The tortoise and the 47 birds: Maldives protects endangered species

MALE, May 25 (HNS) -- Maldives has declared 47 birds -- and the tortoise -- as endangered and declared them protected species. The endangered species, declared protected from last Thursday, include two species of birds that are generally found in Maldives, according to Environmental Research Center's Director Dr. Mohamed Ali. The tortoise was declared protected because their numbers were rapidly dwindling. "Earlier, we found tortoises from some seven islands. Now we find them only in three islands," he told Haveeru. The three islands are Kaashidhoo in Male atoll, Mulee in Meemu atoll and Nellaidhoo in Haa Dhaalu atoll. Under the new regulations, it is a crime to keep these species as pets, disturb their nests or destroy their habitats. The government had earlier protected some 23 species of birds and declared 25 marine areas as protected sanctuaries. Three whole islands have been declared protected due to the need to protect their ecology.