I encountered two individuals of this species near each other here in Erissel, Socotra’s east-cape. This is my first and only encounter of the species so far on Socotra. It is found in dry vegetation areas in Africa, throughout the Arabian peninsula to India.
These towers are made by the male Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan). The crabs are found on the coast throughout Socotra, but they are only able to make these castles where the tides do not regularly reach. Here in Erissel they dig deep to reach the wet sands, and thus these towers reach pretty […]
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 landscape here, reshaping everything. Only the hardiest of plants and animals thrive here. The Red Sea ghost crab is well adapted to these changing conditions and in most […]
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 male Red Sea ghost crabs, as they can create these towers undisturbed by the tides and waves. The crabs only have to deal with the effects of […]
These towers are made by the male Red Sea Ghost Crab (Ocypode saratan). The crabs are found on the coast throughout Socotra, but they are only able to make these castles where the tides do not regularly reach. Here in Erissel they dig deep to reach the wet sands, and thus these towers reach pretty […]
Erissel – the east-cape of Socotra, is the only place I have encountered this species. It’s a specialist that is able to thrive in the windswept and salty environment nearest to the ocean. It is a colony of plants in different stages of growth and age, ranging from deeply reds and oranges, to vibrant waxy […]
Erissel – the east-cape of Socotra, is the only place I have encountered this species. It’s a specialist that is able to thrive in the windswept and salty environment nearest to the ocean. It is a colony of plants in different stages of growth and age, ranging from deeply reds and oranges, to vibrant waxy […]
Erissel – the east-cape of Socotra, is the only place I have encountered this species. It’s a specialist that is able to thrive in the windswept and salty environment nearest to the ocean. It is a colony of plants in different stages of growth and age, ranging from deeply reds and oranges, to vibrant waxy […]
Erissel – the east-cape of Socotra, is the only place I have encountered this species. It’s a specialist that is able to thrive in the windswept and salty environment nearest to the ocean. It is a colony of plants in different stages of growth and age, ranging from deeply reds and oranges, to vibrant waxy […]
Erissel – the east-cape of Socotra, is the only place I have encountered this species. It’s a specialist that is able to thrive in the windswept and salty environment nearest to the ocean. It is a colony of plants in different stages of growth and age, ranging from deeply reds and oranges, to vibrant waxy […]
Erissel – the east-cape of Socotra, is the only place I have encountered this species. It’s a specialist that is able to thrive in the windswept and salty environment nearest to the ocean. It is a colony of plants in different stages of growth and age, ranging from deeply reds and oranges, to vibrant waxy […]
Erissel – the east-cape of Socotra, is the only place I have encountered this species. It’s a specialist that is able to thrive in the windswept and salty environment nearest to the ocean. It is a colony of plants in different stages of growth and age, ranging from deeply reds and oranges, to vibrant waxy […]
Erissel is the only place on Socotra (so far) I have encountered this species. It grows as a small colony in the sand dunes and I have not seen any signs of it spreading outwards (since I was here in 2015). Instead I found it to have shrunk somewhat, likely due to the severe cyclones […]
A really old individual holding on to life in harsh conditions, compared to the lush, vibrant and large specimens found in sands of Arher. Also found in mainland Arabia.
This species is usually found sporadically, but in some places you can find many in a limited area. Here in Erissel they grow in large numbers in a restricted area of rocks where they are found in an amazing variety of growth. Endemic.
This species is usually found sporadically, but in some places you can find many in a limited area. Here in Erissel they grow in large numbers in a restricted area of rocks where they are found in an amazing variety of growth. A veritable garden! Endemic.
This species is usually found sporadically, but in some places you can find many in a limited area. Here in Erissel they grow in large numbers in a restricted area of rocks where they are found in an amazing variety of growth. This specimens has the appearance of a long life, with signs of old, […]
This species is usually found sporadically, but in some places you can find many in a limited area. Here in Erissel they grow in large numbers in a restricted area of rocks where they are found in an amazing variety of growth. A veritable garden! Endemic.
This species is usually found sporadically, but in some places you can find many in a limited area. Here in Erissel they grow in large numbers in a restricted area of rocks where they are found in an amazing variety of growth. A veritable garden! Endemic.
This species is usually found sporadically, but in some places you can find many in a limited area. Here in Erissel they grow in large numbers in a restricted area of rocks where they are found in an amazing variety of growth. A veritable garden! Endemic.
The sand dunes of Erissel – the Socotra east cape – have some very specialized plants thriving in the wind-swept sand. This species was in some places growing in dense mats. This location is windswept and hot, with only rain or brackish water available, but this is a specialist.