5 Feb 2023
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…
5 Feb 2023
Violet Zoanthids (Zoanthus sansibaricus)
Socotra's biodiversity on land is undisputed and world famous, but it is equally diverse on the coast and in the sea. I am focusing on the terrestrial realm…
15 Nov 2012
Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna)
My first sight of this group was a couple lying in the dirt road! Completely chilled and did not bother to get up before the car was quite close. Even then…
15 Nov 2012
Junellia pappigera
Junellia pappigera is a decorative plant in or out of bloom. I guess many rock-garden enthusiasts would like it in their garden! Altitude: 4232 metres. Native…
15 Nov 2012
Junellia pappigera
In certain areas junellia pappigera is very common and you'll see both color variants. Altitude: 4232 metres. Native range is Bolivia, Chile and Agentina.…
15 Nov 2012
Crested Duck (Lophonetta specularioides)
Here at the Laguna Cañapa the ducks were not at all disturbed by humans, and I could get quite close to this crested duck (Lophonetta specularioides) busy…
15 Nov 2012
Golden-spotted Ground Dove (Metriopelia aymara)
Due to the midday sun, the light is very hard, and the golden spots on the wing barely visible. The morning or evening sun would have revealed some brilliantly…
15 Nov 2012
Lobelia oligophylla
Lobelia oligophylla grows alongside the springs, streams, rivers and some lagoons. Altitude: 4131 metres. Native range is Ecuador to southernmost South…
15 Nov 2012
Calandrinia acaulis
Calandrinia acaulis grows alongside the springs, streams, rivers and some lagoons. Altitude: 4131 metres. Native range is Venezuela to Argentina. Mexico…
15 Nov 2012
Patosia clandestina
Patosia clandestina is a common plant that makes huge, dense mats around the springs, streams, rivers and some areas of the lagoons. Everything about this…