104 Species of Birds Protected in the Maldives

A gazetted statement by the Ministry of Environment yesterday reads that 104 different species of birds have been granted the status of protection in the Maldives. This means that killing, harvesting, catching, advertising, harming, or keeping them as pets are strictly forbidden by law.  

The geographical location of the Maldives makes it an ideal stop-over destination for various species of migratory birds in different seasons of the year. Their arrival signifies the importance of protecting the habitats and not disrupting the chain of the ecosystem that naturally exists in order to sustain the life form. By establishing the law, the Ministry of Environment ensures that the Maldives will remain a safe destination for such birds.  

The list of protected birds includes various different species of Dove, Cuckoo, Storm-petrel, Heron, Snipe, Sandpiper, Skua, Gull, Tern, Owl, and Shrike. You can access the full list here. 
 
Photo: Sakis as featured on Dreaming of Maldives