ADVENTURE

The island of Socotra: an earthly paradise with unique biodiversity

Welcome to the island of Socotra, an earthly paradise located off the coast of the Horn of Africa, in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

This remote place, surrounded by crystal clear waters and breathtaking cliffs, is known for its incredible biodiversity, which includes numerous endemic species not found elsewhere in the world. The island is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique and authentic experience.

In this photo gallery, we will explore the beauty and diversity of Socotra, and discover why this pristine corner of the world is a priceless treasure of biodiversity.

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The island of Socotra: a terrestrial paradise of unique biodiversity
Welcome to the island of Socotra, an earthly paradise located off the coast of the Horn of Africa in the middle of the Indian Ocean. This remote place, surrounded by crystal clear waters and breathtaking cliffs, is known for its incredible biodiversity, which includes numerous endemic species not found elsewhere in the world. The island is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique and authentic experience. In this photo gallery, we will explore the beauty and diversity of Socotra, and discover why this pristine corner of the world is a priceless treasure of biodiversity. (Pictured is the beach at Qalansiyah)
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Socotra
Socotra is the main island of an archipelago of four islands and islets located in the Indian Ocean, just off the Horn of Africa, about 300 km from the Somali coast and 350 km south of the Republic of Yemen to which they belong and which administers them. The main population center is Hadibu and the population is predominantly Arab, with Asian and African minorities. (Photo shows an aerial view of a freshwater spring on the mountain at Homhil)
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
The island has different geographic terrains: a narrow coastal plain, a limestone plateau, and several mountains reaching up to 1,500 meters above sea level. The island was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
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Preserved
The four islands and two rocky islets have remained relatively untouched by the war that devastated the mainland, with adventurous travelers showing increasing interest. With its lush landscape, distinctive trees, unique animals and turquoise waters that are home to dolphins, Yemen hopes the Socotra archipelago will become a dream destination. (Pictured are the mounds formed by crabs on the white sands of the lagoon at Detwah, in the far west of the island)
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Flora
Speaking of flora, it is essential to mention the endemic species of Dracena, a peculiar umbrella plant that has become a symbol of Socotra. Other endemic plants include the giant succulent tree Dorstenia gigas and the Dendrosicyos socotranus known as the cucumber tree. (Pictured are dragon's blood trees, a species called "Dracaena cinnabari" - mount Dixam)
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Paradise
On this island you can find palm oases and natural pools, as well as mountain slopes, valleys carved by streams, and caves that preserve remnants of ancient settlements. But it doesn't end there: wonderful waterfalls, clear ocean water, distinctive rocks, white dunes, wide beaches and coral reefs. A paradise of nature! (Pictured is an aerial view of the sandy beach at Arher)
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Inhabitants and tourism
Between 40,000 and 60,000 people live on the archipelago (the figure is approximate), some of them nomads. Many live in tiny villages of shepherds inland and fishermen on the coast. There are very few hotels on the island, but travelers who choose this destination have no problem choosing guesthouses or beach camping.
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Remote location
The archipelago's remote location helped it forge its amazing nature millennia ago: one-third of the main island's plants are unique, from "bulbous flowering bottle and cucumber trees" to aloes. But the island also controls busy global shipping lanes at the crossroads of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. (Pictured is a "flowering bottle tree," or "desert rose" - Homhil, northeast of the island)
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Fauna
The island of Socotra has an impressive biodiversity with nearly a thousand endemic species: almost all species of reptiles and land snails are found nowhere else in the world. Nearly 200 bird species have been counted, most of which are endemic. As for marine fauna, about 250 species of corals, 730 species of fish and more than 300 species of mollusks and crustaceans such as crabs, shrimps and lobsters were counted.
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A curiosity
A characteristic resin of this island is the red resin known as "dragon's blood. "In the past, this resin was used as a dye and as an incense, while today it is used to treat wounds, infections and diseases. (Photo shows a view of the pristine Yemeni island of Socotra)
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Future
The island is historically famous for its unique and spectacular vegetation, to the point that botanists rank Socotra's flora among the world's ten most endangered island species. The opening of an airport in 1999 and other infrastructure developments are transforming Socotra into a viable eco-tourism destination out of the ordinary. (Pictured is a lagoon outside Hadibo, the island's main town)
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