Page 9 - AHATA

a7
local Tuesday 11 July 2023
Aruba’s Bocas: home to the rarest fossil reefs on the planet!

(Oranjestad)—If you’ve ward side of Aruba. These
been to the northern coast findings can certainly put
of Aruba already, you’ve things into perspective. The
probably noticed how the ground on which we have
ground differs entirely from walked many times on the
the sandy beaches on the northern part of the island
southern part of the island. hold such rich history, his-
These hard surfaces, with tory that dates back to a
sharp bumps and holes time that most of us can-
are actually fossilized coral not even imagine. As the
reefs, of which its growth scientists themselves have
and changes can be pointed out, these fossilized
traced back to the last gla- reefs on the windward side
cial period. are truly an incredible and
rare remnant of geologi-
On May 30 2023, geosci- cal history, as they provide
entists, Dr. Patrick Boyden a clear view of how these
from the Marum research reefs have formed.
faculty at the University of levels or extreme weather, This research is also im-
Bremen, Prof. dr. Alessio like hurricanes and tsuna- portant for the future of
Rovere from the Ca' Fosc- mis. coral reefs on the island.
ari University of Venice and By studying rising sea lev-
Prof. dr. Gianfranco Scic- Through underwater and els and climate impact on
chitano, from the University land surveillance, and 3D these coral reefs, we are
of Bari Aldo Moro, present- models of the reefs, they able to take concrete ac-
ed their research on these were able to narrow down tion in protecting and pre-
fossilized coral reefs at the when these formations serve our coral reefs. So, if
University of Aruba. Their started to take place. They you are ever visiting one of
focus for their research in- were also able to track the bocas or driving along
cluded studying the health the fluctuation of sea lev- the northern part of the is-
and formation patterns of els during the past hun- land, please be conscious
these coral reefs, and to dred or even thousands of to help protect our natural
investigate how these reefs years, and the effects that historical remnant. Oh, and
have responded and can this fluctuation has had on wear (coral-friendly) sun-
respond to fluctuating sea the coral reefs of the wind- screen! q

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

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