World Heritage Identification Number: 1263
World Heritage since: 2008
Category: Natural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇾🇪 Yemen
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Arab States
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Socotra Archipelago: A Biodiverse Island Haven
The Socotra Archipelago, a remote collection of islands located in the northeast Indian Ocean, is a unique and captivating destination that offers an unparalleled glimpse into the wonders of Earth's natural diversity. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, this archipelago is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, boasting an array of rare and endemic flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Socotra Archipelago, in the northwest Indian Ocean near the Gulf of Aden, is 250 km long and comprises four islands and two rocky islets which appear as a prolongation of the Horn of Africa. The site is of universal importance because of its biodiversity with rich and distinct flora and fauna: 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. The marine life of Socotra is also very diverse, with 253 species of reef-building corals, 730 species of coastal fish and 300 species of crab, lobster and shrimp.
Encyclopedia Record: Socotra Governorate
The Socotra Archipelago, officially the Socotra Archipelago Governorate, abbreviated to Socotra Governorate, is one of the governorates of Yemen. It includes a number of islands in the Indian Ocean south of mainland Yemen, the largest of which is Socotra.Additional Site Details
Area: 410,460 hectares
Coordinates: 12.5 , 53.8333333333
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