| The famous Divi Divi tree is Aruba's natural
compass, always pointing in a southwesterly direction due to the trade winds
that blow across the island from the north-east. |
Aruba's trademark:
the Divi Divi or watapana tree |
An interesting
observation is that attempts to plant this tree in other parts of the world have proved
futile - it seems the Divi Divi is most comfortable in Aruba! |
Aruba's dry climate is home
to large Mondis (forests of cacti)
Despite its arid climate,
Aruba has a large array of horticulture. One example is the Magdalena, similar in foliage and
flower to the Impatiens found
in the Eastern US, but which survive with very little water. Their purple and white
flowers blossom all year round, providing natural decoration both along sidewalks and
roadsides and also in the most looked-after gardens.
Also widespread are Caribbean
Pines, a large variety of Hibiscus as
well as Bougainvilleas, Wild Orchids and
many other cactuses, vines, shrubs and trees. |
| Lizards (papiamento - lagadishi)
abound in Aruba. In fact, half of the species of lizard known to man reside exclusively on
the island. |
 |
The kododo blauw (left) has a blue-green color, are quite friendly and totally vegetarian. |
| Pega Pega are
cousins to the gecko and get their papiamento name (pega means to stick) ,from the tiny
suction pads on their feet which allow them to walk practically anywhere. They are one of
the last remaining prehistoric species who have eluded extinction - and
have extremely loud voices. |
| Iguanas (right), looking like miniature dinosaurs are often
found high up on rooftops enjoying the sun or in trees where they find their favourite
food - leaves. |
| Unfortunately they were often
considered a delicacy themselves (their meat is tasty, comparable to chicken) and have
been used in soup and stew by Arubans for generations. This practice is now illegal. |
|
Iguanas adapt to their
surroundings in much the same way as chameleons do, changing colour from
bright green to a more brownish hue when they're on the soil. |
The Cottontail rabbit is also found in
Aruba, and was probably brought over here originally by Indians prior to Columbus' time. A
clue which seems to substantiate this theory is the fact that the rabbits here have a
black patch on their necks, similar to those found in nearby Venezuela.
|
Although once thought to be disappearing, wild
donkeys are making a comeback and are usually seen in groups
of three or four in the more rugged parts of the island. For more information: www.arubandonkey.org |
Brought to the island by the Spanish,
these donkeys were often a test of manhood for many youngsters from San Nicolaas who would
try to mount and ride them. |
Some time ago, hotels in Aruba specifically put gratings outside their entrances to deter sheep and goats from entering
their gardens. These animals are quite common on the island, and goats also find their way
to the Aruban table where they are also considered a tasty dish.
|
| A common sight on many of Aruba's beaches
are pelicans. |
 |
For more
information on birds of Aruba: www.arubabirds.com |
These zealous fish eating
birds can often be seen swooping down and diving into the sea, disappearing underwater for
a few seconds while they home in on their targets.
|
Bats can
be found in caves towards the Northeast of the island - most are insect eaters and nectar
drinkers with the exception of one particular species that prefer fish and dive into the
sea for their food.
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