Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus) with bark snails

Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus) with bark snails

You can find these dormant (aestivating) land snails (Achatinelloides) sporadically throughout Socotra, but find them covering an entire Socotra cucumber tree…


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…


Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus)

Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus)

A very young Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus) that has survived the insatiable appetite of the goats - only because it growing where they cannot…


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…


Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

This is the only place I've encountered Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) on Socotra. It thrives here in the shadow of the tall cliffs of Socotra's northeast, and…


South African Ground Squirrel (Geosciurus inauris)

South African Ground Squirrel (Geosciurus inauris)

The South African ground squirrel (Geosciurus inauris) squirrel is as cute to us humans as any species of squirrels with their fast pace an entertaining…


White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

After an amazing experience with a spectacled bear I was on my way to the main road when I noticed this white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) feeding not…


Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)

Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)

What an amazing experience it was to see this rare spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus). I spotted it driving to the next destination on my schedule, and could…