Capital

Malé

Official Language

Dhivehi

Fun Fact

Before modern money, the Maldives used cowrie shells as a primary form of currency

National Animal

Yellowfin Tuna

National Bird

White-breasted Waterhen

Add a PDF file and cover image

Animal Laws of Maldives

The Animal Laws of Maldives PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Maldives. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Maldives

White-breasted Waterhen

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The White-breasted Waterhen is a medium-sized wetland bird found near marshes, rivers, rice fields, and ponds across South and Southeast Asia. It is recognized by its dark slate-gray body, bright white face and breast, and long yellow legs. White-breasted Waterhens feed on insects, small fish, frogs, seeds, and other aquatic organisms while foraging along the water's edge. Their loud calls and adaptability make them a familiar sight in both natural wetlands and rural landscapes.

Yellowfin Tuna

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

The Yellowfin Tuna is a fast-swimming ocean fish found in tropical and subtropical seas around the world. Recognized by its streamlined body and long, bright yellow dorsal and anal fins, it is a powerful predator that feeds on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. Yellowfin Tuna often travel in large schools and can swim at remarkable speeds over long distances. Overfishing has placed pressure on some populations, making sustainable fisheries management important for the species' future.

Spinner Dolphin

Conservation Status: Data Deficient

The Spinner Dolphin is a playful marine mammal found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. It is famous for its spectacular aerial spins, often twisting several times before splashing back into the water. Spinner Dolphins feed mainly on fish and squid, hunting at night and resting in sheltered coastal waters during the day. Living in highly social pods, they use whistles and clicks to communicate and navigate.

Loggerhead Turtle

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Loggerhead Turtle is a large sea turtle found in tropical and temperate oceans around the world. It is recognized by its massive head and powerful jaws, which allow it to crush hard-shelled prey such as crabs, mollusks, and sea urchins. Loggerhead Turtles migrate thousands of miles between feeding and nesting areas and play an important role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. Habitat loss, pollution, fishing gear entanglement, and climate change have made the species vulnerable.

Nurse Shark

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Nurse Shark is a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling shark found in warm coastal waters of the Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans. Recognized by its broad head, small eyes, and whisker-like barbels near its mouth, it feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans, squid, and mollusks. Nurse Sharks often rest together on the seafloor during the day and become more active at night. Despite their large size, they are generally calm and non-aggressive toward humans when left undisturbed.

Indian Flying Fox

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Indian Flying Fox is one of the largest bats in the world, found across South Asia in forests, farmland, and urban areas. Recognized by its fox-like face, broad wings, and impressive wingspan, it feeds mainly on fruit, nectar, and flowers. As an important pollinator and seed disperser, the Indian Flying Fox helps maintain healthy forests and supports the regeneration of many plant species. It roosts in large colonies, often gathering by the hundreds or even thousands in tall trees.