Many people have labeled the island of Socotra an “alien” and mysterious land.

Socotra is a small island group of the Republic of Yemen. Many people have called these islands “alien” and mysterious lands. The interior is a barren, mountainous landscape with plateaus at various elevations and unique and sparse bushes, and is home to about 60,000 people, according to AZ Animals.

According to UNESCO, the site is globally significant due to its biodiversity, which includes a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is said that 37% of Socotra’s 825 plant species, 90% of reptiles and 95% of land snails are unique to the island. The place faces extreme heat and heavy flooding. Flora and fauna adapted to the weather and these factors, combined with isolation, led to strange evolution.

Socotra developed on its own more than 25 million years ago, while the rest of the planet remained partially attached. On an island with limestone plateaus, arid mountains and coastal plains, according to AZ Animals. Seeds, birds and insects carried by the wind have taken up residence on this island. These evolved into alien plants and animals without any outside influence.

The isolation has led to some strange-looking life and geology on Socotra, which is set in an arid landscape. At least 192 bird species are present on the island, of which 44 breed on it while 85 are permanent migrants, including several threatened species. Socotra’s marine ecosystem is also very diverse with 253 species of reef-building corals, 730 species of coastal fish and 300 species of crabs, lobsters, and shrimps.

Socotra warbler, Socotra warbler, ghost crab, Socotra limestone crab, Socotra cormorant, Socotra sunbird, Egyptian vulture and loggerhead turtle are some of the rare animals found here. According to AZ Animals, Socotra pomegranates, agarwood, various types of aloe vera, giant succulents, dragon’s blood plants, cucumber plants and myrrh plants are some of the popular plants on the island.

The Dragon’s Blood Tree, an umbrella-like tree that stretches across the landscape, is quite a famous landmark on the island and plays a huge role in giving the island its exotic appearance. The tree is the source of the red resin used in traditional medicines and dyes. The tree is endemic and some species are 300 years old.