Violet Zoanthids (Zoanthus sansibaricus)

Violet Zoanthids (Zoanthus sansibaricus)

Socotra's biodiversity on land is undisputed and world famous, but it is equally diverse on the coast and in the sea. I am focusing on the terrestrial realm…


Blanford's Rock Gecko (Pristurus insignis)

Blanford’s Rock Gecko (Pristurus insignis)

I've noticed Blanford's Rock Gecko (Pristurus insignis) much less frequently than those of the Socotra Mabuya (Trachylepis socotrana) and Socotra Rock Gecko…


Large Caltrops (Pedalium murex)

Large Caltrops (Pedalium murex)

Large Caltrops (Pedalium murex) ia an introduced species to Socotra that spreads from gardens, and date groves. Native range is West Tropical Africa to Eritrea…


Socotra Rock Gecko (Pristurus sokotranus)

Socotra Rock Gecko (Pristurus sokotranus)

Socotra Rock Gecko (Pristurus sokotranus) is a common species revealing its location when darting to safety as you step near its location. If you see it from a…


Rainbow-bearded Thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani)

Rainbow-bearded Thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani)

Rainbow-bearded thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani) is one of few high altitude hummingbirds, and not easy to get up close with unless you know it's favorite…


Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani)

Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani)

Sapphire-vented puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani) is a frequent visitor to feeders in Ecuador and here its visiting a brugmansia trumpet flower.


Buff-winged Starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae)

Buff-winged Starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae)

At 11 cm (4,33 in) and a long bill buff-winged starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae) is one of the larger species of hummingbirds. It's commonly visiting feeders…