Socotra Governorate

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Socotra Governorate, officially the Socotra Archipelago Governorate, is a Yemeni province in the Indian Ocean. It is made up of four large islands—Socotra, Abd al Kuri, Samhah, and Darsah—and three small rocky islets. The archipelago lies off the southeast coast of Yemen and east of the Horn of Africa. The largest island, Socotra, hosts the Hajhir Mountains.

Geography and climate
The islands are mostly limestone and have a hot, dry climate. Most rain falls in the winter due to the northeast monsoon, while the southwest monsoon brings drier air in the summer. The mountains get more moisture from sea fog and orographic rain, with up to about 1000 mm a year at higher elevations. Rivers and streams are found mainly in the mountains.

Administration and population
Hadibu is the capital. The governorate has two districts: Hadibu (east) and Qulansiyah wa Abd al-Kūrī (west). The population was about 44,670 in 2004. Socotra became its own governorate in December 2013, separating from Hadhramaut.

History and politics
Historically, Socotra was part of various states and colonial administrations before becoming part of Yemen. In 2018, the United Arab Emirates and later Saudi forces were deployed on the island as part of the Yemen conflict. In 2020, the Southern Transitional Council took control of the archipelago and held it for several years.

UNESCO World Heritage
In 2008, the Socotra Archipelago was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary biodiversity and unique ecosystems.

Biodiversity and natural life
Socotra is renowned for its high level of species endemism. About 307 of its roughly 825 plant species are unique to the archipelago. Famous residents include the dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari), which has red sap once believed to be dragon’s blood. Other notable endemic plants are Dorstenia gigas, Dendrosicyos socotranus, Punica protopunica, Aloe perryi, and Boswellia socotrana.

The islands host many endemic animals as well. Birds such as the Socotra starling, Socotra sunbird, Socotra bunting, Socotra cisticola, Socotra sparrow, Socotra golden-winged grosbeak, and the Socotra warbler are found only here. Reptiles are highly diverse, with many species unique to Socotra; there is also a single endemic bat (and no native amphibians). Coral reefs around the islands are rich in life, contributing to the archipelago’s remarkable natural heritage. Human activities, especially goats and other introduced animals, threaten many native species.