A Short Natural History of Curaçao

The islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire together with the Venezuelan islands of Los Monjes, Islas Aves, Los Roques, La Orchila and La Blanquilla form an archipelago north of the Venezuelan coast. Of these islands Curaçao is the largest with a surface area of 444 km2. In this article an overview is given of the changes that have occurred in the natural environment of Curaçao, including the origin of its main geological features such as: Curaçao lava formation, limestone caps, lithification of coral sand and rubble, Knipformation and other phenomena. Changes in climate and sea level, extended dry periods, origins of the flora and fauna, the arrival of man and introduced species, overexploitation, naturalized species and invasive and “alert” species are also discussed. 

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