A Brief History Of The Maldives

Posted in: Travel Maldives Holidays in xbox360's Blog

While there are no certain facts it is estimated that the Maldives have been populated as early as 1500 BC, most likely explorers from India and Sri Lanaka (Ceylon). During 1152 there was a conversion to islam although there was a brief period from 1558 to 1573 when the Maldives was taken over and ruled by the Portugese. The islands were also under the rule of the British in 1887. In 1965 the Maldives regained its independent status.

Flora & Fauna That Inhabit The Islands & Surrounding Waters

Contrary to the first impressions of many, the Maldives islands are not especially hospitable to plants, mainly because the soil does not have the nutrients to support a large and varied diversity of plant life. The main type of vegetation include coconut trees, vines, banyan trees as well as mangroves. Also found are Breadfruit trees and Bamboos. Flowering plants include Bougainvillaea and Frangipani.

The islands have an incredible number of colourful, tropical fish and when you visit you’re bound to see many of them. A few of these include Butterfly fish, Dolphins, Anglefish, Parrotfish and Flutemouth. The colours and shapes of some of these fish are as varied and intriguing as their names would suggest. Divers are sure to have an experience of a lifetime in the Maldives.

While there are a healthy variety of birds inhabiting the islands, there are fewer varieties of land based animals. Common to the islands are flying foxes, geckos and garden lizards. There are also a couple of species of snake (not dangerous).

There are over 100 species of birds – expect to see crows, parakeets, and waterhens as well as koel birds. Also present are herons, seagulls and noddys.