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Back To: Environment
The
Socotra Archipelago
The Socotra Archipelago
is located 350km south of the Arabian Peninsula. The archipelago
consists of the main island of Socotra (3625 km sq) and three
smaller islands, Abd Al Kuri, Samha and Darsa, and other rock
outcrops. The islands are part of Yemen.
About 100 people live on Samha (10x5 km), 300 on the larger Abd
Al-Kuri is larger (25x5 km). The island of Darsa is not inhabited.
Being virtually isolated from the rest of the world, the island has
Arabia’s greatest plant and animal diversity; many animals and
plants that live today on Socotra are found nowhere else on earth.
Botanists rank Socotra among the top ten endangered islands in the
world. There are more than 800 species of plants, some 240 of which
are endemic to the island.
One of the mo st
famous plants is the Dragon's tree, the bark oozes a deep red liquid
if cut. Bottle trees are abundant and have pink flowers after the
rains. Cucumber trees, relatives of the melon, provide food for
animals during times of drought.
From June to September the island is accessible only by plane,
because of the strong monsoon winds and access by sea is impossible
due to high seas and winds all around the island. The fishermen move
from their seaside to the mountains during this season and harvest
their date palms.
The monsoon winds have also forced insects to adapt; Socotran
insects have evolved relatively small wings which prevents them from
being blown out to sea. Centipedes can reach a lengt h
of more than 20 centimeters, and huge spiders spin yellow webs
across woodland gaps. At least 80% of Socotra's reptiles are
endemic.
Birdlife International has identifies over 22 "Important Bird Areas"
on the Socotra Archipelago. About 140 species of birds have been
recorded, among them the Socotra Bunting, Socotra Starlin g,
Socotra Sunbird, Socotra Sparrow, Socotra Warbler, and Socotra
Cisticola, all of which are unique to the island. The Egyptian
Vulture, known locally as al Baladiya Socotri is known (and
appreciated) for its habit of cleaning up everything from kitchen
waste to human waste.
Marine life around the archipelago includes a number of species of
hard corals and fish.
In July of 1999, a new
airport opened on Socotra, which has made the archipelago easily
accessible after centuries of isolation. Development is bringing
positive changes to the lives of the local population but at the
same time development threatens the uniqueness of the islands’
diversity. The Yemeni government is working with environmentalists
to set guidelines for conservation and sustainable development of
the islands. The initial plans call for most of the islands and
surrounding waters to be designated a National Park, with Socotri
natives managing the eco-tourism and natural resources.
photos used with permission:
www.ftiyemen.com
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