Red-eyed Reef Crab (Eriphia smithii)

Red-eyed Reef Crab (Eriphia smithii)

The marine life around Socotra is rich and diverse, but I am focusing on the flora and fauna on land. However, I had a short window of opportunity during low…


Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Erissel is the easternmost point of Socotra. It is a windswept low-lying area governed by the elements. During cyclones the wind and sea wreak havoc on the…


Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Erissel is the easternmost point of Socotra. It is a windswept low-lying area governed by the elements. During cyclones the wind and sea wreak havoc on the…


Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

The north-facing beach of the tip of Erissel is wide and deep, with a large part only tasting the waves during monsoons. This is perfect conditions for the…


Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix nigriceps ssp. melanauchen)

Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix nigriceps ssp. melanauchen)

This location was full of bird song from the black-crowned sparrow-lark and other bird species. Most of Socotra is rather silent in regards to bird sounds. You…


Inversed Fiddler Crab (Cranuca inversa)

Inversed Fiddler Crab (Cranuca inversa)

I found plenty of this species at this location and no signs of competing species. They thrive here next to a large date grove, where I rested in their…


Socotra hermit crab

Socotra hermit crab

This is one of many hermits roaming the beaches of the western cape of Socotra.


Potamon socotrensis

Socotra freshwater crab (Socotrapotamon socotrense)

I found a surprising number of the Socotra freshwater crab (Socotrapotamon socotrense) at this permanent pool of water. Some were under water others were…