Plants
Beach Launaea (Kulhafi la)
Launaea sarmentosa (Willd.) Sch.Bip. ex Kuntze is a low-growing coastal herb belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly found on sandy…
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MALDIVES BIODIVERSITY DIRECTORY
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Browse species profiles, Dhivehi names, scientific records, habitats, life cycles, field observations, and biodiversity stories documented across the Maldives.
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Plants
Bubutterflies and moths
Plain Tiger Butterfly (Danaus chrysippus) in the Maldives
Introduction The Plain Tiger butterfly (Danaus chrysippus) is one of the most common and easily recognizable butterflies in the Maldives. Its local…
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Bubutterflies and moths
Papilio polytes (Common Mormon)
A complete life cycle observation of Papilio polytes The Common Mormon, Papilio polytes, is one of the swallowtail butterflies that can be…
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Coral
Acropora gemmifera
Acropora gemmifera is a species of reef-building stony coral belonging to the family Acroporidae. It is widely distributed across the Indian Ocean…
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Coral
Pocillopora meandrina
Pocillopora meandrina, commonly known as the cauliflower coral, is a species of reef-building stony coral found throughout the Indo-Pacific and Pacific Oceans,…
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Plants
Maakashikeyo – Pandanus odoratissimus
The maakashikeyo (Pandanus odoratissimus) is one of the most significant tree species in the Maldives. Known in English as pandanus, screw pine,…
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Bird
Maldivian Pond Heron – Huvadhoo Raabondhi
The Maldivian Pond Heron, known locally as Huvadhoo Raabondhi, is a captivating symbol of the Maldives’ avian diversity. This subspecies of the…
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Plants
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza – Boda Vaki
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, known locally in Dhivehi as Bodu Kandoo or Boda Vaki, is one of the most significant mangrove species in the…
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Plants
Sonneratia caseolaris – Kuhlhavah
Sonneratia caseolaris, commonly known as the mangrove apple, belongs to the genus Sonneratia, which consists of nine distinct species, including seven primary…
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Plants
Euphorbia hirta – Kiruthona
Euphorbia hirta, known locally in the Maldives as Kiruthona, is a small annual herb valued for its medicinal properties. Commonly referred to…
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Plants
Hunigondi Filaa – Phyla nodiflora
Hunigondi Filaa is a very common medicinal plant in the Maldives. From my childhood, I remember hearing my mom and others in…
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damselfly
Wandering Midget – Agriocnemis pygmaea
The Agriocnemis pygmaea, also known as the wandering midget or pygmy wisp, is a fascinating species of damselfly belonging to the family…
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damselfly
Ischnura senegalensis – Common Bluetail Damselfly
Ischnura senegalensis, also known as the common bluetail, marsh bluetail, ubiquitous bluetail, African bluetail, or Senegal golden dartlet, is a widespread damselfly…
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Dragonfly
Dragonflies in the Maldives
In the Maldives, every year around November and December, something amazing happens – millions of dragonflies arrive here. It’s like a magical…
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Dragonfly
Tramea basilaris (Keyhole Glider)
Tramea basilaris, commonly known as the Keyhole Glider, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is widely distributed across…
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Animals
Geograpsus grayi (Little Nipper)
Geograpsus grayi, commonly known as the “Little Nipper,” is a species of land crab belonging to the family Grapsidae. This species is…
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Bird
Striated Heron (Butorides striata) – Dhivehi Raaboadhi
Striated Heron (Butorides striata) – Dhivehi Raaboadhi The Striated Heron, known in Dhivehi as Raaboadhi, is a small, stocky wading bird commonly…
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Plants
Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) in the Maldives
The breadfruit tree is one of the largest and most significant trees in the Maldives, often found in home gardens and community…
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Plants
Lodoicea maldivica: The Maldive Coconut
Lodoicea maldivica, commonly known as the Maldive coconut, coco de mer, sea coconut, or double coconut, is an extraordinary palm species renowned…
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Insects
Willughby’s Leafcutter Bee
Willughby’s Leafcutter Bee (Megachile willughbiella) stands as a vital guardian of biodiversity within the Maldives. Found along the sandy shores, particularly amidst…
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Crabs
Mud Crab – Scylla serrata
The Mud Crab, scientifically known as Scylla serrata, holds a special place in the diverse ecosystem of the Maldives. Often found in…
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Crabs
Cardisoma Carnifex -Mangrove Crab
Cardisoma carnifex, affectionately known as the mangrove crab, is a common sight across numerous Maldivian islands. From Kaafu Huraa to Noonu Kendhikolhudhoo,…
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Crabs
Paraleptuca Crassipes – thick-legged fiddler crab
In the mangrove areas of the Maldives, one can often spot the captivating Paraleptuca crassipes, also known as the thick-legged fiddler crab.…
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Bird
Grey Heron – Maakanaa
Among the many birds that grace the islands of the Maldives, few are as iconic and memorable as the Grey Heron, known…
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Plants
Euphorbia cyathophora Murray – Malaafey
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Bubutterflies and moths
Heliotrope Moth – Utetheisa pulchelloides
In the Maldives, every moth is simply known as “balhindhu” in the local language. These tiny creatures were a common sight during…
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Bubutterflies and moths
Orothalassodes falsaria
In a surprising find at Hulhumale Central Park, I stumbled upon a tiny moth pupa. Watching closely, I noticed its color change…
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Dragonfly
Wandering Glider – Dhondhooni
In the Maldives, there’s a dragonfly that’s everywhere during certain times of the year. It’s called the wandering glider, but here, we…
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Bubutterflies and moths
Peacock Pansy Butterfly
The Peacock Pansy butterfly, with its striking yellow hues and intricate patterns, graces the diverse landscapes of the Maldives. First documented in…
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Dragonfly
Plants
Maa Kandholhu – Poison Bulb Tree
The Maa Kandholhu, also known as the Poison Bulb Tree, is a common tree in the Maldives. Scientifically classified as Crinum toxicarium…
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Plants
Noni Fruit – Ahivah
Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as the noni fruit or locally in the Maldives as “Ahivah,” stands as a testament to the rich…
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Dragonfly
Orthetrum Sabina – Valhu Munnyama
Discovering a Dragonfly: In my island, Noonu Atoll Lhohi, we encounter a special creature known as the Valhu Munnyama or Slender Skimmer…
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Bubutterflies and moths
Blue Pansy Butterfly (Junonia orithya)
The Blue Pansy (Junonia orithya) is a medium-sized butterfly belonging to the brush-footed butterfly family, Nymphalidae. It is recognised by the brilliant…
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Bird
Asian Koel – Koveli
In the days of our childhood, the Asian Koel, locally known as “Koveli” in Dhivehi, was a common sight in the Maldives.…
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Plants
Castor Oil Plant – Aamanaka
Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus communis) in Maldives: A Biodiversity Insight In the beautiful Maldives, you’ll come across the Castor Oil Plant, locally…
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Plants
Butterfly Tree – Javvahiru gas
Introduction: In the lively city of Hulhumale, a part of the Maldives capital, there’s a tree known as Javvahiru, or the Butterfly…
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Plants
Acca leontopetaloides – Hihthala
Introduction: In the beautiful islands of the Maldives, there’s a special plant known as Hihthala (Tacca leontopetaloides). It’s not just a pretty…
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Plants
Small-leaved Orange Mangrove – Kandoo
In Noonu Lhohi and throughout the Maldives, the Kandoo tree is a familiar sight. From my childhood, I remember large Kandoo trees…
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Plants
Ash-Coloured Fleabane – Fenkumburuvaani
In the Maldives, we have a common weed known as Fenkumburuvaani and Kambulic in Dhivehi. Its scientific name is Vernonia cinerea, belonging…
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Crabs
Tetragonal Fiddler Crab
In the serene coastal landscapes of the Maldives, where land, beach, and mangrove areas converge, a hidden gem reveals itself—the Tetragonal Fiddler…
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Bird
Findhana – Common Sandpiper
Findhana – Common Sandpiper of the Maldives In the tranquil landscapes of the Maldives, a feathered resident graces the shores and shallow…
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Plants
Ipomoea Quamoclit -Thari Maa ތަރިމާ
Thari Maa (Sathaavareemaa): A Celestial Symphony in Noonu Atoll Lhohi’s Biodiversity Introduction: In the tropical embrace of Noonu Atoll Lhohi in the…
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Plants
Lime Berry – Kudhilunboa ކުދި ލުނބޯ
Lime Berry, known locally as Kudhilunboa, stands as a symbol of the region’s natural diversity. Many childhood memories revolve around the joy…
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Plants
Bullet Wood – Moonima މޫނިމާ
In the tropical canvas of the Maldives, Moonima stands as a botanical gem, gracing gardens with its beauty and aromatic offerings. While…
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Crabs
Why Do Mangrove Crabs (Cardisoma carnifex) Climb Trees?
Mangrove crabs, particularly the Cardisoma carnifex species, have intrigued observers with their fascinating behavior of climbing trees. Locally known as “kandoo kakuni”…
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Plants
Heliotropium arboreum – Boashi
Botanical Description: The Tree Heliotrope, a common sight in the Maldives, is a small to medium-sized tree reaching a height of 3.6…
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Bird
Asian Brown Flycatcher
The Maldivian shores come alive with the arrival of a special guest towards the end of the year — the Asian Brown…
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Plants
Alocasia macrorrhizos – Ala އަލަ
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Bubutterflies and moths
Plain Tiger Butterfly
Discover the captivating world of the Plain Tiger Butterfly, a species celebrated for its stunning colors and fascinating mating behaviors. Meet Neptis…
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Plants
Beach Morning Glory -Thanburu
Description: Thanburu” in Dhivehi, is a prevalent coastal plant in the Maldives, thriving on beaches above the high tide line. This hardy,…
View speciesBeach Gardenia – Uni
In the enchanting landscapes of the Maldives, the Uni tree, locally known as “Uni” in Dhivehi, graces the coastal areas with its…
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Dragonfly
Anax Indicus – Elephant Emperor
Seeing Through the Eyes of a Nature Lover In the beautiful Maldives, a fascinating creature graces the skies—the Anax Indicus, or as…
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