The Maldives Natural History is a rich and diverse ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of marine life. Its unique geographical formation of coral atolls supports an abundance of marine species such as manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles. The presence of these majestic creatures in such close proximity to each other makes the Maldives a truly special place for marine conservation efforts.
Located 475 km south of India, the Maldives archipelago consists of 26 geographic atolls that stretch 870 km from 7° north to half a degree south of the equator in the Indian Ocean, spanning only 128 km at their widest point. Some of the smaller atolls in the Maldives have been referred to as oceanic faros because they are made up of a single ring-shaped reef. The country's 1,192 islands and sandbanks are divided into 7 provinces and 20 administrative atolls/zones, with the capital island of Malé in North Malé Atoll.
The atolls in the Maldives are part of the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge, a volcanic ridge and oceanic plateau that stretches over 2,350 km from the Chagos archipelago in the south to the Lakshadweep Islands in the north. These volcanic foundations have given rise to the coral reefs in the Maldives, which support a diverse marine ecosystem. The atoll formations in the Maldives have been shaped over millions of years by monsoon and lunar currents, resulting in the unique island and reef structures seen today.
The size and shape of the atolls in the Maldives vary, with some containing hundreds of islands while others are much smaller and consist of just one or two islands. The atolls also differ in their degree of structural complexity, with the central atolls having the highest diversity of reef systems. The geological history of the Maldives includes sea level changes, reef development, and erosion events, with significant changes occurring during the Pleistocene period.
Today, the sea level in the Maldives is 130 m higher than it was 20,000 years ago, highlighting the dynamic nature of this island chain and its vulnerability to environmental changes.
Situated along the equator in the Doldrums region, where winds are less intense, the Maldives typically experience mild weather conditions. However, the islands are greatly impacted by the South Asian monsoon, particularly the atolls closer to the Indian subcontinent. As a result, the Maldives have two distinct monsoon seasons each year. The Southwest monsoon, known as Hulhangu, occurs from May to November, bringing increased rainfall, wind speeds, and cloud cover. On the other hand, the Northeast monsoon, or Iruvai, takes place from January to March, usually bringing clear skies and calm waters.
The unique geography of the Maldives interrupts the flow of the North Equatorial Current, creating eddies that enhance nutrient circulation and support marine life. The changing currents, influenced by both monsoons and lunar cycles, create a dynamic environment that promotes biological productivity, particularly in the shallow lagoons between the atolls. The movement of water through the atoll channels also generates turbulence and eddies, further enriching the ecosystem.
The seasonal variability in wind and current patterns affects the movements of large marine species like manta rays, whale sharks, and cetaceans. For example, reef manta rays are known to migrate across the archipelago in response to changes in productivity levels caused by the shifting monsoons. The southernmost atolls of the Maldives are influenced by the South Equatorial Current, leading to a different mix of species compared to the northern atolls.
Overall, the intricate interaction of wind, currents, and geography in the Maldives creates a diverse and vibrant marine ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife.
