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H A. Kelaa Kandoofaa

H A. Kelaa Kandoofaa

Haa Alifu

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HA. Kelaa, a 212-hectare island located in the Northern most side of the HA. Atoll, is among one of the islands in the Northern Maldives where wetlands are observed. The wetland in Kelaa has 22 hectares. Compared to the other islands in Maldives, the wetland in Kelaa, which is environmentally noteworthy and historically significant to the island, has the most number of number of Small-Leaved Orange Mangrove (Kan'doo). During the "boduthadhu" (famine) caused by Second World War, the Small-Leaved Orange Mangroves were a reliable source of food for Kelaa and its nearby islands. This is in contrast to some other islands which struggled with food security during the war. Small-Leaved Orange Mangroves are still sometimes used as food. A huge Kulhlhava tree, which is more than 50 years old, is also found in the wetland in Kelaa. The wetland is home to different species of birds, and migratory birds are observed in great numbers in this area. In addition to a huge population of Common Moorhen (Kulheekukulhu), protected birds in the Maldives such as Grey Heron (Maakanaa), Cattle Egret (Iruvaahudhu), Maldivina Water Hen (Kanbili), Black Crowned Night Heron (raabondhi), and Asian Koel (Koveli) are among the types of birds which this wetland is home to.

How to visit. Booking is not available online for this area. Call the office for details.

Rules

Please follow these rules during your visit.

Research and Mining for Oil, Gas and Minerals is not allowed in this area
Dumping trash/littering is not allowed in this area.
Land reclamation and dredging is not allowed within this area.
Removing or taking rocks, sand, corals, and coral rubble is not allowed in this area.
Aquaculture and mariculture
Introducing any species of living things
Feeding any species of birds or marine life
Catching, taking or killing any species of bird
Touching or abusing protected species in the area