Socotra is a small archipelago of four islands in the Indian Ocean, near the Gulf of Aden.
Extremely high levels of endemism also occur in Socotras reptiles.
Ever since Socotra has been a breeding ground of birds, plants and animals.
Also important in ancient times were Socotra’s various endemic aloes, used medicinally, and for cosmetics.
Unlike the Galapagos, however, Socotra is significantly inhabited, and has been for some 2,000 years.
More than 50,000 people now live on the main island of the archipelago.
Fishing, animal husbandry, and the cultivation of dates are the primary occupations of the indigenous population.
