Socotra Archipelago, Somalia

These islands are located approximately 200 km east of Cape Somalia and southeast of Yemen, near the Gulf of Aden and adjacent to the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean. The total protection area covers 4,104 km². The archipelago is 250 km long and consists of four large islands and two smaller islands. The diverse and unique flora and fauna of the islands add value to its biodiversity; 37% of the 825 plant species, 90% of the reptiles, and 95% of the snail species have not been found in other parts of the world. The heritage site supports the most important land birds and seabirds in the world, including many endangered birds. The Socotra Archipelago also has abundant marine resources, including 253 species of reef-building corals, 730 species of coastal fish, and 300 types of crabs, lobsters and shrimps.