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Wildlife on the Island
Marine life on the Island is protected by the Quilalea Marine Sanctuary, and both the Archipelago and the St Lazarus Bank have yet to be discovered by big game fishermen, hence an incredible variety of species of fish abound. A wide variety of gamefish species can be taken from the complex of habitats formed by the Quirimba Archipelago itself, while the Saint Lazarus Bank due east of Quilálea is a hotspot for tuna and billfish.
Quilalea is noted for the size of its reef fish, with parrotfish, angelfish, cave bass, morays, and others all reaching exceptional sizes. Long nosed hawkfish are found associated with the gorgonians. A wide variety of game and pelagic fish also visit the sanctuary. Resident schools of kingfish of the three species (giant, yellow, and indigo) accompany most canyon dives as well as snorkelers along the beach.
Dugongs are present but shy; it is easier to find their grazing marks than the animals themselves. A slow dive through the seagrass beds yields brightly coloured nudibranches, up to 195 species of fish, and swimming scallops that will come up and dance in midwater.
Turtles range widely throughout the sanctuary, with green turtles and perhaps Olive Ridleys nesting on the islands.
Humpback whales visit the sanctuary from June to December every year, coming inshore to feed and shelter their calves. Dolphins include spinner, common, and bottlenose, with humpback dolphins appearing occasionally inside the sanctuary but common in the mangrove channels of Ibo Island just to the north.
Blacktip and whitetip sharks, blue spotted stingray, and electric ray are common. The Zambezi shark, the hammerhead shark, the tiger shark, and the manta ray have also been sighted.
The area is home to 140 taxa of molluscs, including giant clams. Three hundred and seventy-five species of fish have been identified in the Sanctuary area, including threatened pipefish and seahorses.
Other Wildlife
Both islands are home to a variety of birds; doves nest here as do seabirds. Goliath herons are present in abundance and fish eagles also makes their home here. Ospreys are common and flamingoes and pelicans are occasional visitors.
Other fauna found on the island includes; small Suni deer, tortoises, and different species of snake (all harmless) as well as large monitor lizards.
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