Fringed Rue (Ruta chalepensis)

Fringed Rue (Ruta chalepensis)

I only found fringed rue (Ruta chalepensis) in one specific location on Skand (or Skant) - the highest point on all of Socotra. Native range is Macaronesia,…


Thamnosma socotrana

Thamnosma socotrana

A most peculiar plant! I only found this plant with fresh flowers, but unfortunately not with open flowers yet. I found it in very steep terrain close to the…


Thamnosma socotrana

Thamnosma socotrana

A most peculiar plant! I only found thamnosma socotrana with fresh flowers, but unfortunately not with open flowers yet. I found it in very steep terrain close…


Thamnosma socotrana

Thamnosma socotrana

A most peculiar plant! I only found thamnosma socotrana with fresh flowers, but unfortunately not with open flowers yet. I found it in very steep terrain close…


Socotra cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)

Socotra cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)

Two Socotra cormorants was actually unusual, as I mostly saw them in one large mass. The Socotra cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) is found in large…


Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri)

Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri)

A Socotra sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri) drinking nektar from the flowers of the endemic Trichocalyx orbiculatus. These two species are likely locked…


Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri)

Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri)

A Socotra sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri) sitting on a flowering cucumber tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus).


Socotra cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)

Socotra cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)

The Socotra cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) is both endemic to the region and thus a vulnerable species, but also due to excessive habitat loss caused…


Guanay Cormorant (Phalacrocorax bougainvilliorum)

Guanay Cormorant (Phalacrocorax bougainvilliorum)

Guanay cormorant (Phalacrocorax bougainvilliorum) has become a more uncommon species, and even here around havens like the Ballestas Islands in Peru I saw only…


Red-legged Cormorant (Poikilocarbo gaimardi)

Red-legged Cormorant (Poikilocarbo gaimardi)

Red-legged cormorant (Poikilocarbo gaimardi) is the second of the regional species of cormorant I encountered, also this one becoming more and more rare - just…