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…


Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus)

Socotra Cucumber Tree (Dendrosicyos socotranus)

A very young individual that has survived the insatiable appetite of the goats - only because it growing where they cannot reach! If the plant is not…


Socotra plant 41 (Cucurbitaceae)

Socotra plant 41 (Cucurbitaceae)

This is the only place I've encountered this species on Socotra. It thrives here in the shadow of the tall cliffs and finds moisture from the water seeping out…


Southern Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus rufirostris)

Southern Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus rufirostris)

Less common than the southern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) in Namibia. I enjoyed their vocalizations in the early morning, sometimes singing from…


Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

This incredible looking and large bird species is surprisingly not that easy to see as it can sit silently on a branch, barely turning the head to assess the…


Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

This is a female, resting amidst the fresh leaves of spring. She has seen many springs and knows well what it brings, were to get the best food, where the best…


Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

Rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis)

The first time you encounter this large bird it’s hard to be silent! I for one just uttered WOW! This amazingly beautiful male was scanning the surroundings,…


Cucumis prophetarum

Cucumis prophetarum

The entirety of this cucumber plant is really fascinating, and I’ve never seen it before. This is likely Cucumis prophetarum ssp dissectum, as it is more…


Cucumis prophetarum

Cucumis prophetarum

The entirety of this cucumber plant is really fascinating, and I've never seen it before, nor do I know if it's an endemic or not.