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…


Christ's Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi)

Christ’s Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi)

A very popular fruit with Socotris. I have yet to taste one, as these lovely fruits were out of reach for me to pick. Native range is Africa, Arabia to…


Christ's Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi)

Christ’s Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi)

This tree is not bearing flowers or fruits, but when in fruit the Socotris will collect what they can as this is a popular fruit. Unfortunately I have yet to…


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…


Socotra hermit crab

Socotra hermit crab

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