Hanifaru

Hanifaru was declared protected on 5 June 2009 and the protected area of coverage includes the uninhabited island of Hanifaru and the reef of Hanifaru extending to 200m.

Special Features

High biodiversity marine region possessing a unique dynamic water circulation system that during westen monsoons, aggregated for feeding (whale sharks and manta rays) and mating (manta rays) in high numbers of endangered mega fauna animals (whale sharks and manta rays). The site is biologically and biodiversity significant for Baa Atoll, Maldives and globally. Nesting sites for green and hawksbill turtles Occassional roosting site for black-naped tern, lesser noddies and brown noddies.