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Aruba's landscape is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. Cactus plants, aloe and distinctively-shaped divi divi trees are very commonly found in the island. A thriving community of small wildlife exists around these plant lives. |
Due to semi-arid climate of Aruba, the flora is typically classified as desert, with cactus and brush plants standing in sharp contrast to the shimmering turquoise seas.
Aruba has 48 different types of native trees out of which 11 are now very rare. In certain cases, there are only 5 specimen left of the native trees. The loss of these native trees is due to wood cutting, changing weather and goats. A tree planting program to protect the native flora is under way and negotiations with goat owners are in progress to keep them out of protected areas.
About 170 species of birds can be found on Aruba and about 50 species breed on the island. The season for the migratory birds is from November to January taking the total of number of species to around 300 species. The most common birds that can be spotted in Aruba are Trupiaal, Chuchubi, Prikichi, Parakeets and Barika Geel. The Shoco, a burrowing owl, is endangered specie and can be seen in the island. The best place to see Waterfowl is the Bubali Plassen opposite the Olde Molen. Here you can often find Cormorants, Herons and Fish Eagle. Brown pelicans can be found along the south shore.
The island's population of lizards, iguanas and tropical fish found at snorkeling sites often leaves the travelers captivated. There are two kinds of snakes that can be found on Aruba, i.e., Santanero and the rattle snake. Rattle snake founding Aruba is Cascabel. It is almost extinct and a unique sub-species that does not use its rattle. Rattle snakes live in the triangular area between the Jamanota, Fontein and San Nicolas. The best place to go looking for rattle snakes is the area south of the Jamanota Mountain.
By: Shuchita Bist
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