Socotra protected Area
Socotra Archipelago is comprise four islands which are located in the Indian Ocean. The largest, Socotra, has an area of 3,600 km2 and a mountainous interior rising to more than 1,500 m. The other three islands lie at about fifty km to the south-west. These are Samha, 41 km2 in area, Darsa 17 km2. and Abd al Kuri with an area of 133 km2. Socotra island lies on the margins of the sub-equatorial and northern tropical climate belts. Average temperatures range between 17 to 37ºC, in winter and summer, respectively. From May to September the island receives summer monsoon where strong south-westerly winds blow, restricting maritime access.
Socotra has long been isolated from the mainland, a feature that gives the island a unique biogeographical and evolutionary significance. It has a rich flora with a high rate of endemism. Among the some 850 plant species known from the island, about 293 are endemic. The fauna also is unique, especially in the reptiles and certain invertebrates. About 80% of the latter group are endemic. As for the vertebrates, 27 (90%) out of 30 reptiles are endemic. The bird fauna is represented by 32 species, 6 (19%) of which are endemic. Several studies on the biodiversity of the island have been conducted. The management plan has been prepared in it is in effect
