Imagine a creature weighing no more than a couple of chocolate bars—roughly 50 to 100 grams—undertaking a multi-thousand-mile voyage across continents, towering mountain ranges, and vast, unforgiving oceans. This is the reality of the Sanderling (Calidris alba), one of the natural world’s most astonishing endurance athletes. Every year, these small, pale-grey sandpipers leave the frozen, […]
Note: The images used in this article are cropped images from the Sony A7R V. Some are cropped heavily, around 100%, 300%, or even more. Even after strong cropping, the details are still very clear, including feather texture, eye detail, beak detail, claws, and small water droplets. This shows the real advantage of the A7R […]
When most people talk about wildlife travel in Sri Lanka, they mention Yala, Wilpattu or the misty hill country. For me, there is another place that quietly stands apart: Mannar Island. It feels like a different world inside Sri Lanka – open, flat and bright, with palmyrah palms, wetlands, wild donkeys and huge skies. On […]
Sonneratia caseolaris, commonly known as the mangrove apple, belongs to the genus Sonneratia, which consists of nine distinct species, including seven primary species and two hybrids. This species is globally recognized for its ecological significance and unique fruit. Distribution and Habitat in the Maldives In the Maldives, Sonneratia caseolaris is the predominant species, deeply integrated […]
Euphorbia hirta, known locally in the Maldives as Kiruthona, is a small annual herb valued for its medicinal properties. Commonly referred to as the Asthma herb, Garden spurge, or Snake weed, this plant has a significant role in traditional medicine, especially for treating respiratory issues. Native to the tropical regions of America, Euphorbia hirta has […]
Hunigondi Filaa is a very common medicinal plant in the Maldives. From my childhood, I remember hearing my mom and others in the community talk about this plant and its many uses. It was a familiar presence in our lives, not just as a common sight in gardens and marshy areas, but as a plant […]
The Agriocnemis pygmaea, also known as the wandering midget or pygmy wisp, is a fascinating species of damselfly belonging to the family Coenagrionidae. This petite creature, with its delicate features, can be spotted across Asia and parts of Australia. I’ve personally encountered this small wonder on my island, Noonu Lhohi, as well as in the […]
Ischnura senegalensis, also known as the common bluetail, marsh bluetail, ubiquitous bluetail, African bluetail, or Senegal golden dartlet, is a widespread damselfly in the Coenagrionidae family. It is one of the most commonly observed damselfly species throughout the Maldives, particularly abundant on islands with freshwater bodies and wetland areas. Scientific Classification Distribution in the Maldives […]
In the Maldives, every year around November and December, something amazing happens – millions of dragonflies arrive here. It’s like a magical show that not only looks great in my pictures but also feels special to me. Let me share the story of these dragonflies and why they matter. Dragonflies, with their iridescent wings and […]
Tramea basilaris, commonly known as the Keyhole Glider, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, including the islands of the Maldives. On Noonu Lhohi and various other islands, this species is frequently spotted near water bodies such as ponds, wetlands, and coastal lagoons. The […]
