Cynanchum revoilii

Cynanchum revoilii

A very common species to mid-level elevations, but I have only occasionally encountered them in bloom like here. It has a strange looking fruit. Elevation: 72…


Caralluma socotrana

Caralluma socotrana

During my 14 day stay on Socotra I only found this plant with a seed pod. And in what an exquisite state! The pod has just opened, and the seeds are yet to be…


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…


Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

This is the male Somali starling - all-black opposed to the female. He's observing me from the branches of the endemic dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari)…


Caralluma socotrana

Caralluma socotrana

This plant is one of many interesting species I found in a very small area in a valley at 320 meters altitude. A river runs through on the valley floor,…


Caralluma socotrana

Caralluma socotrana

This plant is one of many interesting species I found in a very small area in a valley at 320 meters altitude. A river runs through on the valley floor,…


Caralluma socotrana UV

Caralluma socotrana UV

A mesmerizing flower in shape, texture and color which is almost completely dark in UV. Endemic.


Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

Somali starling (Onychognathus blythii)

There are two species of starling found on Socotra, but only the Socotra starling (Onychognathus frater) is endemic. This is a female Somali starling, which…