Socotra Archipelago - a lifeboat in the sea of changes: advancement in Socotran insect biodiversity survey

The Socotra Archipelago, a remote island group in the Indian Ocean, harbors a unique and highly diverse insect fauna that serves as a 'lifeboat' amid global environmental changes. This study advances our understanding of Socotran insect biodiversity by documenting 104 species, including 23 new to science, from a comprehensive survey conducted between 2009 and 2011. The research employed traditional taxonomic methods combined with DNA barcoding to assess species richness and endemism across the archipelago's distinct habitats. Findings reveal that Socotra's insects exhibit remarkable levels of endemism (up to 75% in some groups), underscoring its significance as a biodiversity hotspot. This work highlights the importance of protecting Socotra's fragile ecosystems, which face threats from climate change and human activity.

Batelka, J. (2012). Socotra Archipelago - a lifeboat in the sea of changes: advancement in Socotran insect biodiversity survey. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.5334090