Nature of Maldives - national parks and reserves for active recreation

The Republic of Maldives is located on more than 1000 Islands. There are tiny coral islands among them. Officially, the Maldives is considered the lowest-lying country on Earth. The highest point is only 2.4 meters above sea level. Wildlife is very diverse and exotic here, despite the geographical features and small size of the state. It attracts fans of exotic fauna from all over the world.

The main mass of flora is represented by pandanus, various palm trees, including coconut palms, and shrubs that grow well on saline soils. The animal is much more diverse. Bats or fruit bats are found everywhere. They sleep in tree shelters during the day. Their squeaks are heard everywhere in the evening. There are many geckos, lizards, and skinks here. Some species are endemic. The yellow-bellied sea snakes are frequently encountered among snakes. They are not dangerous. But it's better not to touch them. The green turtle, leatherback turtle, and hawksbill turtle are found in coastal waters. You can easily meet them while diving.

The Maldives is a wintering place for birds coming from Eurasia. These are frigates, white-breasted waterhen, Gracula indica, splendens Corvus, the squacco heron, and others. You can meet dolphins, whales, and sharks while diving or boating. Even blue whales are found here. They are the largest animals on the planet. You can also see the largest fish in the world – whale sharks. The underwater fauna is amazing. Stingrays, including manta rays and myliobatis, are found among a variety of fish species. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The government is seriously concerned about preserving the region's unique ecosystems. Sufficient funds are allocated for nature protection thanks to the constant influx of tourists. Reserves, national parks, and conservation areas have been established on the islands. Eydhigali Kilhi and Koattey Natural Protected Area (Addu Atoll) is the largest swampy region in the Maldives. Many birds live there. The Maldives Heron is among them. It is endemic to the area. Grey Heron, little egret, and the white tern can also be found here. This bird is also called Dhondheeni. It is a symbol of Addu, as it is only found on this Atoll in the Maldives.

Fushi Kandu is a diver spot. It is also a protected area. It is located around Felidhu Atoll. This is a reef with many depressions and caves. Strong currents are extremely rare here. In addition to sea turtles, you can find moray eels, barracudas, Napoleon fish, and red snapper. Many small tropical fish live among the thickets of Acropora and horn corals.

Kuda Huraa is another underwater reserve. It is located near Male Atoll. Its main attraction is a peak in the form of a camel hump. The reef is characterized by steep slopes, ridges, and two hills (rocks). Many species of marine life live there. The place is known for its micro -life. Nudibranchs, Amazon leaffish, flatworms, and small crustaceans live there. Barracudas, groupers, fish-surgeons, Pterois, and fusiliers are also found there.

Dhigali Haa was declared a nature reserve in 1999. There is a great biological diversity of hard and soft corals here. The reef ends abruptly at a depth of 32 meters. Its slopes are densely overgrown with the thickets of Acropora. The region was rich in turtles, barracudas, and grey and reef sharks in the past. But they are less common today. Hanifaru was declared a protected area in 2009. The uninhabited island and reef of the same name are included in it. The uniqueness of the local ecosystem is that constant water circulation occurs. Therefore, food sources for manta rays and some shark species are constantly available. The conditions are also suitable for breeding manta rays. The white shark is also found here. The island is a breeding ground for hawksbill sea turtles and green sea turtles, as well as breeding offspring of white and brown terns.

The Mendhoo Region was declared a protected area in 2011. It includes Nibiligaa Island and reef, Mendhoobinmathee Faru, Maadhoo Island and Kaburu Faru. The conservation zone status is intended to protect a stable and healthy population of soft and hard corals, nesting sites of sea turtles and mallards.