Page 13 - AHATA

A13
Thursday 7 February 2019

Tierra del Sol helps protecting Aruban Burrowing Owl

NOORD — The Aruban Burrowing This diurnal species can be seen
owl is the national bird of Aruba sitting in open areas in small family
and is a protected species but due groups, apparently unphased by
to several circumstances these the hot afternoon sun. Burrowing
species are in danger of extinction. Owls are much loved by the native
The Aruban Burrowing Owl feeds islanders. The little owl is endemic
on insects and rodents which it (Athene cunicularia arubensis)
typically hunts for from the ground, and only exists on Aruba. Special
walking, hopping or running after about the Aruba burrowing owl
it. In support of the protection of the – also called rabbit owl – is that it
Aruban Burrowing Owl Tierra Del hunts both during the day and at
Sol recently offered some space night, its diet consists of insects,
on their golf course to build some small rodents, little lizards and small
artificial nests for these wonderful birds. Unfortunately the owl is be-
creatures. Not long ago, a Shoco ing threatened by tourism and Boa
Family (2 Parents and 4 Chicks) the life history of this subspecies is refuge where the population can Constrictors.
was moved from the driving range still unknown. Burrowing owls typi- recover. They live in burrows on the Estimation is that only 200 pairs of
to one of the nests on their golf cally lay three to six eggs that are ground in areas of cactus scrub Owls exist in the Aruban nature. The
course, thus providing them with a incubated for 28 days and hatch and dry forest. It is an endemic people of Aruba are very proud of
safer environment. after 42 days. It is unclear if this also sub-species of the burrowing owl their Shoco and its picture predict-
goes for the Aruban Burrowing Owl. that occurs only on Aruba. The ed on many objects on the island,
About the Aruban Owl Staff of the Parke Nacional Arikok Burrowing Owl is a buffy-colored, like banknotes and stamps. On the
The owl is known on occasion to lo- are constantly monitoring the owl’s long-legged owl with large, yellow 23rd of January 2012 the ‘Shoco’
cate prey from a high perch and population within the protected eyes. It is a rare small bird of prey of was pronounced national symbol
to catch prey with its feet. Much of area. This park is also an important only twenty centimeters high. of Aruba.q

Celebrate Love!

ORANJESTAD — Valentine’s Day is the cel-
ebration of love, beauty and romantic mood
between couples and/or friends. It is a festive
day where you would like to emphasis the im-
portance of this special person in your life. You
can do this in many ways, by sending cards,
flowers, gifts, presents or arranging a wonder-
ful day/night out.

While enjoying your stay in Aruba you can
make this day extra special by surprising your
love with the help of Aruba Today. Despite
the fact that we have wonderful dinner and
gift options to choose from, advertised in our
newspaper in the coming days up to February
14th, we can make this day even more spe-
cial.

Surprise your loved one with a picture of her/
him or both of you in Aruba Today, accom- What Do You Do? There is only one happiness in this life, to love
panied by your personal message. Imagine Send your selected picture (high resolution and be loved. ... ~ George Sandq
taking your vacation breakfast in the morning JPEG) with short personal Valentine message
while going through the newspaper and all of (maximum 40 words) to email: linda.reijnders@
a sudden you see YOU. This will make her or his cspnv.com LATEST Tuesday February 12.
day for sure.
What Will We Do?
We will put your picture and message in the
local section of Aruba Today on Thursday Feb-
ruary 14 in our printed newspaper and on our
website and Facebook page.

Make her/him smile on this special day, do
something different!