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Remark: This document gathers information from the list of references previously validated for the island. It is a
working document that will be implemented following your comments and corrections. It will be used as a guide
during the consultation process that will involve local governments, institutions and organizations.
The objectives are to identify and map Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in order to define conservation outcomes.
KBAs are defined at 3 ecological levels: (1) species, including: globally threatened species, restricted-range
species, and species gathering in important number during their life cycle; (2) sites: habitats that are home to the
species previously identified; habitats and ecosystems that play important ecological processes and contribute to
the persistence of biodiversity ; (3) ecological corridors: inter-connected landscapes of sites.
Regarding the information and references cited hereafter, a list of "potential KBAs" is proposed in App.2.
This is a work in progress that will be validated through the consultation of local actors.
Synthetic note - Aruba
IBAs, RAMSAR site and Parke Nacional Arikok in Aruba
Policy and Socioeconomic context

Political Status
- Aruba lies off the north-west coast of Venezuela and is the westernmost of the 3
Dutch islands (c.80km from Curacao). Curacao, Aruba and Bonaire (also called the
ABC islands) form the Leeward Islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Aruba is
the nearest Dutch island to mainland Venezuela and is located 27km north from
Paraguaná peninsula. The maximum depth between Aruba and the Venezuelan coast does not
exceed 135 m, whereas BC islands are separated from South American mainland by a deep water
trench (c. 1000m).
- Since October 10th 2010, Aruba (such as St Maarten and Curaçao) became an independent country
within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This island is an European Oversea Country of the Kingdom of
the Netherlands.
 Demographic Trends and Socio-economic context (Central Bureau of Statistics)
- Area: 193 km² (Mount Jamanota, 188m)
- EEZ: 25,287 km², EEZ of the ABC Islands: 68,873 km²
- Population (2014): 107,394 inhab., density: 556 inhab./km²
- GDP (US$/ inhab.): 25,300 (2011) - Aruba is one of the richest countries in the Caribbean.
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- Main economic activities: oil refining and trans-shipment facilities; off-shore financial services;
tourism, with associated services and construction industries.
Protected and/or managed areas (References: DCNA 2012a)
 List of protected areas
- Parke Nacional Arikok (created in 2000 over 3,400 ha) is managed by Fundacion Parke Nacional
Arikok. This land area covers about 18% of the island, includes Mount Jamanota (highest peak, 188m)
and significant areas of cactus scrub. There is 15 privately owned plots of land within the Park.
- For now, there is no marine park officially created. The Aruba Marine Park Foundation has been
created in 2010 to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources and to strengthen the protection of
the marine environment and wildlife through the creation of a marine park.
On-going projects - Projects under study
- Designation of a Marine Park in Aruba.
- Designation of a shark and marine mammal sanctuary in the Caribbean waters of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands (Dutch Caribbean Nature Policy Plan 2013-2017, Project "Save our sharks", Debrot et al.
2011). Establishment of a Dutch Caribbean Shark National Plan Of Action (van Beek et al. 2014).
International recognition of natural habitats and wildlife
- 1 area listed as RAMSAR site (70 ha): Spaans Lagoen
- 4 Important Bird Areas (IBA) over 611 ha
Action, management plans & Programs
- Management Plan for the natural resources of the EEZ of the Dutch Caribbean (Meesters et al.
2010)
- Conservation Action Plan for the Aruba Island rattlesnake
- Bat research and Conservation Plan for ABC islands, Bat Conservation Program for Aruba
Biological importance of the ecosystems
Species outcomes
 List of Taxa assessed as globally threatened (IUCN Red List). List of species are indicated in
Appendix 1.
Taxonomic
Group
Plants
Invertebrates
Critically
endangered
Endangered
Total
2
- Corals*
- Molluscs
- Crustaceans
Fishes *
Sharks and
Rays*
Reptiles
Mammals
Vulnerable
5
1
1
1
1 (+1 esp occ.)
(1 esp occ.)
1
- Bats
- Marine mammals
(1 esp occ.)
Total
* species list to confirm (App.1). Occ., occasional species

List of species geographically restricted (References: Barendsen et al. 2008, DCNA 2012b,
Debrot et al. 2006, Hulsman et al. 2008, Luksenburg 2013, Miller et al. 2003, Nassar and Simal 2014,
van Buurt 2006)
Taxonomic
group
Plants
Number of endemic species
- 3 plant species endemic of Aruba (Melocactus stramineus, Agave arubensis, A.
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rutteniae)
- 5 plant species endemic to ABC islands (Agave vivipara, Aristida arubensis,
Cynanchum boldinghii, Paspalum curassavicus, Melocactus macracanthos)
- at least 7 plant species endemic of ABC islands and the northern Venezuela and
Colombia region
Invertebrates
- Molluscs
- Arachnids
- Insects
- Crustaceans
- Echinoderms
Freshwater
fishes
Reptiles
Mammals
Total
- 18 species endemic of Aruba (including 17 marine molluscs)
- 10 species endemic of the ABC islands, including the Vulnerable Hieroglyphic
Cone (Conus hieroglyphus)
- 22 species endemic of ABC islands, northern Venezuela and Columbia region
- 2 pseudoscorpions endemic of Aruba (Pseudochthonius arubense, Pachyolpium
arubense) and 2 arachnids endemic of ABC islands (Selenops curaçaoe,
Rhopalurus hasethi)
- 4 species of beetles endemic of Aruba (Epitragus hummelincki, Heterachtes
arubae, Urgleptes hummelincki, Meinertellus xerophilus)
- 9 species endemic of ABC islands and 3 endemic of ABC islands, northern
Venezuela
- 4 species endemic of Aruba (including the VU isopod Arubolana imula) and 1
species endemic of AC islands
- 1 marine crinoid species endemic of ABC, northern Venezuela and Columbia
region (Nemaster grandis)
- 2 freshwater Molly fishes endemic of ABC, northern Venezuela and Columbia
region (Cyprinodon dearborni, Poecilia vandepolli)
- 3 species endemic of Aruba: Aruban Whiptail Lizard (Cnemidophorus
arubensis), Aruba Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus julieni), Aruba Rattlesnake
(Crotalus unicolor)
- 1 species endemic of AC islands: Anole lizard (Anolis lineatus)
- 1 bat species restricted to ABC islands-northern Venezuela and Colombia
region: Curaçaoan Long-nosed Bat (Leptonycteris curasoae)
- 1 mouse species restricted to ABC islands-northern Venezuela and Colombia
region: Hummelinck's Vesper Mouse (Calomys hummelincki)
- 34 species endemic of Aruba
- 28 species endemic to ABC islands
- 37 species restricted to ABC islands-northern Venezuela and Colombia region
 Species aggregations / List of species occurring at key stages of their life-cycles
- Seabird species (particularly terns) congregate in high numbers over San Nicolas Bay (IBA).
Habitat outcomes
 Terrestrial areas
- The National Park is home to several endangered and/or restricted-range species, including: the
endemic Aruban Rattlesnake, endangered plant species (Melocactus stramineus, which is also
island endemic, Roughbark Lignum-vitae Guaiacum sanctum), the endemic plant species Agave
arubensis, A. rutteniae, Capparis linearis; and several endemic bird subspecies.
- Ponds and wetlands:
- The RAMSAR site of Spaans Lagoen is bordered by mangroves, it is an important site for
waterbirds but is not recognized as an IBA.
- The restricted-range euryhaline Molly fish Poecilia vandepolli is observed in 3 ponds (Lake Noord,
Tanki Sabana and a pond within the Bubali wetland (IBA) (Hulsman et al. 2008).
- Bubali wetlands (IBA) are artificial wetlands created to contain water from waste water treatment
facility (Del Nevo 2008).
 Habitats for reptiles (van Buurt 2006, Reinert surveys)
- The current distribution of the endemic Aruban Rattlesnake (Crotalus unicolor) is estimated at 76
km² and is mainly associated to dense vegetation. About half of this range is found within Parke
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Arikok. Persons who find rattlesnake near their home can call park rangers who will release the
snakes within the boundaries of the park (van Buurt 2006).
- San Nicolas islets (IBA) are home to the endemic Aruban Whiptail Lizard (Cnemidophorus
arubensis) (Del Nevo 2008).
- In which sites is observed the endemic Anole lizard (Anolis lineatus) and Aruba Leaf-toed Gecko
(Phyllodactylus julieni) ?

Coastal areas: sea turtle nesting areas (References: Barmes et al. 1993, Dow et al. 2007,
Turtugaruba Foundation nesting activity surveys)
- 4 sea turtles nest on Aruba beaches: Hawksbill, Green turtles, and more occasionally the
Loggerhead and Leatherback.
- The Hawksbill and the Green turtles are the main species that nest and forage on the island. Main
nesting sites are located on the northern and southern part of the island for the Green turtle
(California Dunes, Rincon, Dog Cemetery and Baby beach) and in on beach on the eastern side for
the Hawksbill (Boca Ketoe?).
 Marine areas
- The Aruba Marine Park Foundation aims to protect island's marine environment through the
creation of a Marine Park in the south-western part of the island.
- Coral reefs occur all around the island and seagrass habitats are mainly present along the northern
and south-western coasts. Inter-connectivity between these 2 ecosystems is mostly observed along
the northern coast (Structuurnota Natuur en Landscape 1996).

Important Bird Areas (IBAs) (References: Brown et al. 2009, Del Nevo 2008, 2009, Williams
2012)
- Of the 207 bird species recorded on the island, 70 species are residents and 164 migrants
(Neotropical migrants, occasional migrants). Some of the bird species are of South American origin.
- 4 IBAs are identified (611 ha, including their marine extensions) and represent 3% of the island's
land area. The IBAs are located outside the limits of the terrestrial park: 1 IBA is privately owned (on
a golf course) and 3 IBAs are state owned.
- 11 bird species congregate in high numbers over San Nicolas Bay (IBA) that gather particularly
high abundance of Terns (Sandwich Terns, Sooty Terns and significant populations of Brown and
Black Noddies.
- The Bare-eyed Pigeon (Patagioenas corensis), considered as a biome-restricted species, mainly
occur in the 2 northern IBAs. There is no restricted-range species, but 2 endemic subspecies: the
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia arubensis and Brown-throated Parakeet Aratinga pertinax
arubensis.
- The restricted range Yellow-shouldered Amazon (Amazona barbadensis) is now extinct on Aruba.
The species is still observed on Bonaire and Curacao and a project of reintroduction was considered
on Aruba (Williams 2012).
 Areas for mammals (References: Nassar and Simal 2014)
- The vulnerable Curaçaoan Long-nosed Bat (Leptonycteris curasoae) is known to occur at 4 sites
(c. 1075 specimens): Quadirikiri Cave and Miralamar Mine inside the Arikok National Park, and
Tunnel of Love Cave (Baranca Sunu) and Wela Mine outside the park’s partial protection. The sites
Tunnel of Love (island's main breeding site) followed by Miralamar Mine host the largest colony of
the species.
- In which sites can we observe the regional endemic Hummelinck's Vesper Mouse (Calomys
hummelincki)?

Corridors
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- ABC Islands are important resting areas for migratory birds and have a diverse bird community due
to the seasonal occurrence of Neotropical migrants as well as the occurrence of South American
species.
- A satellite-tracking program of 24 sea turtles breeding on Bonaire revealed wide migrations to
coastal waters all over the Caribbean region: ABC islands, Venezuela's coasts, Panama, Nicaragua,
Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Rep., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands (Stapleton et al. 2013).
- The tagging of this endangered bat species suggest that specimens move frequently among the 4
caves, which are a few miles apart. The Curaçaoan long-nosed bats on Aruba depend on a system
of roosts rather than a single cave (Nassar and Simal 2014). These results strongly support the need
for a system of protected caves on Aruba in the form of a Bat Reserve.
- Sighting frequency of humpback whales is lower in the Leeward islands (5% of all marine mammal
observations) compared to the Windward islands (45%). Occurrence of the endangered Sperm
Whale remains low (Debrot et al. 2011).
International Treaties and Conventions - Kingdom of the Netherlands
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
- the Cartagena Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider
Caribbean Region with the SPAW Protocol (concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife)
- the Bonn Convention (or the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
- Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (IAC)
- Convention for Migratory Species (CMS 1985), Memorandum of Understanding on the conservation of migratory
sharks (MoU Sharks, 2011)
- International Convention for the prevention of pollution from ships (MarPol)
Aruba Policy Plans and Policies (Reference: EU Environmental profile 2007)
- National Development Plan (2003-2017): main document for the environmental strategy and policy of Aruba.
- Multiyear plan for development cooperation NL-Aruba 2006-2009 (Fondo Desaroyo Aruba).This plan includes
environmental awareness-raising activities
- Smart Island Strategy for Aruba (The Government of Aruba, Carbon War Room and the New America
Foundation): initiative for the sustainable transition for the island (100% renewable energy, regenerative
agriculture sector, improve public health...)
- Spatial Development Plan (year?)
- Directive Spatial Management Beaches (July 2014)
- Specific strategy for sustainable development
- Environmental Management Policy (2003)
- National Oil Pollution Contingency Plan (1993)
Plans in preparation:
- Nature and landscape policy
- Spatial Development Plan 2015
- National Sustainable Tourism Policy
- Waste reduction strategy
- Coastal Zone Management Plan to identify areas of importance and those requiring protection and conservation
Socio-economic context , government and civil society with a role in biodiversity
 Government, local institutions and organizations, private sector
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ARUBA
Government of the Netherlands
Island Government of Aruba
Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
Directorate-General for the Environment and International Affairs (DGMI)
Minstry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (EL&I)
Directorate General for Nature and Regional Policy
Ministry of Public Health and Social Development
Department of Environment and Nature (MINA)
Independant country of the Knigdom of the Netherlands
Ministry of Public Health, Environment, Administrative Affairs and Immigration
Inspection Public Health and the Veterinary Service
Ministry of Labor, Culture and Sports
Department of Agriculture, Husbandry and Fishery (DLVVM)
Ministry of Education, Social Affairs and Infrastructure
Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Department of Education
Public Works Department
Ministry of General Affairs
Disaster Prevention Department
Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs
Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce and Industry (DEACI)
Department Environmental Statistics - collect and analyze information to provide integrative
socio-economically and environmentally sound policy
Institutions and companies
SELIMAR
Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS)
The publicly-owned company SELIMAR collects, transports and disposes of all solid waste
including bulky household waste and car wrecks. SELIMAR reports to the environmental
minister.
Institution that collects and analyzes information to provide integrative socio-economically and
environmentally sound policy
NGOs
Fundacion Parke Nacional Arikok
Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)
Aruba Marine Park Foundation
Aruba BirdLife Conservation Foundation
Vogelbescherming Nederland - BirdLife
International
Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation
Turtugaruba Foundation
Aruba Sustainable Development Foundation
The NGO manages the National Park and is in charge of biodiversity conservation, outreach
and communication events (46 members in 2012). The park is engaged with the local
community through events and a Junior Ranger programme. The Fundation also acts as
advisory body for projects that may impact the environment.
DCNA supports nature conservation activities of national and local institutions which are
responsible for the conservation of nature, species and or management of protected areas and
other areas of high natural value in the Dutch Caribbean.
This local NGO has been created in 2010 to ensure a sustainable use of marine resources and
to strengthen the protection of the marine environment and wildlife. This NGO seeks to protect
the island's marine environement through the establishement of a marine park. The foundation
concentrates efforts on the national lionfish control programme and the implementation of a new
public mooring programme
Local NGO involved in bird monitoring.
Nongovernmental conservation organization associated to the International Organization
BirdLife. The NGO has a special focus on bird conservation and conduct surveys in the Dutch
Caribbean.
AMMF coordinates the protection of the Aruban wild dolphins at sea and collected data to
evaluate the need for a national conservation management plan and scientific research.
Local NGO in charge of Aruba Turtle Protection Program. It aims to inform and educate local
residents and visitors on sea turtles and nesting activities.
Aims to collaborate with local, regional and international partners in addressing barriers and
challenges to the sustainable development in Aruba and other island communities around the
globe. It is funded jointly by the Aruban and Dutch governments to administer development
funds.
Research institutions
IMARES UR
Institute for Marine Resources and Ecosystem Studies based in Wageningen. Institute involved
in scientific surveys and environmental monitoring in the Netherlands and Caribbean region.
NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea research
NIOZ is the national oceanographic institution for the Netherlands, it facilitates and supports
fundamental as well as applied marine research and education in the Netherlands and Europe.
Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas in Venezuela (bat
monitoring) - College of New Jersey (USA) for rattlesnake study
Collaboration with Universities and Research
institutes
Private sector
Applied Ecological Solutions Inc.
Aruba Veterinary Service
Caribe Alaska
This firm is based in the USA and conducts bird population surveys on the island (Aruba Tern
Project).
Participate to bird monitoring (IBA surveys) through funding and logistical support.
Participate to bird monitoring (IBA surveys)
- A number of different non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been established to address
different environmental concerns and focus upon marine environment, cetaceans, reptiles (sea turtles,
snakes), and seabirds surveys.

Major sources of funding (DCNA Annual report 2012)
Source of funding
Admission Fees/Service
- DCNA-Trust fund for the Dutch
Antilles: funds from Dutch Ministry of
the Interior, Dutch Postcode Lottery
Amount (US$) (year)
337,068 (2011)
129,500 (2011)
Beneficiaries
Fundacion Parke Nacional Arikok
Fundacion Parke Nacional Arikok
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Aruba Government's subsidies
Other incomes
Grants?
1,434,334 (2011)
29,363 (2011)
Fundacion Parke Nacional Arikok
Fundacion Parke Nacional Arikok
 Economic sectors and population (Central Bureau of Statistics)
- The main economic activities are tourism, offshore banking and oil refining. About 1.5 million of
tourists visit the island per year with 75% coming from the US. Construction continues to grow with
hotel capacity reaching five times the 1985 level.
- Population: The population of Aruba has almost doubled since the 1960s. In 2014, about 107,394
inhabitants live on Aruba.
References
Barendsen, P., B. Boekhoudt, G. Boekhoudt, L. Carrillo, R. Derix, F. Franken, R.A. Odum, P. Portier, M. Sweerts‐de Veer, R.
van der Wal, and O. Byers (Editors). 2008. WildAruba Conservation Planning Workshop Final Report. IUCN/SSC
Conservation Breeding Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN.
Barmes, T., K. L. Eckert, and J. Sybesma. 1993. WIDECAST Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan for Aruba (Karen L. Eckert,
Editor). CEP Technical Report No. 25. UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme, Kingston, Jamaica. xiv + 58 pp.
Beek I.J.M. van, Debrot A.O. and Graaf M. 2012. Elasmobranchs in the Dutch Caribbean: current population status, fisheries
and conservation. IMARES Wageningen University Research Report, 12p.
Brown A., Collier N., Debrot A., Del Nevo A. & Wells J. 2009. Dutch Caribbean. Pp 179 – 188 In C. Devenish, D. F. Díaz
Fernández, R. P. Clay, I. Davidson & I. Yépez Zabala Eds. Important Bird Areas Americas - Priority sites for biodiversity
conservation. Quito, Ecuador: BirdLife International. BirdLife Conservation Series No. 16.
Debrot A.O. 2006. Preliminary Checklist of Extant and Fossil Endemic Taxa of the ABC Islands, Leeward Antilles. CARMABI
Report, 27p.
Debrot, A.O.; Graaf, M. de; Henkens, R.; Meesters, H.W.G.; Slijkerman, D.M.E. 2011. A status report of nature policy
development and implementation in the Dutch Caribbean over the last 10 years and recommendations towards the Nature
Policy Plan 2012 - 2017. IMARES Report C065/11.
Debrot, A.O.; Leon, R.; Esteban, N.; Meesters, H.W.G. 2013. Observations on the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) in the Dutch
Caribbean. Caribbean Journal of Science 47 (2013)2-3, 344-349.
Del Nevo A. 2008. Aruba. Pp47-52. In: Wege, D. C. and Anadon-Irizarry, V. 2008. Important Bird Areas in the Caribbean: Key
Sites for Conservation. BirdLife International.
Del Nevo A. 2009. An Assessment of Nesting Seabirds within San Nicolas Bay, Aruba, 2009. 53p.
Dow W., Eckert K., Palmer M. and P. Kramer. 2007. An atlas of sea turtle nesting habitat for the wider Caribbean region.
WIDECAST Technical Report No.6, 73p.
Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance 2012a. DCNA Annual Report 2012, 82p.
Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance 2012b. Special Species List - Dutch Caribbean Key Conservation Species (December 2012)
Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance 2013. DCNA Multi Year Plan 2013-2017 ver.2013/003. 18p.
Hulsman H. et al. 2008. Effect of introduced species and habitat alteration on the occurrence and distribution of euryhaline
fishes in fresh- and brackish-water habitats on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (South Caribbean). Contributions to Zoology,
77(1): 45-52.
Luksenburg J.A. 2013. The Cetaceans of Aruba, southern Caribbean. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the
United Kingdom, 1-14.
Mays S. 2007. International Aruba Island rattlesnake Studbook. 199p.
Meesters E., Slijkerman D., de Graaf M. & Debrot D. 2010. Management plan for the natural resources of the EEZ of the
Dutch Caribbean. IMARES Wageningen Report N. C100/10, 93p.
Miller J.Y., Debrot A.O., Miller L.D. 2003. A survey of butterflies from Aruba and Bonaire and new records for Curaçao.
Caribbean Journal of Science, 39(2): 170-175.
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Nassar JM. And Simal F. 2014. Studying Bats & Cultivating Conservation on Aruba. BATS Magazine, 32(1).
Stapleton S., Nava M., Willis S., Miller N., Brabec B. 2013. Research and Monitoring of Bonaire’s Sea Turtles: 2013 Technical
Report. Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire. 29p.
UICN Redlist http://www.iucnredlist.org/ (Data of September 2014)
van Beek I.J.M., Debrot A.O., Walker P.A. and Kingma I. 2014. Shark protection plan for the Dutch Caribbean EEZ. Imares
Wageningen UR Report number C209/13, 96p + app.
van Buurt G. 2006. Conservation of amphibians and reptiles in Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Applied Herpetology 3: 307-321.
Williams S.R. 2012. Species Management Plan: Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrot, Amazona barbadensis, Dutch Caribbean.
32p.
Williams S.R. 2012. Species Management Plan: Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrot, Amazona barbadensis, Dutch Caribbean.
32p.
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App1. List of threatened species. References: UICN RedList, DCNA 2012b - Dutch Caribbean
Species of High Conservation Value, Barendsen et al. 2008, Debrot et al. 2006, Luksenburg 2013,
Nassar and Simal 2014, van Buurt 2006)
Taxonomic group
Plants
EN
Corals
CR
EN
VU
Molluscs
VU
Crustaceans
VU
Fish
CR
EN
VU
Sharks and rays
EN
VU
Reptiles
CR
EN
VU
Mammals
VU
Threatened species
Melocactus stramineus, Guaiacum sanctum
Species list to confirm
Acropora cervicornis, Acropora palmata
Montastraea annularis, Montastraea faveolata
Agaricia lamarcki, Dendrogyra cylindrus, Dichocoenia stokesii, Montastraea franksi,
Mycetophyllia ferox
Conus hieroglyphus
Arubolana imula
Species list to confirm
Epinephelus itajara, Hyporthodus nigritus
Epinephelus striatus, Pagrus pagrus
Hippocampus erectus, Hyporthodus flavolimbatus, Hyporthodus niveatus,
Hypoplectrus providencianus, Lachnolaimus maximus, Lutjanus analis, Lutjanus
cyanopterus, Mycteroperca interstitialis, Thunnus obesus, Scarus guacamaia,
Batrachoides manglae
Species list to confirm
Sphyrna mokarran, Sphyrna lewini
Carcharhinus longimanus, Isurus oxyrinchus, Alopias vulpinus, Alopias superciliosus,
Sphyrna zygaena, Cetorhinus maximus (occ.) Rhincodon typus (occ.)
Eretmochelys imbricata
Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta (occ.)
Dermochelys coriacea (occ.)
Leptonycteris curasoae, Physeter macrocephalus (occ.)
* Occ., occasional species by themselves do not identify a KBA.
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App2. Potential KBAs identified on the territory and justification.
N. Potential KBA
Potential KBAs
Parke Nacional Arikok
KBA 1
Marine Park area - under
study (south-west coast)
KBA 2
San Nicolas Bay
Spaans Lagoen
KBA 3
KBA 4
Tanki Sabana Pond
Bubali area
KBA 5
KBA 6
KBA 7
Candidate KBA
Lake Noord Pond
Oranjestad Reef Islands
Tierra del Sol Saliña
Justification
- Presence of the endemic Aruban Rattlesnake
(Crotalus unicolor)
- Presence of threatened and/or restricted-range
plant species (Melocactus stramineus,
Roughbark Lignum-vitae Guaiacum sanctum,
Agave arubensis, A. rutteniae, Peltophorum
acutifolium, Capparis linearis)
- Presence of the threatened bat species
Curaçaoan Long-nosed Bat (Leptonycteris
curasoae)
(- Presence of several endemic bird subspecies)
- Presence of the threatened mollusc species
Hieroglyphic Cone (Conus hieroglyphus) ?
- Presence of threatened fish species (Rainbow
Parrotfish Scarus guacamaia)
- IBA: congregatory bird species (10 species)
- Presence of the endemic Aruban Whiptail
Lizard (Cnemidophorus arubensis)
- RAMSAR site
- Bordered by dense mangroves
- Important habitat for waterbirds
- Presence of the restricted-range euryhaline
Molly fish species (Poecilia vandepolli)
- IBA: presence of threatened species (American
Coot - Fulica americana, LC) and biomerestricted bird species (Bare-eyed Pigeon Patagioenas corensis) (and 2 endemic bird subspecies)
- Presence of the restricted-range euryhaline
Molly fish species (Poecilia vandepolli)
- Presence of the restricted-range euryhaline
Molly fish species (Poecilia vandepolli)
- IBA: congregatory bird species
- IBA identified with a biome-restricted species
(Bare-eyed Pigeon - Patagioenas corensis) and a
threatened species (American Coot - Fulica
americana, LC)
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Map of potential KBAs for Aruba
11