park Arikok takes you island. Lately there is a discussion
on a memorable journey of the going on about the effect certain
islands past offering unique geo- activities have on our nature, for
logical, cultural and historical sites. example the ATV vehicles cause
These can all be enjoyed and ex- coriacea) heads back to sea after life Conservation. This important a lot of dust, noise and leave tire
plored either on your own or dur- laying her eggs, while another nest foundation showcases and builds tracks. Animals live in these areas
ing guided tours. A wide variety laid 2 months ago by the same awareness of Aruba’s birds and where the vehicles run, often with
of educational and informative female hatches. A very rare oc- other native flora and fauna. You high speed and with detrimental
programs and fun activities is avail- currence of daytime nesting and may have seen a ‘pink cloud’ late- consequences to flora and fauna.
able. hatching. Sea turtles prefer nesting ly at the Bubali or Spanish Lagoon Motorized vehicles are forbidden
in the cool and dark hours of the Wetlands areas? It’s most likely to to drive on the sand dunes in the
Did you know that four of the in to- night. And hatchlings usually wait be Roseate Spoonbills (Ajaia aja- Northern part of the island and all
tal seven species of sea turtle lay for the cue of cooling surface sand ja) or ‘Chucharon Cora’ as they beaches in Aruba are forbidden
their eggs on Aruba’s beaches? before emerging. are known in Papiamento. This un- for any motorized vehicle. Treasure
In the national park, a Least Tern usual looking bird forages in shal- our island to enjoy it like you do: as
(Sternula antillarum) keeps a strict Bubali Magic low muddy water while sweeping a tropical and natural paradise.
eye on a very special event taking This beautiful close-up image of its flattened bill from side to side We truly appreciate it!
place below on the beach: a ma- the pink bird is courtesy of Michiel
jestic Leatherback (Dermochelys Oversteegen of the Aruba Bird-