Discover Kuredu Island Resort: Home to the Largest White-Tailed Tropic Bird Colony in the Maldives

A current study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, has recognized Kuredu Island Resort and Spa as the leading known breeding colony for White-Tailed Tropicbirds, locally famous as Dhandifulhu Dhooni (in Dhivehi), in the Maldives.

This invention underscores the significant role of seabirds in maintain the health and flexibility of atoll ecosystem, mainly coral reefs.

Seabirds, beside with sharks, rays, and sea turtles, play an essential role in the environmental stability of atolls. Recent studies have confirmed that coral reefs surrounding atoll islands with nesting seabirds reveal better health, biodiversity, and pliability to climate change. Kuredu, famous for its perfect beauty and assurance to environmental protection, has emerged as a beacon of trust for these regal birds.

“Kuredu Island Resort has shaped a safe haven for seabirds,” remark Dr. Sebastian Steibl of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland. "With well over 800 nests of White-Tailed Tropicbirds, we reaffirm Kuredu's impact as a haven for these incredible birds."

The study reveals that Kuredu is not only one of the largest known breeding colonies for tropicbirds in the Maldives but also one of the largest documented atoll breeding sites for the White-Tailed Tropicbird in the world. The island’s protection efforts, coupled with the melodious coexistence of resort visitors and staff with the nesting seabirds, have contributed to the thriving population of these avian wonder.

“On Kuredu, these white-tailed tropicbirds are safeguarded from threats, thus ensuring that breeding takes place uninterruptedly in the natural fragments of the atoll forest, added Sebastian. The importance of Kuredu Island as a sanctuary for seabirds extends outside its seashore. The existence of a blooming tropicbird colony holds the assure of rewilding other atolls in the Maldives, nurturing the restoration of the essential association between island and coral reefs.

“We are hopeful that the achievement of our protection initiative will inspire related efforts across the Maldivian islands”, said Mohamed Solah, leader Operating Officer at Crown and Champa Resorts.

As Kuredu Island continues to winner environmental stewardship, its recognition as the leading known breeding colony for tropicbirds in the Maldives stands as evidence to the power of protection and shared action in preserving our planet’s biodiversity equally on land and underwater.