Why is Socotra island important?

Socotra is globally important for biodiversity conservation because of its exceptionally rich and distinct flora and fauna. 37\% of Socotra’s plant species, 90\% of its reptile species and 95\% of its land snail species do not occur anywhere else in the world.

Why is the island of Socotra considered unique?

Part of an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, The island of Socotra is so isolated that more than a third of its plant life is endemic, meaning that it is found nowhere else on Earth. This unique diversity makes Socotra one of the most beautiful islands on Earth.

Does anyone live Socotra Island?

Almost all inhabitants of Socotra, numbering about 50,000, live on the main island of the archipelago.

Who owns Socotra Island Somalia or Yemen?

Socotra Island belongs to Somalia and cannot be claimed by UAE. It had been at the centre of territorial dispute between Somalia and Yemen for many years.

Is Socotra safe to visit?

The island is extremely safe and has even accepted some refugees from the mainland. Prior to the war Socotra enjoyed direct flights from Dubai as well as Sana’a & Al Mukalla on the mainland.

Is Socotra Safe 2021?

And, Is Socotra Safe? Being part of Yemen, Socotra has suffered the collateral damage of being part of a country that has been at war for over five years now. But, Socotra itself has never been at war and it is very safe.

Who owns Socotra island?

Joint military training exercise agreed upon between Yemen and the UAE. UAE Army troops take over Socotra Airport, seaports, and all four islands of the archipelago on 30 April 2018. Administrative control of the island returned to the occupying Yemeni government on 14 May 2018.

How safe is Socotra?

The island is extremely safe and has even accepted some refugees from the mainland. There has been some waves felt from the war however, these have not affected the security situation on the island. Prior to the war Socotra enjoyed direct flights from Dubai as well as Sana’a & Al Mukalla on the mainland.

Is there Internet in Socotra?

Internet access is available only in Hadibo, you can have internet access for free at Socotra Eco-Tous office anytime you wish. The post office is located at the center of Hadibo, in Hadibo Local Council next to the main mosque.

Can you visit Socotra?

As of now, the are only two ways you can get to Socotra Island. The first one is by flying with Yemen Airways (Yemenia) from either Seiyun, Yemen, or from Cairo, Egypt – with a layover in Seiyun. You spend over an hour on the plane waiting to pick up new passengers and depart at 9:15 am, arriving Socotra at 10:15 am.

What language does Socotra speak?

Soqotri
Soqotri (also spelt Socotri, Sokotri, or Suqutri; autonym: méthel d-saqátri; Arabic: اللغة السقطرية‎) is a South Semitic language spoken by the Soqotri people on the island of Socotra and the two nearby islands of Abd al Kuri and Samhah, in the Socotra archipelago, in the Guardafui Channel.

When should I go to Socotra?

The best time to visit the island of Socotra are the months of November to March. These months are in fact cooler and less windy.

Is it safe to travel to Socotra?

In June 2020, rebel forces seized the island from Yemen’s government. Access to Socotra has been practically off-limits to foreigners since the start of the civil war. Most Western governments advise against all travel to Yemen and to Socotra because of the threat to life and destruction from war and terrorist activities.

What makes Socotra Island unique?

While on the outer coastline, breathtaking natural beaches have pure white sand dunes and palm trees. Socotra Island is very rich and is home to many rare spectacular species of reefs, fish, birds, plants, and trees which are not found anywhere else in the world.

Which country has taken control of Socotra?

On April 30, 2018, the United Arab Emirates, as part of the ongoing Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, landed troops on the island and took control of Socotra Airport and seaport.

How many islands are in the Socotra archipelago?

The archipelago consists of the main island of Socotra (3,665 km 2 or 1,415 sq mi), the three smaller islands of Abd al Kuri, Samhah and Darsa, as well as small rock outcrops like Ka’l Fir’awn and Sābūnīyah that are uninhabitable by humans but important for seabirds.