The Cape Verde archipelago is recognised as a global hotspot for marine biodiversity.
Loggerhead sea turtles
Cape Verde is an important nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtles in the world; within the archipelago, Maio is one of the 3 most important islands for this endangered species, with about 500 females coming ashore to nest every year.
For those who wish to see nesting turtles the season is June to October, peaking in mid-July and August. Turtle hatchlings are born from mid-August until the end of November.
Note: That is Bar Tropikal in the background of this photo of the turtle nesting on the beach.
Humpback whales
Humpback whales migrate annually from the North Sea to winter around Cape Verde and stay until mid-May. The area is one of two known breeding and calving grounds for humpback whales with it warm shallow tropical waters.
Whale-watchers will find the best opportunities to see humpback whales in November, where they can be seen passing by the beach in front of Bar Tropikal.
It’s really something that should not be missed if you are in the area around that time.
Dolphins, porpoises, rays and sharks
The Cape Verde archipelago also supports a high diversity of unique marine animals, including over 20 species of cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoises).
More than 60 shark and ray species also frequent the Maio waters including threatened lemon and nurse sharks, which are found off the coast.
For more information, please see bradtguides.com and Wildlife of Cape Verde – Wikipedia.
Birds
More information coming soon…
Salt pans
More information coming soon…
Geology
More information coming soon…
Maio Biodiversity Foundation
The Maio Biodiversity Foundation (FMB) was established in 2010 to protect biodiversity on the island of Maio, one of the last remaining rural islands in the Republic of Cape Verde. Since its establishment, FMB rapidly grew to be one of the most successful conservation NGOs in West Africa. We have internationally recognised projects on marine protected areas, sea-turtle conservation, bird protection and ecotourism. FMB has strong links with local communities, and our projects are supported by local, national and international agencies.
For more information, please see the Maio Biodiversity Foundation on Facebook,
and FMB News from the Field.
Nature Parks and Protected Areas
For more information, please see Áreas Protegidas de Cabo Verde.
- Barreiro e Figueira
- Casas Velhas
- Lagoa Cimidor
- Praia do Morro
- Terras Salgadas
- Monte Penoso e Monte Branco
- Monte Santo Antonio
- Salinas de Porto Ingles