The Socotra archipelago located in the northwest Indian Ocean has many rare flora and fauna species that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.
“Super giant” snails live on tree trunks in the Socotra archipelago. Ecotourism is becoming popular with visitor numbers increasing sharply in recent years.
The marine ecosystem is also very diverse, with 300 species of crabs (pictured is Ghost crab), lobsters, 700 species of fish and 253 species of coral.
Socotra is also home to some interesting animals. There are 192 different species of birds living on the islands.
The Socotra archipelago consists of four islands and two islets, part of the country of Yemen but they are located separately in the northwest of the Indian Ocean, between Africa and the Middle East. There are only about 40,000 people living here.
The Socotra archipelago is home to about 800 species of rare animals and plants – including some very special looking trees, such as the Dragon’s Blood tree (pictured). This tree has a dark red sap that is used as a dye.
In 2008, the UNESCO World Heritage Convention listed Socotra as a World Heritage Site. It is therefore a protected area, due to the archipelago’s unique biodiversity and endangered species.
Many species of exotic flowers grow in Socotra and you cannot see them anywhere else.
Socotra was an ancient trading center for traders from Rome, Greece and Egypt. They buy and sell exclusive medicines, agarwood and Dragon’s Blood resin.
The extremely impressive flora and fauna here have caused Socotra to be named “the alien island”.
Tourists here can dive, fish, boat and play other water sports, as well as go hiking.
