Ecology
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Endemic species[edit]
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), 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[edit]
Main vegetation types in Arikok National Park.  1 Fofoti-Druif-Cocorobana  2 Camari-Basoro preto-Yerba chico  3 Beishi di baranca-Seida-Funfun   4 Beishi di baranca-Walishali-Basora preto-Mata di piska  5 Hubada-Mata di yuana-Cordon di San Francisco  6 Hubada-Breba-Camari  7 Hubada-Walishali*The hatched areas are presumed to represent the same vegetation type as indicated by the respective color.
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.
Fofoti–Druif–Cocorobana[edit]
Vegetation Type 1, Fofoti–Druif–Cocorobana, is primarily located along the coasts and in dune systems. Indicator species for this vegetation type include Banana di rif, Mansaniya, and Bai no bolbera. These three species are exclusive to this vegetation type and were not found in other field surveys.
Beishi di baranca–Seida–Funfun[edit]
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, Tuna, Seida, Basora preto, and Cadushi. Indicator species such as Bringamosa, Funfun, Yerba di sero, and Laseis are common in this type but can also be found in other vegetation types.
Beishi di baranca–Walishali–Basora preto–Mata di piska[edit]
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. Tanchi, Palo cayente, and Funfun are largely confined to the limestone plateau, seldom appearing in other areas. Found along the coast, this type is characterized by open, low vegetation due to strong trade winds, with Funfun being a common, salt-tolerant species. Trees are scarce in this environment.
Hubada–Breba–Camari[edit]
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.Bushi (Melocactus macracanthos)
