Camptoloma lyperiiflorum

Camptoloma lyperiiflorum

Camptoloma lyperiiflorum is easily recognized by the glandular hairs. It is found in the cliffs of western and southwestern Socotra, often in places protected…


Buddleja colvilei

Buddleja colvilei

Buddleja colvilei is found in Sikkim's subtropical to alpine biomes to 5000 meters elevation. Elevation: 3198 meters. Native range is Himalaya to China.


Scrophularia arguta

Scrophularia arguta

I encountered this Scrophularia arguta close to a vertical cliff that blocks the sun for many months of the year where only the early morning rays reach 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)

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…


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…


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…


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.