Socotra Island in Yemen

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If you want to be part of the Avatar world, we give you a clear suggestion -Socotra Island. A realm of scientific beauty, it is awaiting to be appraised and admired.

It all started about six million years ago, when an area of 3625 sq. km separated from Africa (in fact, separated from the supercontinent Gondwana), during the continental drift. It was the time when there were created a unique microclimate and ecosystem, favoring the endemic species. The heaven of botanists and zoologists began to be populated by Arab tribes about three millennia ago, but the island was already known to the Greeks, who called it Dioscorides, and to the Romans, who related to it as Dyo-Socor-Yahlas or Dyo-Sotori.

One of the favorite parts of the sailors, the island of Socotra has been filled for centuries by many lights. Lands have been passed by the mercenaries of Alexander the Great, by Portuguese sailors and even Marco Polo on his way back from Far East. In 1839 it became a British crown of pearls. It regained its independence in 1967 with the Republic of South Yemen. Today the island of Socotra is part of the unified Yemen. It became one of the largest nature reserves, 70% of the island having this status. For this reason people practice ecotourism only, building tourist resorts is prohibited.

Isolation of Africa led to the creation of a microclimate and a special and unique ecosystem in the world. No less than 300 rare species of plants have been preserved here. Some of them remember here is delight-old botanist and Cinnabar. His name translates to Dragon's Blood and was named after the purple resin that secrets material used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. One of its uses is legendary luthier industry, among the first that would be used as Stradivarius Cinnabar resin.

Another plant that is remarkable on the island of Socotra is the Desert Rose, Adenium obesum, that blooms in April and offers panoramic view of huge pink flowers. Is actually a tree that reaches a height of 5 meters and can have a diameter of up to 3 meters. Its trunk is a genuine water revervor for this desert area. Socotra Island Hamadero plateau hosting the oldest forest of frankincense trees with no less than nine varieties. Ancient Egyptians used to import substances from here for traditional religious ceremonies and embalming rituals.

Of the 100 species of birds of Socotra Island, six are unique in the world and, unfortunately, endangered. 30 of the 100 bird species hatch only on the island. Another peculiarity of the island would be that there are no dogs here. Local cats are much higher than the European race. Of the 22 species of reptiles, not less than 19 are endemic, and the only mammals originating in the island are bats. Civeta, one of the mammals of the island is famous for its secretions that locals processes them to obtain a musk-like substance used by perfume makers.

The aquatic environment is spectacular, specifically the northern coast of the island is famous for coral reefs. The waters are inhabited by many species of fish and crustaceans, of huge size, becoming regular meals and local delicacies for tourists now.

To complete the dream scenario, the island has long sandy beaches, caves up to 7 km long and mountains that reach 1525 meters in height. The name Socotra is derived from a Sanskrit name meaning "island of happiness." Although the native population goes little over 40,000 inhabitants, it was two years ago that the government of Yemen has built the first roads, after long negotiations with UNESCO (since UNESCO declared the island as a natural reserve).

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By Maria Morari

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