Surfbirds News

In the statement which accompanied the announcement, UNESCO explained that Socotra is of universal importance because of its rich and distinct flora and fauna and high level of endemism.

Socotra Cormorant © Mike Watson, Birdquest, from the surfbirds galleries

"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. The site also supports globally significant populations of land and sea birds (192 bird species, 44 of which breed on the islands while 85 are regular migrants), including a number of threatened species." Globally threatened species include Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis.

Bird species restricted to Socotra include the near-threatened Island Cisticola Cisticola haesitata, Socotra Warbler Incana incana, Socotra Starling Onychognathus frater, Socotra Sunbird Nectarinia balfouri, the Vulnerable Socotra Bunting Emberiza socotrana. Also only found on the island is the Socotra Grosbeak Rhynchostruthus socotranus, part of the complex of species which Yemen recently appointed as its national bird, the Golden-winged Grosbeak. A further 11 subspecies are endemic to the island. Surveys by BirdLife and SCDP have shown that all have healthy populations.

"This is an important step on the way to developing Socotra sustainably, with benefits for both the population of the island and its biodiversity," said Yemen's Environment Minister Abdul-Rahman al-Iryani, who opposes plans by other ministries for damaging road developments on the island. The minister believes that eco-tourism will make an important contribution to Socotra's economy.

This designation is a culmination of the process which began when Socotra was declared a UNESCO Man and Biosphere reserve in 2003.

"Socotra's rich biodiversity and endemism is now recognised at the highest level," said Ibrahim Al-Khader, Head of BirdLife Middle East.