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46-462: The establishment of Cunucu Arikok resulted from the development of Arikok National Park. This region was once a small plantation owned by Arie Kok, featuring an adobe house ( cas di torto ). Surrounding the house, there existed a substantial, wild garden with nameplates highlighting various common Aruban plant species. Moreover, within the rural expanse, dolerite rocks adorned with indigenous rock paintings can be found. One of these paintings serves as

92-967: A wash , is a dry watercourse that temporarily or seasonally fills and flows after sufficient rain . Flash floods are common in arroyos following thunderstorms . It's akin to the Catalan rambla , which stems from the Arabic rámla , "dry river". Similar landforms are referred to as wadi (in North Africa and Western Asia), chapp in the Gobi, laagate in the Kalahari, donga in South Africa, nullah in India, fiumare in Italy, and dry valley in England. The desert dry wash biome

138-605: A admire. Pa e mondi un compajero. Unda cu bo pasa djis hisa bo cara y den biento ariba e cadushi halto e ta saluda contento. Awor ya mi ta un biehita i ta corda cada bes Con un biaha mi welita a para sagudi cabes Ami na su man teni a puntra kico e di? Wel esey ta mi abuelo a jama e planchi ey Warero. Y for di tanto tempo pasa E ta semper na cadushi bon braza Esey nos por yama bon amigo Ami y mi abuelita ta testigo Who of us don't know? The cacti wilderness covered with ropes and foliage of Warero. Our ancestors themselves could admire it For

184-536: A common, salt-tolerant species. Trees are scarce in this environment. 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. In Arikok National Park, herbivory affects

230-576: A good friend Me and my grandmother can testify to that Wood pieces are placed atop of the poles to support the roof beams. Roofs were commonly constructed using maishi chiki ( Sorghum bicolor ), signalgrass ( Brachiaria mollis ), palmtree leaves ( Arecaceae ), or maize stems, locally referred to as chosa (before c. 1815). This type of roofing is still found in Curaçao and Bonaire. Another method of roofing came in fashion in Aruba (after c. 1815), namely

276-456: A result, local materials had to be relied upon. Initially, this mainly involved wood, clay, grass, and occasionally stone. It wasn't until after 1800 that stone houses began to appear more frequently alongside torto houses. Torto houses typically have a wooden interior structure for their walls. These walls are constructed using Y-shaped posts planted at a distance of approximately 60 centimetres (2.0 ft) from each other. Builders would scout

322-406: A ridge height of approximately 1.20 metres (3.9 ft) and a roof pitch of around 50°. Fibrous skeletal strips of the candelabra cactus ( Cereus repandus ) were utilized as roofing material. These cacti strips were either directly attached one by one to the rafters or first bound together with rope to create mats, which were then secured to the roof rafters. The outer surface of this cacti roofing

368-558: A single centimeter to over a meter in width. These quartz veins were mined for their gold content. More than 20 veins were mined, with the Miralamar mine being particularly notable. 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

414-407: A single living area and a sleeping quarter separated by a partition wall reaching the height of the wall plate. People would sleep in hammocks hung from the roof structure, but there were no sanitary facilities available. Cooking was done outdoors over an open fire. To expand on this basic torto house, a covered enclosure was added on the south side of the cottage. Part of this expansion, specifically

460-486: A stronger connection with the posts, green branches are used since they contract during the drying process. At times, these branches are secured using fibers from a creeping plant called Warero ( Cissus verticillata ) or from the Sisal plant ( agave sislana ) to enhance their durability. The weaving was then sealed on two sides with this so-called, torto, composed of loam mixed with dried fibers of para grass . Once dried,

506-486: A watercourse which would be expected to flow in excess of one hundred cubic feet per second as the result of a 100 year storm event." Research has been conducted in the hydrological modeling relative to arroyos. Natural arroyos are made through the process known as arroyo-cutting. This occurs in arid regions, such as New Mexico, where heavy rains can lead to enlargement of rivers cutting into surrounding rock creating ravines which are dry under normal weather conditions. It

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552-635: Is a distinctive type of adobe house , specific to the insular region of Aruba , Bonaire , and Curaçao . These houses were usually found in the vicinity of plantations. The few structures that still exist are the oldest structures that are left standing on Aruba. The name "cas di torto" likely originates from the Spanish "casas de torta," brought by settlers from the Paraguaná Peninsula in Venezuela to Aruba. "Torta" in Spanish means "cake" and references

598-452: Is almost exclusively found in and around arroyos and leeward sides of hills. 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. Vegetation type 3, Beishi di Baranca–Seida–Funfun

644-545: Is argued, however, whether these excessively stormy periods are the sole cause of arroyo-cutting as other factors such as long-term climate changes must also be taken into account. Further, overgrazing by livestock throughout the 20th century and today has removed vast amounts of surface vegetation which decreases ground infiltration of precipitation and increased runoff, increasing speed and energy of high flow rain events. Coupled with groundwater pumping this increases downcutting in arroyos as well. Arroyo cutting which occurred in

690-410: 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. Vegetation Type 4, Beishi di baranca–Walishali–Basora preto–Mata di piska,

736-491: 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

782-573: Is restricted to the arroyos of the southwestern United States. Arroyos provide a water source to desert animals. Arroyos can be natural fluvial landforms or constructed flood control channels . The term usually applies to a sloped or mountainous terrain in xeric and desert climates. In addition: in many rural communities arroyos are also the principal transportation routes; and in many urban communities arroyos are also parks and recreational locations, often with linear multi-use bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian trails. Flash flooding can cause

828-468: Is shaped into rounded poles to ensure they are as straight as possible. Occasionally, green wood is used, which increases the chance of the posts taking root and enhances stability. The gaps between these posts were densely woven with branches, approximately 2.5 centimetres (0.98 in) thick, without any additional attachments. The main types of wood used for this purpose are the mata di Mangel or mangrove trees ( Laguncularia racemosa ) but kwihi wood

874-548: The Aruba lava formation (ALF), Aruba Batholith , and limestone terraces. The youngest formation, limestone shelves, rests atop the second-oldest, the Batholith. The oldest, the ALF, is not visible. Magma rose, cutting through formations and solidifying into quartz veins . These veins are younger than the surrounding formations. The magma brought up minerals, including gold . Veins vary from

920-575: The 1900s in the southwestern United States caused serious farming issues such as a lowered water table and the destruction of agriculture lands. In agricultural areas in climates needing irrigation, farmers traditionally relied on small constructed arroyos, acequias , zanjas or aqueduct channels and ditches for the distribution of water. An example of larger constructed arroyos is in Albuquerque, New Mexico . There are several miles of open-air concrete lined drainage channels that drain an area into

966-494: The Aruban government. A commission was subsequently formed to establish Arikok National Park, and in 1997, they formulated a policy document outlining how the national park would be managed. Finally, in 2000, the Arikok National Park was officially established through a Ministerial Order. By 2003, it had evolved into a foundation, Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA). Arikok National Park features three primary geological formations,

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1012-509: The Miralamar area of the park are also visible. After closing in 1916, the gold mines and surrounding structures are now largely overgrown. The concept of a national park in Aruba was first considered in the late 1960s. However, it wasn't until 1980 that a plan was put forth for the development of the Arikok-Jamanota area as a national park. Only a portion of this plan was realized, leading to

1058-482: 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 ). Arikok National Park features seven vegetation types (using local names). Most vegetation

1104-451: The cave. It is only open to visitors who participate in guided tours with park staff. The park features historic adobe plantation houses, the original cunucu (rural) houses known as Cas di torto . Cunucu Arikok , an early farmstead thoughtfully restored for preservation, recalls Aruba's agricultural history. Protective measures like cactus hedges and stone walls were erected to ward off goats, sheep, and donkeys. Abandoned gold mines in

1150-565: The creation of Cunucu Arikok. In 1995, the government introduced a new plan for the national park's development, coinciding with the implementation of the Nature Protection Regulation. This regulation laid the foundation for a comprehensive nature protection policy on the island of Aruba and marked the beginning of the national park's establishment. The year 1996 witnessed the approval of the Nature and Landscape Structure Memorandum by

1196-607: The current logo of the nature reserve. The reserve's name also originates from the proprietor of the adobe house, which remains within the reserve in a renovated state. Arikok National Park is repository of historical and cultural heritage. Its historical significance is evident in Fontein Cave , where, pre-Columbian, Arawak cave drawings offer a glimpse into early human activity. More recent additions include drawings by early European settlers and contemporary graffiti, which has prompted protective measures, including gating and locking

1242-616: The decline in vegetation cover, rendering bare soils vulnerable to wind and water erosion. This issue is often attributed to the trampling and grazing of livestock. Simultaneously, Off Road Driving (ORD) has a negative impact on the surrounding environment, affecting both social and ecological aspects. ORD generates dust clouds that harm native vegetation, negatively impacting the ecosystem. Dust impact analyses and studies reveal muddy layers on vegetation, reduced leaf abundance, and overall degradation of flora in off-road dust-affected areas. Dust impacts extend over 200 metres (660 ft) from

1288-594: The deep arroyos or deposition of sediment on flooded lands. This can lower the groundwater level of the surrounding area, making it unsuitable for agriculture. However a shallow water table lowered in desert arroyo valleys can reduce saline seeping and alkali deposits in the topsoil , making it suitable for irrigated farming . The Doña Ana County Flood Commission in the U.S. state of New Mexico defines an arroyo as "a watercourse that conducts an intermittent or ephemeral flow, providing primary drainage for an area of land of 40 acres (160,000 m ) or larger; or

1334-640: The environment, leading to diminished ecosystem functionality. This pollution negatively impacts soil quality and obstructs plant growth by altering soil nutrient composition and reducing seedling viability. The FPNA is an independent organization overseeing a significant portion of Aruba, including Arikok National Park and Spanish Lagoon . This includes marine park Aruba and other designated terrestrial areas (see Conservation geography of Aruba), covering approximately 25% of Aruba's total surface area. Cas di torto Cas di torto (also called cas di lodo "mud house" or cas di bara "house wit wooden posts")

1380-482: The island consists of sparsely populated hilly terrain. The land gradually slopes down towards the southwest, forming flat plains that extend towards the sea. On the northern coast, steep and rocky cliffs that are constantly battered by powerful waves due to the prevailing Northeast Trade Winds. The climate of the Caribbean islands is classified as warm and humid. It is characterized by high levels of humidity throughout

1426-543: The island were built using this construction method, but it fell out of use as cement became readily available. As of 2005, there were 62 torto houses remaining, with only four of them being in good condition. In the 17th and 18th centuries, only a small amount of building materials was transported from the Netherlands to Aruba. The majority of shipments from the Netherlands, often as ballast , were intended for Curaçao . As

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1472-583: The layered clay construction. Aruba is the most westernmost island among the Leeuward Antilles . It is located 26 kilometres (16 mi) off the coast of the Colombian Paraguana Peninsula in mainland South America . The island stretches approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi) in length and has a maximum width of 8 to 9 kilometres (5.0 to 5.6 mi). Aruba's southern coast is mostly flat and features sandy beaches. The northeastern part of

1518-413: 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

1564-456: The predominant type of dwelling from the seventeenth to the late nineteenth century, but their construction declined rapidly in the twentieth century. These torto houses are exceptionally cool and ideally suited to the local climate. This architectural style is believed to have originated from the Paraguaná Peninsula in Venezuela in the 18th century. The existing torto houses on Aruba date back approximately 150 years. Initially, many houses on

1610-630: The residents. To prevent soot buildup in the chimney, a clay cap was often installed on the smoke channel. This cap was designated to prevent wind from entering the chimney while allowing the smoke to escape in the opposite direction. In 2022, Aruba Heritage Foundation released a documentary called "Casnan di Torto na Aruba" (Torto Houses in Aruba), which shed light on the traditional building methods of these houses. Arroyo (watercourse) An arroyo ( / ə ˈ r ɔɪ oʊ / ), from Spanish arroyo ( Spanish: [aˈroʝo] , "brook"), also called

1656-523: The road, affecting Parke Nacional Arikok. Experiments comparing flora in high and low ORD-impacted areas demonstrate significant differences. Continued ORD on the road to Conchi poses a risk of desertification in the San Fuego to Conchi area. ORD engine oil spill has been documented on ORD roads in the National Park. Engine oil pollution, known for its mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, adversely alters

1702-409: The southwestern section, was designated as the kitchen. In one corner of this space, a water storage area was built. It consisted of a sturdy wall made of torto enclosing a wooden or metal water tank, designed to keep the family's water supply as cool as possible. The water was sourced from small lakes called tanki's , which collected rainwater. The kitchen was equipped with a fireplace located against

1748-417: The surrounding area for mostly straight tree trunks of sufficient length, primarily from a kwihi tree ( Prosopis juliflora ). However, finding straight and large kwihi trees was challenging as they were scarce. As a result, builders would settle for finding the minimum required length of suitable trunks. Consequently, the length of these wooden posts varied based on the size of the occupants. The kwihi wood

1794-473: The walls into the house. Windows were installed exclusively in the long walls and consisted of shutters measuring approximately 40 by 80 centimetres (1.3 ft × 2.6 ft), made of cactus wood. The door, measuring approximately 65 by 180 centimetres (2.13 ft × 5.91 ft), consisted of a lower and upper section known as the porta di saja cu djeki or "skirt and jacket door" ( Dutch door ). In its simplest form, this type of housing included

1840-492: The walls were finished by applying a layer of white lime . Sometimes, a yellow color was achieved by incorporating ochre to the lime paste. Aloe sap was also added to this mixture to enhance the lime layer's resistance to weather conditions. The floors were covered with a layer of torto, preferably blended with the traditional cement of old times, namely cow dung . Ken di nos no conoce? E mondi di cadushi rencona pa cabuya y foyo di Warero. Nos desendiente mes por

1886-399: The western wall of the extension. This fireplace featured a raised fire pit, about 85 centimetres (2.79 ft) above the floor, completely surrounded by walls. The walls were slanted and ended in a smoke ventilation channel. By placing the fireplace against the western wall, the natural airflow generated by the trade winds effectively carried the smoke away, ensuring minimal inconvenience to

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1932-467: The whitening of these torto roofs. This method appears to have been introduced by groups of Spanish refugees who were expelled from Venezuela during the Venezuelan War of Independence and settled in Aruba. These turtle-shaped roofs completely replaced the roofs covered with maize stems and are unique to these islands. To support the roof, roof rafters were installed on each pair of wall uprights, with

1978-402: The wilderness a companion. Wherever you go just look up and in the wind above, the tall cactus greets happily. Now that I'm an old woman I keep remembering How one time my grandmother stood and shook her head Me, holding her hand, asked what she said? Well that's my grandfather, who named that plant Warero. And from that time on It always embraced the cactus That, we can call,

2024-401: The year, including the dry season. There is only a slight difference between the daily maximum and minimum temperatures. As a result of the relatively low and irregular rainfall, plant growth is limited in the Caribbean islands. The vegetation mainly comprises species that are capable of surviving the occasional long periods of drought, with cacti being a prominent example. Torto houses were

2070-418: Was also utilized. Aruba has four types of mangrove trees: Mangel tam ( Rhizophora mangel ), Mangel preto ( Avicennia germinans ), Mangel shimaron ( Laguncularia racemosa ), and Fofoti ( Conocarpus erectus ). These mangroves account for less than 2% of Aruba's overall vegetation and have been a protected plant species. 26 July is recognized as International Day of Mangrove Trees. To establish

2116-492: Was finished with the same torto used for the walls, and a final layer of white lime was applied. Deze worden vuur- en waterproof daken genoemd; doch zijn het, wat het laatste aangaat, niet; want ik heb dikwijls, bij een zware regen, het water, gemengd met klei, langs de muren in het huis zien loopen. These are called fireproof and waterproof roofs; however, in regard to the latter, they are not; because I have often seen, during heavy rain, water mixed with clay running along

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