Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park is repository of historical and cultural heritage. Its historical significance is evident in Fontein Cave, where, pre-Columbian, Arawak cave drawings offer a glimpse into early human activity. More recent additions include drawings by early European settlers and contemporary graffiti, which has prompted protective measures, including gating and locking the cave. It is only open to visitors who participate in guided tours with park staff.

The park features historic adobe plantation houses, the original cunucu (rural) houses known as Cas di torto. Cunucu Arikok, an early farmstead thoughtfully restored for preservation, recalls Aruba's agricultural history.^[4][5] Protective measures like cactus hedges and stone walls were erected to ward off goats, sheep, and donkeys.^[4]

Abandoned gold mines in the Miralamar area of the park are also visible. After closing in 1916, the gold mines and surrounding structures are now largely overgrown.^[6]

Development of Arikok National Park

The concept of a national park in Aruba was first considered in the late 1960s. However, it wasn't until 1980 that a plan was put forth for the development of the Arikok-Jamanota area as a national park. Only a portion of this plan was realized, leading to the creation of Cunucu Arikok.

In 1995, the government introduced a new plan for the national park's development, coinciding with the implementation of the Nature Protection Regulation. This regulation laid the foundation for a comprehensive nature protection policy on the island of Aruba and marked the beginning of the national park's establishment.^[7]

The year 1996 witnessed the approval of the Nature and Landscape Structure Memorandum by the Aruban government. A commission was subsequently formed to establish Arikok National Park, and in 1997, they formulated a policy document outlining how the national park would be managed.

Finally, in 2000, the Arikok National Park was officially established through a Ministerial Order. By 2003, it had evolved into a foundation, Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA).^[8]

Geology

Stratigraphy

Pillow lava at Conchi (Natural Pool)

Interior of Guadirikiri Cave

Small limestone bridge formation

Arikok National Park features three primary geological formations, the Aruba lava formation (ALF), Aruba Batholith, and limestone terraces. The youngest formation, limestone shelves, rests atop the second-oldest, the Batholith. The oldest, the ALF, is not visible. Magma rose, cutting through formations and solidifying into quartz veins. These veins are younger than the surrounding formations. The magma brought up minerals, including gold. Veins vary from a single centimeter to over a meter in width. These quartz veins were mined for their gold content. More than 20 veins were mined, with the Miralamar mine being particularly notable.^[9][10]

Conchi (Natural Pool)

Ecology

Endemic species

Aruba is home to several unique species, some of which are endemic to the island. Within the Arikok National Park, these unique species find habitat and thrive due to the specific microclimates created by the rock outcrops. Notable endemic reptiles in the area include the cascabel (Crotalus unicolor),^[11] the santanero or (Aruban) Baker's cat-eyed snake (Leptodeira bakeri), and the kododo blauw or Aruban whiptail lizard (Cnemidophorus arubensis). The avian inhabitants include the shoco or Aruban burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia arubensis) and the prikichi or Aruban parakeet (Aratinga pertinax arubensis).

Vegetation types

Arikok National Park features seven vegetation types (using local names). Most vegetation is almost exclusively found in and around arroyos and leeward sides of hills.^[3]

Fofoti–Druif–Cocorobana

Vegetation Type 1, Fofoti–Druif–Cocorobana, is primarily located along the coasts and in

Beishi di baranca–Seida–Funfun

Vegetation type 3, Beishi di Baranca–Seida–Funfun is exclusive to the limestone plateau in the southern part of the national park and is primarily made up of Beishi di baranca,

Vegetation Type 4, Beishi di baranca–Walishali–Basora preto–Mata di piska, is exclusively found on the limestone plateau in the southern part of the national park. Primarily composed of Basora preto, Beishi di baranca, Seida, Tuna, and Flor di sanger, this vegetation type's key indicators include Walishali, Mata di piská, Loki-loki, Mata di yuana, and Palo cayente. Palo cayente is unique to this vegetation type, while the other indicators, though prevalent here, have also been observed in other vegetation types.

Types 3 and 4 exclusively occur on the limestone plateau. Key species, constituting over 50% of the plateau, include Beishi di baranca, Basora preto, Seida, Tuna, Walishali, Hubada, Cadushi, and Flor di sanger.

species. Trees are scarce in this environment.

Hubada–Breba–Camari

Vegetation type 6 is mainly in the northern part of the national park and other regional areas. This dry type thrives on the windward side of hills. Hubada, Basora preto, Tuna, and Bushi are common, appearing in over 50% of the surveys. Breba, Seida, and Cadushi also feature in over 50% of the surveys. Indicator species for this type include Shimarucu, Breba, Camari, Patia shimaron, and Yerba chico.

Notable sites and landmarks

North conservation zone

• Daimari: the northernmost point of Arikok National Park, is a bay formed by the erosion of the Daimari dry riverbed and the waves along the north coast. Heavy rainfall can wash white sand into the sea, but the beach undergoes a gradual restoration as waves bring the sand back over time.^[1]
• Moro: occasionally dubbed "Little Aruba" due to its topographical resemblance to the island's outline, stands as a geological formation shaped by the erosion of a limestone plateau by two dry riverbeds known as rooi. These natural processes have resulted in the formation of two distinct bays, named Boca Keto to the north and Boca Fluit to the south, flanking the prominent rock.^[1]
• Conchi (Natural Pool)

Central activity zone

• Visitor center
• Cunucu Arikok: Remains of an old farm where various plants were cultivated. There are still cactus hedges and stonewalls visible.
• Seroe Arikok (Arikok Hill): A viewpoint from where you can see much of the island.
• Fontein Cave: A limestone cave with brownish-red pictographs probably left behind by the Arawak tribe, as well as some more recent "wall art" made by early European settlers.^[12]
• Boca Prins: Beach where turtles nest and a small bar/cafe. The exoplanet
  IAU.^[13]
• Dos Playa: Relatively calm seas, it is possible to surf or bodyboard here.
• Hofi Shon Shoco: a garden with the local flora and fauna, such as the Candelabra cactus (Pilosocereus lanunginosus).^[14][15]
• Rooi Tambu
• Plantage Prins (Prins Plantation)
• Seroe Cabai
• Miralamar

South conservation zone

• Jamanota
• Quadirikiri Cave
• Vader Piet
• Rooi Prins
• Masiduri

Threats to National Park

Livestock conflict

In Arikok National Park, herbivory affects the decline in vegetation cover, rendering bare soils vulnerable to wind and water erosion. This issue is often attributed to the trampling and grazing of livestock.^[16]

Human conflict

Simultaneously,

Off Road Driving (ORD) has a negative impact on the surrounding environment, affecting both social and ecological aspects.^[17]

Dust impact on vegetation

ORD generates

dust clouds that harm native vegetation, negatively impacting the ecosystem. Dust impact analyses and studies reveal muddy layers on vegetation, reduced leaf abundance, and overall degradation of flora in off-road dust-affected areas. Dust impacts extend over 200 metres (660 ft) from the road, affecting Parke Nacional Arikok. Experiments comparing flora in high and low ORD-impacted areas demonstrate significant differences. Continued ORD on the road to Conchi poses a risk of desertification in the San Fuego to Conchi area.^[17]

ORD engine oil spill

ORD engine oil spill has been documented on ORD roads in the National Park.[17] Engine oil pollution, known for its mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, adversely alters the environment, leading to diminished ecosystem functionality. This pollution negatively impacts soil quality and obstructs plant growth by altering soil nutrient composition and reducing seedling viability.^[18]

Other designated sites

The FPNA is an independent organization overseeing a significant portion of Aruba, including Arikok National Park and

Spanish Lagoon. This includes marine park Aruba and other designated terrestrial areas (see Conservation geography of Aruba), covering approximately 25% of Aruba's total surface area.^[19][20]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} "Park Map | Aruba National Park Foundation". Retrieved 2023-11-09.
2. ^ "Park Information | Aruba National Park Foundation". Retrieved 2023-11-08.
3. ^ ^{a b c} Willemsen, Marieke (2011-07-02). Natuurreservaat Arikok Vegetatiekatering in het nationaal park Arikok, Aruba [Nature Reserve Arikok Vegetation Mapping in Arikok National Park, Aruba] (PDF) (Report) (in Dutch). HAS Den Bosch. Retrieved 2023-11-11 – via Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database.
4. ^ ^{a b} "Culture | Aruba National Park Foundation". Retrieved 2023-11-08.
5. ^ Sullivan, Lynne (December 1, 2007). Pocket Adventures in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaco. Hunter Publishing Inc.
6. ^ "Arikok National Park". Frommer's. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
7. ^ "Landsbesluit Parke Nacional Arikok" [National decree Arikok National Park]. www.dcbd.nl. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
8. ^ "Park History | Aruba National Park Foundation". Retrieved 2023-11-08.
9. ^ Savvides, Maro A. "Communicating the Geologic History of Aruba: Contextualizing Gold and Incorporating Human Activity" (PDF). Minesite Drainage Assessment Group. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
10. ^ Pride, D.E. "Aruba: Geology and the Forensic Spotlight" (PDF). Retrieved 19 April 2016.
11. ^ Reinert, Howard; Bushar, Lauretta; Rocco, Gian L.; Goode, Matt (2002). "Distribution of the Aruba Island Rattlesnake, Crotalus unicolor, on Aruba, Dutch West Indies". Caribbean Journal of Science. 38 (1–2): 126–128 – via ResearchGate.
12. ^ "Your Guide to Arikok National Park in Aruba". TripSavvy. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
13. ^ "Naming Exoplanets". IAU. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
14. ^ Norbert (2022-09-22). "Aruba National Park | Exciting Arikok Sights & Activities". Retrieved 2023-11-09.
15. ^ "| Dutch Caribbean Species Register". www.dutchcaribbeanspecies.org. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
16. ^ Verbeek, Babette (2016). "The influence of goats on soil erosion and vegetation in Arikok National Park, Aruba | Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database". www.dcbd.nl. Wageningen University. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
17. ^ ^{a b c} Environmental Impact Report for Off Road Driving (ORD) in Parke Nacional Arikok (PDF) (Report). 2020-05-26. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
18. PMID 2648567
    .
19. ^ "Aruba". DCNA. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
20. ^ Overheid, Aruba (2020-05-08). "Aruba begint met reactivering van de interne economie". secure.overheid.aw (in Dutch). Retrieved 2023-11-11.

External links

• Arikok National Park - Aruba Tourism Authority