Flora and Fauna of Curacao

Curacao is a sub-tropical & semi-arid island in Netherlands Antilles & does not support much of greenery and animal life. The flora and fauna found in Curacao can survive these weather conditions.

Flora of Curacao

Cactus is the most commonly found plant in Curacao with numerous species can be spotted in the island. The Kadushi cactus is a multi-trunk tree with several needles. The Vatu cactus is tall and can go up to 30 ft but has fewer needles. It is often used to make fences. Most of the island is covered with these two cacti. Turk’s Cap cactus, Acacia bushes, Aloe Vera and many disheveled trees bushes are abundant all over the island. The Divi Divi Tree, the famous leaning tree of the ABC Islands, is also found here. The tree is always points towards west due to years of exposure to the trade winds blowing east to west.

The other plant species found in Curacao are diverse variety of palms, an evergreen tree called Wayaca, Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, Poinsettia, Allamanda, Flamboyant and Oleander. The poisonous tree, Manzania known as Manchineel in some parts of Caribbean Islands, is also found in Curacao. The tree with rough dark bark and small green leaves has poisonous fruits and sap, which can cause skin burns if touched.

Fauna of Curacao

The species of mammals, birds and lizards associated with rainforests are found in Curacao along with numerous species of avifauna.Hummingbirds, Bananaquits, Orioles, Terns, Herons, Egrets, Flamingoes and Mockingbird called Chuchubi in Papiamento can be spotted there.The most common bird in the islands is the Trupial, a black bird with bright orange abdomen and white lines on its wings.

The other seabirds found along the coastal line of Curacao are the Pelicans, Gulls and Cormorants. Field Mice, Small Rabbits and Cave Bats are among the most commonly found mammals in Curacao. But the most prominent animal of the island is the White-Tailed Deer found particularly at the West End’s Christoffel Park. It is protected specie and is related to the Virginia Deer found in North America. The west end of the island has become the breeding place for the sea turtles protected by the park system in Sheta Boka Park.