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…


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 starling (Onychognathus frater)

Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater)

This is the only confirmed photograph of both sexes of the endemic species I got during my visit, as this is a couple (both sexes look the same, opposed to the…


Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater)

Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater)

A Socotra starling landing in the canopy of a dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) where large amounts of fruits await. Firhmin Forest is a forest of dragon…


Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater)

Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater)

A Socotra starling enjoying a mouthful of dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) fruit. Firhmin Forest is a forest of dragon blood trees, and within it a…