Socotra Island Latest News
Hundreds of tourists are stuck on the Yemeni island of Socotra after flights were grounded over clashes on the mainland.
About Socotra Island
- It is an island in the Indian Ocean about 340 km southeast of Yemen, to which it belongs.
- The largest of several islands extending eastward from the Horn of Africa, Socotra has an area of about 3,600 sq.km.
- The Hajhir Mountains occupy Socotra’s interior, whereas narrow coastal plains lie in the north and a broader plain in the south.
- To the southwest and west are the smaller islands of Samḥah and Darzah, called al-Ikhwān (“the Brothers”), and ʿAbd al-Kūrī, all of which also belong to Yemen.
- The island has a total population of around 70,000 people who speak their Socotri language.
- Apart from the main town of Hadibo, there exists little infrastructure on the island.
- It broke off from the Arabian Peninsula some 80 million years ago and is often called the "Galápagos of the Indian Ocean."
- Socotra is a treasure trove of endemic flora and fauna, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth.
- For example: 37% of Socotra’s 825 plant species, 90% of its reptile species, and 95% of its land snail species do not occur anywhere else in the world.
- In 2008, Socotra was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Source: ET
Socotra Island FAQs
Q1: Where is Socotra Island located?
Ans: It is located in the Indian Ocean about 340 km southeast of Yemen.
Q2: To which country does Socotra Island belong?
Ans: Socotra belongs to Yemen.
Q3: Which mountain range occupies the interior of Socotra?
Ans: The Hajhir Mountains occupy the interior of Socotra.
Q4: What nickname is given to Socotra due to its unique biodiversity?
Ans: It is called the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean.”
Q5: Why is Socotra considered a biodiversity hotspot?
Ans: Because it has high levels of endemic flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.
