Only known breeding visitor to Maldives: Watercock needs protection

March 08, 2004

By Ahmed Ikram, BLUEPEACE

This year’s Iruvai (north east monsoon) has brought dozens of watercock’s (Gallicrex cinerea) to the island of Mulee in Meemu Atoll. Locally known as “Kulhee Kukulhu” in the Maldives.

Watercock was declared as a protected bird in 2003 by the Government of Maldives buts it rarity of appearance has lead to the islanders of Mulee to mistake the birds for Karaa Kanbili (Foreign Waterhen). While unaware of the bird’s status, the children have caught some of them and have collected eggs from their nests.

Watercock has also been spotted in Fuah Mulaku, Addu and Huvadhoo Atoll, in islands which has wetland and marsh like features and is apparently an uncommon resident or breeding visitor to the Maldives. This is only the only known breeding visitor to the Maldives in Iruvai.
Watercock’s are known to reside in East Asia, South & Southeast Asia, and West & Central Asia. Their main diets consist of molluscs and insects.

Bluepeace is working with all stakeholders to prevent the exploitation of Watercock in Mulee.

Watercock Only known breeding visitor to Maldives - Needs protection