Page 11 - AHATA

A16 LOCAL
Wednesday 2 OctOber 2019
Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

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