🌳 Socotra Islanders

Socotra Islanders

Socotra islanders (~60,000) inhabit a biologically isolated island 380 km from Yemen with 37% endemic species including the iconic dragon's blood tree. They endure extreme isolation, cyclone exposure (Arabian Sea monsoons), water scarcity, harsh terrain, and political instability from Yemen's conflict. The island's 20-million-year isolation created an alien landscape. Traditional Soqotri language, goat herding, frankincense harvesting, and survival on Earth's most alien-looking inhabited island characterize this unique Arabian Sea culture.