subject: Wildlife in Maldives – the Beauty of an Ocean Untamed [print this page] Wildlife in Maldives the Beauty of an Ocean Untamed
Being a tropical island chain set in the midst of the Indian Ocean, the sandy atolls and sapphire blue water of Maldives is home to a dazzling array of tropical sea life that can rival any other oceanic archipelago. Wildlife in Maldives found among its reefs is incredibly diverse having an undeniable allure for the wildlife enthusiast as well as the general traveller, where most species you will find are creatures of the shallow shore waters that populate its wonderful reefs. This does not go on to say that there are no land dwellers, but as Maldives is a chain of tiny islands set amidst the ocean, the species diversity on land is nothing compared to the plethora of creatures found just a dozen meters off the shore.
The wildlife diversity of Maldives has its source in the kaleidoscopic coral reefs that are spread across the atolls. The coral reefs are the proverbial keystones of the oceanic life, providing food, safety and nesting sites for the creatures of the sea. The denizens of the reefs come with many differences of size, colours and demeanour, from colourful clownfish, butterfly fish and varieties of starfish and molluscs to reef sharks, moray eels and many kinds of rays including the massive Manta ray. If there is a chance it is also possible to catch a glimpse of a majestic Whale shark as it trawls for its food in the warm waters of the atolls. And if you're a fan of the friendly cetaceans, you can take a boat out to the deeper areas of the sea, where the dolphins and several species of whale including the titan of the seas; the Blue Whale, roam the waves.
The ocean surface and shore has no sacristy of life when it comes to wildlife in Maldives. There are many kinds of seagulls and terns that scout the waves looking for food, along with wading birds such as herons and plovers who roam the shores and shallows in the wake of tides, chasing down hermit crabs and other small creatures that dwell in the sands. As the night falls, you can catch flying foxes taking off into the dying light in large swarms, looking for their nocturnal bounty growing in the many varieties of fruit trees found in the islands. The islands are home to several interesting reptile species as well, especially the many species of turtle that nest on their white shores.
Maldives island resorts provide many great opportunities to explore the wildlife in Maldives at your leisure. Hotels in Maldives located in atolls further off, such as the Kuramathi Island Resort, can provide a great chance to enjoy the creatures of the waves and reefs during your days in Maldives.
