Red-eyed Reef Crab (Eriphia smithii)

Red-eyed Reef Crab (Eriphia smithii)

The marine life around Socotra is rich and diverse, but I am focusing on the flora and fauna on land. However, I had a short window of opportunity during low…


Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Erissel is the easternmost point of Socotra. It is a windswept low-lying area governed by the elements. During cyclones the wind and sea wreak havoc on the…


Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Erissel is the easternmost point of Socotra. It is a windswept low-lying area governed by the elements. During cyclones the wind and sea wreak havoc on the…


Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan)

The north-facing beach of the tip of Erissel is wide and deep, with a large part only tasting the waves during monsoons. This is perfect conditions for the…


Inversed Fiddler Crab (Cranuca inversa)

Inversed Fiddler Crab (Cranuca inversa)

I found plenty of this species at this location and no signs of competing species. They thrive here next to a large date grove, where I rested in their…


Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani)

Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani)

A common and opportunistic bird that gladly eats from human feeding stations during its daily rounds in its range. It sounds like this:


Flaggspett | Great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)

Flaggspett | Great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)

This youngster is fully capable of catching its own food by now, but conveniently sits on this dead branch hoping the parents will continue the feeding. Its…


Socotra hermit crab

Socotra hermit crab

This is one of many hermits roaming the beaches of the western cape of Socotra.