Page 12 - AHATA

a8 local
Saturday 13 September 2025

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

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

Aruba to me

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special way to keep your best mo- make you a happy reader every
ments alive? Please do note: By day again. q