Four Reasons Why Socotra Island Is Dubbed the ‘Most Alien-Looking Place on Earth'

Four Fascinating Reasons Socotra Island Captivates the World

Thousands of places existed that many people didn’t know how to find on a map. One such place was Socotra, one of the world's last untouched island groups. Known as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, it was located off Yemen's coast and was home to unique flora and fauna. According to UNESCO, one-third of Socotra's 825 plant species, 90% of its reptiles, and 95% of its land snails were found nowhere else. German photographer Claudius Schulz shared his experience with CNN : "It blew my mind. It was incredibly amazing and other-worldly. The landscape was bizarre, with mountains, valleys that cut 600 meters into the landscape, moon-like desert plains, huge dunes, and endemic plants that were completely different from anything I’d seen." We explored some of its spots.

Realm of the Blood Dragon

The blood dragon tree, or Dracaena cinnabari , had a unique shape with its umbrella-like top and robust trunk. It was famous for its deep red sap, resembling dragon blood. This sap was collected as resin and used to dye fabrics, make incense, and in traditional medicine, as reported by the BBC . Dracaena cinnabari only grew on Socotra, an island off Yemen's coast, while other types of Dracaena trees could be found around the world. The tree’s unusual shape and striking sap made it one of the most notable features of this unique island.

The Socotra Desert Roses

The Socotra desert rose, or Adenium socotranum , was a unique species found only on the island of Socotra, according to The Atlantic . The plant had a bulging, bottle-shaped trunk that grew up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall. The trunk was robust, and at the top, it bore large, bright flowers that could be pink or red, creating a striking contrast with the gray trunk. Knewz.com further explored that on this remote island, the plant’s thick trunk allowed it to survive by storing gallons of water, helping it bloom even without rain. Additionally, the thick leaves were designed to conserve water."

The Serene Detwah Lagoon

Socotra's Detwah Lagoon was located on its western coast and was surrounded by beautiful white sand and clear blue water. However, it was not a beach; its tranquil environment made it perfect for relaxing, birdwatching, and snorkeling. The area had a campsite with toilets and showers where visitors could stay overnight. However, the site did not provide meal services, so tourists had to cook for themselves or ask guides for help, as reported by Condé Nast Traveller . Besides its serene beauty, Detwah Lagoon's vibrant waters support nearby coral reefs, providing a variety of marine life.

The Egyptian Vultures of Socotra

Socotra trees were often visited by the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), which had bright white feathers with black tips on its wings and a yellow face. These vultures were frequently seen either soaring high in the island’s sky or resting on cliffs, according to The Atlantic . Socotra's untouched and clean environment made it an ideal home for them. They mainly ate dead animals (carrion) but also consumed small mammals, reptiles, and eggs. Besides Egyptian vultures, tourists also spotted other rare animals on Socotra, including the Socotra fox (Vulpes socotrana), Socotra kestrel (Falco cherrug), Socotra bandicoot (Macroscelides micus), Socotra springhare (Pedetes capensis), and Socotra bunting (Emberiza socotrana).