Aruba brings international experts together to protect the Shoco

ORANJESTAD — Aruba Birdlife Conservation will host the first international conference dedicated to Burrowing Owl conservation from September 7 to 10 at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar.

Aruba’s endemic Shoco is found nowhere else in the world and faces growing threats from habitat loss, traffic, free-roaming animals and disturbance. An estimated 200 breeding pairs remain.

“This conference is about turning knowledge into protection,” ABC Chairman Greg Peterson said.

Local and international experts will discuss research, habitat protection, rehabilitation, education and cooperation between government, communities and the tourism sector.

The conference will also honor international owl expert David H. Johnson, who played an important role in Aruba’s Shoco conservation efforts.