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Maldives Flora and Fauna is one of the chief aspects of Maldives geography. The islands of Maldives in the Indian Ocean has a tropical type of climate. The soil layer also plays an important role in the growth and development of the flora of Maldives. Maldives fauna depends on the topography, the climate and the vegetation cover on the islands.
Maldives flora is dominated by the grasses and shrubs that form a dense cover on many of the islands. The fertility of the soil makes the northern, southern and eastern islands greener than the central and western islands of Maldives. The chief plant featuring as a part of Maldives flora is the palm tree, the national symbol of the island nation.
The chief crops like coconut, sweet potatoes, plantain, breadfruit, yams, millet, watermelon, etc also form an integral part of the flora of Maldives. The different kinds of grasses including bamboo also grow on the islands. The tallest tree found on the islands of Maldives is the banyan tree. The flowering plants add color to the flora of Maldives.
Land animals in Maldives include rats, giant fruit bats, flying foxes and lizards. Maldives fauna also includes insects like scorpions and beetles. Large and colorful crabs are a common sight on the beaches of Maldives islands.
The seas surrounding the islands of Maldives abound in a large number of bright and colorful marine life forms. The fishes found in the waters include angelfish, unicorn fish, butterfly fish, rock cod, parrot fish and many others. The crustaceans and turtles found in the waters also form important parts of Maldives fauna. Sharks, manta rays, porpoises, sting rays, dolphins are the larger sea creatures found in the waters.
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