Oman today_ Socotra Island (or Socotra Archipelago) is located in the western Indian Ocean at the mouth of the Gulf of Aden and belongs to Yemen. Known as the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean,” this island is celebrated for its unique biodiversity and endemic plant and animal species.
Socotra separated from the supercontinent Gondwana approximately 6 million years ago, resulting in a distinct and isolated ecosystem unlike anywhere else in the world. Over one-third of the island’s 800 plant species are endemic, including the Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari), famed for its umbrella-like shape and red sap.
In 2008, Socotra was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Despite its remarkable geographical location and pristine nature, the island remains one of the lesser-known tourist destinations globally.
Socotra Island
