African Baconfig (Aizoon canariense)

African Baconfig (Aizoon canariense)

Inconspicuous but commonly found in sandy plains of the coast and further inland. This is the first I've found with flowers. It is found throughout much of…


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…


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)…


Corbichonia decumbens

Corbichonia decumbens

This one I found on the riverside of Kalesan gorge, which means it must endure flash floods – impressive!


Corbichonia decumbens

Corbichonia decumbens

This one I found on the riverside of Kalesan gorge, which means it must endure flash floods - impressive!


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…