Page 25 - ATA

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Wednesday 24 July 2019

Aruba’s Nature is to be Cherished

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