Skand at night, Socotra

Skand at night, Socotra

A starry sky seen from the highest parts of Socotra, an amazing end to an amazing day. I wish I had many more nights in the Haghier (also called Haggeher or…


Skand twilight, Socotra

Skand twilight, Socotra

What can I say - Socotra has touched me like few places on Earth - I'm spellbound! On this island you'll experience diversity and uniqueness on so many levels!…


Socotra bottle tree (Adenium obesum ssp. socotranum)

Socotra bottle tree (Adenium obesum ssp. socotranum)

This is the iconic and endemic bottle tree, or desert rose of Socotra - Adenium obesum ssp. socotranum. When you find one in bloom like this one you simply…


Dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari)

Dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari)

A forest of dragon blood trees can only be found on Socotra, as this species exists nowhere else! Firhmin Forest is a spectacular sight and the Dragon blood…


Arher sand dunes, Socotra

Arher sand dunes, Socotra

A view from the top of the magnificent Socotra's Arher sand dunes. These dunes are extremely steep, tall and very tough to climb. But as you see here, the…


Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus)

Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus)

Although this species seems common on Socotra, it is in fact threatened throughout its range due to human chemicals like pesticide, antibiotics and heavy…


Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

This female Somali starling is in the middle of a morning preening and beauty session on the beautiful Shuab beach of Socotra. Ruffling the feathers and…