Authorities Warn of Legal Action Over Capture of Protected Migratory Birds
1 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 07:59The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a stern warning that capturing or harming migratory birds during the northeast monsoon is strictly prohibited by law, and violators will face legal action and heavy fines. Emphasizing that the protection of these birds is vital for maintaining the Maldives' rich biodiversity, the authority has urged the public to report any such illegal activities to the relevant officials.
Greater Flamingos spotted resting at the Kulhudhuffushi wetland. | Mohamed Mihaaz (Mihaaz photography)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that legal action and fines will be imposed on individuals found catching, keeping, or trading protected migratory birds that arrive in the Maldives from across the globe during the northeast monsoon.
The authority stated that these migratory birds are protected under the 'Regulation on Protected Species,' established pursuant to the Maldives Environmental Protection and Preservation Act. It further emphasized that capturing or keeping such birds is strictly prohibited under Article 17 of the aforementioned regulation.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that since the majority of bird species found in the Maldives are migratory, protecting these creatures is a vital step in preserving the nation's avian biodiversity and ecological richness.
However, the Authority noted that during this time of year, it has been observed that various species of migratory birds are being trapped, their wings clipped, and kept in cages. Furthermore, these birds are being traded and kept as pets.
Such actions violate the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), an international treaty to which the Maldives is a signatory. Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that a study conducted in 2025 revealed a declining trend in the population of birds migrating to the Maldives.
Consequently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has urged the public to refrain from such activities and to release any captured birds.
Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that individuals found illegally capturing, keeping, or trading birds will be fined in accordance with established regulations. The Authority has also urged the public to report such activities by providing details of the offenders, the location where the birds are being kept, the species involved, and supporting evidence such as photos or videos. Reports can be submitted via their hotline at 3335949 or by emailing secretariat@era.gov.mv.
