Socotra Islands – World Natural Heritage in Yemen

The Socotra Islands, in the northwestern Indian Ocean near the Gulf of Aden, are 250 km long and consist of four islands and two rocky islands that look like an extension of the Horn of Africa. The site is of global importance because of its biodiversity with rich and distinct flora and fauna: 37% of Socotra’s 825 plant species, 90% of reptiles, and 95% of non-external snail species present anywhere else in the world. The site also supports globally significant marine and terrestrial bird populations (192 bird species, 44 of which breed on the island while 85 are migratory), including several threatened species. . Socotra’s marine life is also very diverse, with 253 species of reef-building corals, 730 species of coastal fish and 300 species of crabs, lobsters and shrimp.

Accreditation year: 2008
Criteria: (x)
Area: 410,460 ha
Buffer zone: 1,740,958 ha

Table of Contents

Outstanding global value

Socotra is of global importance for biodiversity conservation because of its exceptionally rich and distinct flora and fauna. 37% plant species, 90% reptile species and 95% snail species in Socotra do not occur anywhere else in the world. Socotra is of particular importance to the biodiversity hotspot of the Horn of Africa and is one of the most diverse and richly biodiverse islands in the world, dubbed the “Galápagos of India”. Positive”.

Criterion (x): Biodiversity and threatened species: Socotra is of global importance for biodiversity conservation because of its exceptional levels of biodiversity and the endemicity of many biological groups. terrestrial and marine animals. Socotra is particularly important because of its plant diversity and contains 825 species of plants of which 307 (37%) are endemic. Socotra is of high importance for birds as highlighted by Birdlife International identifying 22 Important Bird Areas on Socotra. Socotra also supports significant global populations of other land and sea birds, including several threatened species. Extremely high levels of endemism occur in Socotra reptiles (34 species, 90% endemic) and land snails (96 species, 95% endemic). Socotra’s marine life is also very diverse, with 253 species of reef-forming corals,

Integrity

The site is of sufficient size to fully represent all the terrestrial and marine features and processes necessary for the long-term conservation of the archipelago’s rich and distinct biodiversity. The terrestrial nature reserves, national parks and areas of special botanical interest included in the property cover approximately 75% of the total land area. They protect all major vegetation types, areas of high flora and fauna value, and important bird areas. The marine nature reserves included in the property include the most important elements of marine biodiversity. Property integrity is further enhanced by land and sea buffer zones that are not part of the registered property.

Requirements for Protection and Management

All component areas of the property have legal protection; however, it is necessary to strengthen the legal framework, management and enforcement capacity. While the land’s terrestrial and marine habitats are generally in good condition, management planning needs to deal more effectively with current threats including roads, grazing and grazing. livestock and overexploitation of natural resources on land and at sea. Potential future threats include unsustainable tourism and invasive species. The impact of these threats on Socotra’s biodiversity needs to be closely monitored and minimized. A sustainable financial strategy is needed to secure the human and financial resources needed for long-term asset management. Appropriate linkages should be developed between asset management,