Aruba has restarted its conservation efforts for the endangered Shoco, the island’s native owl and national symbol, following interruptions due to the Covid-19 lockdowns. The Shoco has struggled to find suitable breeding grounds, particularly in areas like Tera Cora behind Tierra del Sol, which was once a biodiversity hotspot but has been severely impacted by unregulated off-roading tourism. This reckless activity has destroyed over 90% of the Shoco’s natural burrows, leading to many owl deaths and the endangerment of these beloved creatures.
In response, conservation efforts began in 2019 with the installation of 20 artificial burrows at the Tierra del Sol Golf Course. This initiative aimed to provide alternative breeding sites for the Shocos. With new ownership of the golf course by the Iberostar group, the project is expanding. Twelve additional burrows will be installed, bringing the total to 32, and the existing burrows will be maintained during the course’s renovations.
This conservation project, led by Aruba Birdlife Conservation, will also be integrated into the golf course’s branding and design. Educational materials about the Shoco and its conservation will be available to visitors, with staff trained to raise awareness among both locals and tourists. The project is part of the broader Shoco Conservation Program, which began in 2017 and plans to install more artificial burrows across the island.
The Shoco, declared a national symbol of Aruba in 2012, is an native subspecies with fewer than 200 breeding pairs left. The project aims to give these endangered owls a better chance of survival as Aruba continues to develop.
Source: Aruba Birdlife Conservation.
