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a8 local
Friday 2 February 2024

Aruba’s Bocas: home to the rarest fossil reefs on the planet!

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

PSA from the Arikok National Park:

How to behave when you see a “lora”

(Oranjestad)— The conser- Please refrain from inter- are kept inside of your yard
vation of the Yellow-Shoul- fering with the “Lora”. The or are kept on a leash when
dered Amazon, also known Lora is a highly intelligent going out for a walk.
as the 'Lora,' relies on how and social animal, per-
we act as humans. We've haps slightly too friendly Do not feed them food or
seen many hikers who've because they have gotten water
encountered the 'Lora' in used to the rangers as they You may think that giving
our protected nature ar- prepared for their reintro- the any food or water is
eas and we can certainly duction. However, it is our doing a good deed, but it
imagine the pride and joy collective responsability actually does not contrib-
it brings to any Aruban. to help them adapt to the ute to them developing
However, not everyone wild once again. Please survival skills in the wild. By
may know how to behave play your part by not inter- interfering with the survival
when encountering these fering (calling, provoking instincts of wild animals, we
clever and social birds. This etc.) with the Lora. Simply are doing the opposite of
guide is here to explain the enjoy their beauty from a helping. Therefore, please
behaviors that will most ef- safe distance. do not attempt to give the
fectively help us in our ef- Loras food or water.
forts to conserve the 'Lora.' Be respectful and keep
Please, don't just read but cats and dogs away Capturing a Lora is against
also follow these guidelines Pets and strays such as the law!
so we can ensure the sur- cats and dogs are prone The biggest threat to the
vival of these birds for fu- to attacking other animals, Lora before their extinc- Lora. Let’s work collectively beauty from a distance
ture generations. especially birds, as part tion in 1947 was caused by to prevent this from hap- and admire them as they
of their natural instincts. human activities including pening again. So when you flourish in the wild. q
No interfering, please Please make sure your pets poaching and killing of the see the Lora, enjoy their