What are Aruba's turtles?

Answer 1

Sea turtles are what Aruba has in the way of turtle population.

Specifically, there are four (4) species of sea turtles that are known to nest on Aruba between March and September. They are as follows:

1. Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas);

2. Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata);

3. Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea);

4. Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).

There also are two (2) other species that may show up. There is a report of an infrequent sighting of the Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) in the waters around Aruba. Additionally, the range of the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) includes the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. There is no recorded sighting of this turtle on or around Aruba, but such was the case with the Olive Ridley sea turtle until its first sighting off Aruba.

Answer 2

The santanero, the cascabel and the boa are the snakes found on Aruba.

Specifically, the santanero (Leptodeira bakeri) is small, with a mature length of 19.7 inches (50 centimeters). It is mildly venomous. Its hallmark characteristic is the way in which it quickly defecates when frightened. It can be found throughout the island.

In contrast, the cascabel (Crotalus unicolor) reaches a mature size of 27.5 inches (70 centimeters). Its venom requires immediate medical attention for the victim. It is found in the wilderness triangle formed by the Aruban cities of Jamanota, Fontein and San Nicolas (Sint Nicolaas).

The boa (boa constrictor) is not native to Aruba. The species was introduced in 1999. It reaches a mature length of 9.8 feet (3 meters). It can be found throughout Aruba.