While you may have read about the many things to do in Maldives, did you know it also has diverse wildlife? Here’s more on some of the creatures that call this nation home.
Fish Species
With over 2,000 fish species in the Indian Ocean waters surrounding the country, it’s little wonder that snorkelling and diving are so popular! You may see clownfish, butterflyfish, angelfish and more; some properties like Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, let you snorkel amidst larger species be it whale sharks or manta rays!
Cetaceans & Turtles
Dolphins and whales are the main cetaceans (marine mammals) in the Maldives; resorts offer special cruises to catch sight of species like spinner or bottlenose dolphins. Blue and Bryde’s whales swim these waters too, while five of the seven sea turtle species in the world including the green turtle can be spotted as well.
Wildlife on Land
When it comes to land-based wildlife in Maldives, the country has a limited number of species. The Indian flying fox, a type of fruit bat, may be seen on the islands that are also home to the Maldivian garden shrew. Amongst the reptiles to be found here are agamid lizards, geckos and snakes like the common wolf snake.
Bird Species
Birdwatching enthusiasts will have opportunities to catch sight of some of the more than 100 bird species that have been recorded in the islands. Keep an eye out to spot the white-breasted waterhen, the nation’s national bird as well as the frigatebirds, grey herons, white terns, doves and species of gulls, sandpipers and plovers.
