Noonu Atoll

Kendhikulhudhoo is a 247-hectare island which is located east of Noonu Atoll’s Henbadhoo. The island is filled with palm trees. Its natural and environmental attributes are especially unique with rich flora and fauna within its environment. One special feature of this island which best shows its natural beauty is its vast mangroves and wetlands, which is relatively larger than the average mangroves and wetlands found in the Maldives. In addition to its mangroves and wetlands, Kendhikulhudhoo has extremely healthy soil which contributes to its greenery in terms of growth of trees. Researches have identified this island’s species of living organisms and its environmental characteristics and unique areas. Because this island is inhabited, it is especially important to conserve its gentle and delicate ecosystem. Kendhikulhudhoo’s mangtove (kulhi) has environmentally unique features which adds to it overall natural aesthetic. The features of this area can be divided into 3 main categories. They are; the species of birds and other living organisms which can be found in this area, the notable plants and trees surrounding the area, and lastly, the parts where turtles use to nest. Two considerably large mangroves (kulhi) can be found on the east and north side of Kendhikulhudhoo. Some bird species which can be found in the wetland area are Cattle Egret (iruvaihudhu), Common Sand Piper (fin’dhana), Black Crowned Night Heron (raabondhi), Yellow Bittern (dhon’raabondhi), Grey Heron (maakana), and Greater Sand Plover (bondana). Seabirds also often come to rest on this island. Black-Naped Tern (kirudhooni) and White-Tailed Tropicbird (dhandifulhu dhooni) can be seen in particularly large numbers, visiting to rest. All these bird species are protected in the Maldives. Therefore, it is essential to conserve their home in order to successfully protect them as well. There are various unique and naturally significant trees in the mangrove area of this island which is worth mentioning. This island is the densest with trees out of all the islands in the atoll, giving it forest like features. In its mangrove area, large Small-Leaved Orange Mangrove (kandoo), Red Mangrove (ran’doo), and Yellow Mangrove( karamana) can be found. In addition, mangrove fruits (kuhlhavah), which people use as food, can be found in different parts of the island. (byengu) can also be found breeding in large numbers in the mangrove area. Aquaculture business is carried out in Kendhikulhudhoo’s mangrove area. Due to these activities, it is likely that living organisms of the mangrove can be negatively affected. This is an important mangrove that should be protected. The Kendhikulhudhoo beach is frequented by turtles as breeding grounds. In order to maintain the population of turtles, it is vital to conserve their nesting havens.

Fodhdhipparu, including the surrounding reef, is an 82.4-hectare sandbank on the north side of N. Fodhdhoo. This sandbank is both naturally and environmentally significant because of its features and is home to a wide variety of species. Seabirds visit this sandbank in the southwest and northeast monsoons. Other species of migratory birds that visit the Maldives can be seen here as well. Roseate Terns (Valla), which is a protected bird species in the Maldives, also gather on this sandbank in large numbers and are known to lay eggs here. The Roseate Tern is also a bird that helps fishermen find schools of fish. Since this sandbank has a stunning white sand spit, it is quite famous among tourists. The reef surrounding Fodhdhipparu is one rich with diverse species of marine life. To the south of Fodhdhipparu is the atoll entrance (Kanduolhi) between Fodhoo and the sandbank. A considerable number of various types of fish can be caught easily from this atoll entrance. The number of reef fish found around the reef and the lagoon of the sandbank is also high.

N. Bodulhaimendhoo is 40-hectare uninhabited island on the southern-most edge of N Atoll. The island is unique in its formation in that the middle of the island is in the form of a bay which is surrounded wetlands. These wetland areas are covered by different types of trees that usually grow in such environments. Bodulhaimendhoo has unique natural and environmental features and is rich with diverse species of animals. An example of the natural diversity on this island can be seen from its lush vegetation. Additionally, this island has fertile soil which contributes to the rich greenery. The mangrove and wetland on this island also add to the natural and environmental features that make this island so exceptional. The distinctive characteristics of this island can be categorized into four: the reef surrounding the island, the mangroves, wetland areas, and the beach where turtles nest.

Orimas thila, is a deep thila located 5 kilometres from the west of N. Felivaru. This area is an important diving spot within this atoll. This is a beautiful small rock-based thila, which is surrounded by lively corals and marine life. A great number of grey reef sharks (vahboa miyaru) can be seen wandering in this area. The majority of this thila is made up of giant rocks. The caves on the sides of these rocks are filled with corals, soft corals and sponges. The surveys conducted on this thila have recorded a total of 27 types of fish. This includes loads of schools of Skipjack tuna (kan’dumas), Trevally (han’dhi) and different types of other reef fish (farumas). The corals are home to a myriad of colorful small fishes. Cobia, a fish which is rarely seen in the Maldives is also seen here. Many of the protected underwater species in Maldives are often seen in this thila. One of the most special characteristics of Orimas thila is that grey reef sharks (vahboa miyaru) can be seen here in groups of more than a 100. Apart from grey reef sharks, whitetip reef shark (olhufathi miyaru) and the lesser seen zebra shark (faana miyaru) are also seen swimming in this thila. Lastly, protected turtles, rays and grouper fish (faana) are also seen in this area.