Socotra Island: Conservation Issues

Soqotra Island: Conservation Issues. (first draft, KVD Jan. 2004) Part I Eriosh, Hoq, Erher and the Soqotran Huris. Compiled in January 2004 by K. Van Damme, P. De Geest & J. Jansen Van Rensburg. F Soqotra, which would not be noted otherwise, are currently under threat and we would like to bring some issues to the attention. Other areas where changes form a threat to biodiversity, and sensitive groups such as molluscs, will be discussed in other reports. or millions of years, Soqotra has been an island. The whole was tilted and lifted by forces of nature, parts were inundated by seas, while the core remained. People came, as people do, settled, spoke a language of their own and found a way to live in harmony with their resources. Visitors came and went, as visitors do, and left traces behind. Soqotra is listed by WWF as one of the 200 most important areas for biodiversity (Ecoregion 126 in the Global 200). However, except for 3 species of birds, no species of the Soqotran fauna are included in the IUCN Red List, while a large number of them are truly endangered now. And now there’s a bridge. For the first time in history, Soqotra and its inhabitants have to find a way to cope with changes of this dimension and to incorporate them into a fragile equilibrium. Yemen, international partners and a large number of volunteers are working hard to make conservation and development walking at the same pace. But development is fast, especially for an island as old as Soqotra. We gladly offer our expertise and help to Yemen as scientists in issues concerning research and conservation on Soqotra Island. Little is needed to convince people of the uniqueness and richness of Soqotra’s natural history, as the island is a biodiversity hotspot and harbours a great deal of archaeological and cultural treasures, of which a considerate portion is studied little. Convincing people of the fragility of Soqotra’s unique ecosystems, is a hard task. Soqotra Island has more archaeological sites and a higher level of endemism than the Galapagos Islands, designated as a World Heritage Reserve* since 1978. Van Damme Kay (KVD), Biologist. Ghent University, Belgium. [email protected] Peter De Geest (PDG), Geologist. Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium [email protected] Julian Jansen van Rensburg (JJVR), Archaeologist. University of Southampton, United Kingdom. [email protected] Extinction of species or loss of historical remains would be disastrous to Soqotra in particular and to humanity in general. Parts of *http://whc.unesco.org/nwhc/pages/home/pa ges/homepage.htm. 1 I. ERIOSH Site 1. Description and locality Fig 1.1 Location of Eriosh on the northern coastal plain of Socotra Island. Coordinates of the site: 12°35’30,5160”N - 053°49’3,8280”E. Map modified by PDG. Eriosh (Iryosh) is located in the north of Soqotra, about 20 km southwest of the capital Hadiboh (Fig 1.1), in the coastal plain. It consists of a flat subhorizontal Doe (1992, p.54-57) describes the area as site 19: Iryosh (Eriosh), Rock Drawings. “Here are three oval-shaped sections of exposed pavement about 90 m long, each section slightly concave and forming a continuous level from east to west. Graffiti appear to occur only on the central section where there is evidence of low walling which appears to have extended only along the north side.”…At site 19 I found many grafitti and drawings pecked or carved on the flat surface of the stone, including drawings of outlines of feet, purely geometric shapes and animal and human forms...” (Fig. 1.2). Fig. 1.2a. Petroglyphs at Eriosh: animal (?) symbols. Photo PDG, Jan. 2004. calcrete (lithology under investigation) plain of approximately 10.000m² (1ha). The site is divided by the vegetation into smaller outcrops: the southern half of the central outcrop is decorated with an abundance of petroglyphs (Fig 1.2), while the northern half is covered by a layer of fine fluvial sediments. The latter can become wet in the rainy season, but dries up most of the year. Fig. 1.2b. Petroglyphs at Eriosh: animal shape Photo PDG, Jan. 2004. 2 2. Importance and Research Coastal Plain, the first area to be affected by future changes. 2.1. Biology A shallow ephemeral freshwater lake at Eriosh, investigated for the first time in 2003, is an important locality for large branchiopods (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) on the island. 2.2. Archaeology Besides its local importance for the identity and history of Soqotra, Eriosh harbours a most important aspect of our collective human memory. The importance of the petroglyphs at Eriosh (Figs. 1.2,1.4) is illustrated by Doe (1970, 1992) and Naumkin (1993). Interest in the site results from the fact that it is the most likely source of information to produce evidence for Soqotra’s early history and the origin of its people; at the same time, it can clarify issues on human migration and voyage patterns through the Indian Ocean during a period from which few literary sources are known. Eriosh is the only place on the Soqotra Archipelago where Triops cf. cancriformis (Fig 1.3a) is found (Van Damme & Dumont, in prep.), and one of three places where Branchipodopsis relictus (Fig 1.3b) 1 cm occurs, a recently described endemic Fig. 1.3a. Triops cf. anostracan (Van cancriformis, notostracan. Damme et al., Photo PDG, Jan 2003. 2004). Both are important species from a biogeographical point of view, as part of the study of the long-term history of the island: B. relictus forms a biogeographical link between the African and Asian species within the genus. Morphological and molecular analysis has shown that the animal is closely related to an ancestral stock, that gave rise to African and Asian congeners. These animals form drought-resistant resting eggs during seasonal desiccation of the pool, which hatch on wetting. The origin of the inscriptions is unclear, estimated by Botting (1958) as belonging to the sixth century, while Naumkin (1993) dated them to the second half of the first millennium BC: “...Data obtained from these may indicate that the Rafuq cemetery can be dated from the second half of the first millennium BC, and is very probable that graffiti discovered in the Eriosh area, which is to the east of the north coast settlement of Ghubba, are from the same period.” The script is believed similar to that observed by Bent (1897) at a church in the ancient Abyssinian capital Axum, while the symbolic crosses may provide evidence for the earliest Christian influence on the island and there are affinities with script found in Dhofar (Wellstedt, 1835). Although the significance, origin and age of the graffiti are not determined to date, it is assumed that Eriosh, with this unity of design and the constant recurrence of symbols, functioned as an important place for worship or pilgrimage. According to some, 1 cm Fig. 1.3b. Branchipodopsis relictus, a recently described endemic anostracan, found in Eriosh. Photo KVD, Jan 2003. For plants and terrestrial invertebrates, Eriosh is part of the unique Soqotran 3 it may represent a primitive map and an indication of ancient civilisation on Soqotra. No full-scale archaeological survey or record of the entire site has been made, and recording has been limited to the drawing, tracing and photographing of small areas. Fig 1.4. Petroglyphs at Eriosh. From Naumkin (1993), after Doe (1992). 3. Current threats Fig 1.5. The Deksam Road, cutting through the Eriosh Site. Photo PDG, Jan. 2004. The most important threats to Eriosh are anthropogenic in nature. Weathering by wind and rain have been present since the existence of the site and are to be considered in the long term. Construction of the Deksam Road, a southern branch of the Qalaansiyah-Hadiboh Road, started in 2003 and the road, 10 m wide, cuts through the Eriosh site (figs. 1.5-1.6); we estimate that at least 10% of the inscriptions is lost, and so is the shallow temporary lake (Fig. 1.6). Asfaltation of the road, started in January 2004, increased the frequency of jeeps driving besides it, on the site. Other parts are damaged by recent graffiti, and people cutting out stones. Furthermore, we fear that the road will bring along settlements and litter, as is currently the case along the northern road (Hadiboh Road), leading to loss of the site within the decade if no action is taken soon. 4 4. Suggestions We propose the following measures to be taken: - The site should be protected against short-term destruction of anthropogenic nature, as listed above. This can be done by means of the presence of authority or a fence (less effective), and should prevent people from driving or walking on the site, vandalism, littering, or constructing buildings. - We would recommend an informative sign for tourists, to increase public awareness. An archaeological trip, including Hoq and Eriosh can be made part of the current eco-touristic visits, for a small entrance fee to cover conservation expenses. Visitors should be made aware of the value and fragility by a local guide, which can be trained by the research team. Also for tourists, walking on the site should be kept to a minimum. - An archaeological research team, existing of national (Yemeni) and international experts, could be selected and assembled in order to investigate and monitor the Eriosh site. The entire area of inscriptions should be surveyed and placed in the context of Soqotra’s history, while referring to African and Arabian history. This research team should provide feedback to the EPA and SCDP in matters on conservation and monitoring. - benefits for the local community should be discussed Fig 1.6a (up). Eriosh Site in January 2003 (compare with Figs. 1.5 and 1.7). Photo by KVD. Fig 6b (left). Same site in January 2004, showing tire tracks of jeeps driving off the road. Photo by JJVR. 5 II. HOQ Cave 1. Description and locality Fig 2.1. Location of Hoq in northeastern Soqotra. Coordinates: 12°35’11,58”N - 054°21’15,44”E. Map modified by PDG. Hoq Cave, an approximately 3km long karstic system, is situated in the northeastern limestone cliffs, facing the sea. It consists of a main gallery with orientation WNW-ESE, a mean width and height of respectively 50m and 20m, and two side galleries oriented WSW-ENE. An abundance of secondary cave deposits like stalagmites, stalactites, draperies, columns, a considerable number of archaeological remains and endemic troglobionts, make this cave truly exceptional. UNDP-GEF expedition in 1999, Phrychinus heurtaultae was found, one of the 2. Importance and Research 2.1. Biology Because of the warm, humid conditions in the cave, constant since its formation, it provides a habitat where a lot of Soqotran endemics are found. These animals are not only important from a biodiversity perspective, but from biogeographical and evolutionary perspective as well. 1cm Hoq Cave is the type locality of several invertebrates: among the Whip Scorpions, recently described by Weygoldt & Pohl (2002) on specimens discovered during the Fig 2.2. Hoq is the type locality of Phrychinus heurtaultae, a large Whip Scorpion (Amblypygii) endemic to Socotra Island, discovered in 1999. Photo KVD, Jan 2004. 6 largest invertebrates on the island (Fig. 2.2). Also Charinus soqotranus, a smaller relative, has been described first from Hoq. Isopods (Taiti & Ferrara, 2004) are represented by Paradoniscus degeesti (Fig 2.3), restricted to freshwater pools inside the cave; several other terrestrial endemic cave inhabitants are found: Serendibia vagans, Serendibia filiformis, Niambia septentrionalis and Dioscoridillo cavicolus. The copepods are represented by Bryocyclops soqotraensis, a stygobiont only found in freshwater pools inside Hoq, in the first 450 m of the cave (Mirabdullaev, Van Damme & Dumont, 2002). importance lies in the information the cave can give us on early seafaring routes through the Indian Ocean during ancient times. In 2001, R. Debbaut of the Soqotra Karst Project Team (SKP1-Expedition) discovered a wooden tablet from a Palmyrian merchant, dated by Dridi & Gorea (2003) to 258 AD. There are also ca. 50 fragile enigmatic inscriptions, made by the first visitors with the use of mud, calcite or charcoal in different archaic languages (Pre-Indian, Pre-Arabian, Ethiopian, Syriac), and well-preserved pottery (Fig 2.5). All of this still needs to be investigated in detail. From a biological point of view, Hoq is an island on itself, a designated area with a stable habitat and a large number of endemics still to be discovered. The tablet, together with an important number of scripts and pottery in the cave, provide a rich tapestry of evidence for Arabian and Indian involvement in Soqotra, and is therefore important for the history and ancient trade routes of the Arabian world. At a given point in time, this cave was a most important place for merchants, but the reason why, remains a mystery. Hoq has a lot to tell about the history of Yemen, while also providing vital evidence for Arab expansion and commerce in the Indian Ocean, trades which affected the rest of the world. However, this implies protection of the cave, careful analysis, recording, Fig 2.3. Paradoniscus degeesti, an isopod only found in Hoq Cave. Photo ST, 2003. After Taiti & Ferrara (2004). 2.2. Archaeology From a historical perspective, Hoq is originally an extremely well preserved archaeological site, tracing Soqotra’s history back to the 2nd century AD. Its Fig 2.5. Ancient pottery in Hoq Cave. Photo PDG, Jan. 2003. interpretation and publication of all archaeological remains (see under Suggestions). Fig 2.4. Ancient drawings on the cave walls in Hoq. Photo PDG, Jan. 2003. 7 2003), which is important for the understanding of changes in the tropics and temperate climate regions during the Quaternary. 2.3. Geology and Climatology Hoq Cave yields an enormous variety of spectacular secondary cave deposits. The mineralogical and geo-chemical value of these fragile formations, which need to be described in detail, is very important. The peculiar cave microclimate (high humidity and small temperature variations) assist in the creation of special concretions, unique in the world. The relation between the actual climate outside the cave and the interaction with calcite deposition inside is vital for the interpretation of the archived paleo-proxies. Climate conditions of the last thousands of years on Soqotra, under study by PDG, are “captured” by the oxygen isotopic composition of calcite formations like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, united under the term “speleothems”. These are petrified archives of past climatic changes, currently studied worldwide. In general, caves in Soqotra have proven useful for the study of events in the Indian Ocean monsoon throughout history (Burns et al., The speleothem variations inside this cave system also make it a truly unique place. Some of these formations are still growing, others are relicts of ancient wet times, which can give us a high resolution record of the monsoon variability and regional climatic changes over at least the last 350.000years (350ka). This research implies the study of stable and radioactive isotope concentrations and other geochemical properties in the speleothems, and is carried out at the VUB (PhD De Geest, 2003-2006). 2.4. Ecotourism Hoq Cave, once protected and managed, could become one of the most important touristic assets of the island. However, because of its value to science and archaeology, the coordination of visits is essential, as non-regulated tourism forms a strong anthropogenic threat to a system as vulnerable as Hoq (see under Current threats). Besides this report, no studies are made to assess the impact of a large number of visitors. The SKP-team constructed a pathway to separate the areas for visitors from the rest. Fig. 2.5. Speleothem research in Hoq Cave. Photo by PDG, 2003. 8 inside the cave, reaching the water basin (halfway). One of the major problems is straying off the path by visitors, resulting in the damage listed earlier. We propose the following measures to be taken, similar to those in Eriosh: 3. Current threats Since a few years, the easily accessible Hoq Cave suffered severely from anthropogenic disturbance. It has become one of the major curiosities on the island, and small groups of tourists joined by local guides, enter the cave and stray off the designated path. Vandalism by less careful visitors, is recognizable in previously pristine areas. The damage to archaeological remains is quite serious: some of the unstudied ancient pottery is either missing, visibly destroyed, or displaced. Some of the most important archaeological features are gone, or displaced. Any place with microclimatic conditions other than the original (in which they were kept for over a thousand years), will cause their destruction if no special handling is done by specialists in order to conserve the wood or pottery. Recent graffiti spoils the ancient scripts on the cave walls, of which parts are gone as well. The graffiti extends on the stalagmites, draperies, and other geological formations. - Hoq, like Eriosh, should be protected against further damage. This can be done by constructing a low-cost fence inside the cave, which would protect the sensitive areas, and refinement of the walking path. Detailed plans are available with P. De Geest. - An informative sign for tourists (“visitor information panel”) can be installed at sea level, to increase public awareness. Visitors should pay a fixed entrance fee, to cover small conservation expenses. be made aware of the value and fragility of the cave by a local guide, which can be trained by the research team. Also for tourists, walking in the cave should be kept to a minimum. - Only a limited number of trained guides should be allowed to the cave, and groups of visitors should be limited. The SKP-team is willing to train local guides and learn them to use the necessary equipment (light). Also, local communities should be informed about the value of the cave and the surrounding area. - An archaeological research team, existing of national –Yemeni- and international experts, could be selected and assembled in order to investigate and monitor the Hoq (see Eriosh). In many locations, pieces of broken speleothems lie beside the path, and it is clear that parts are taken out as souvenirs. Footprints can be seen in areas outside the delimited walking path, causing destruction of fine geological concretions and disturbance of the unique fauna. The damage continues at this moment. 4. Suggestions The EPA, SCDP, SKP-team and the Dpt. of Archaeology of Sana’a University conducted several meetings in coordination with the local communities, to discuss possible protection measures of Hoq Cave. The SKP-team installed a walking pathway 9 III. Erher Cave 1. Description and locality Fig 3.1. Location of Erher Cave in northeastern Soqotra. Coordinates: 12°33’0,54”N - 54°27’35,64”E). Map modified by PDG. Erher Cave, situated east from Hoq, was discovered by R. Debbaut (SKP-team) in January 2003. It is a 800m long active to semi-active karstic system situated at the NE coast of Soqotra (Fig 3.1). The main gallery is about 500m in length, oriented EW, which contains crystalline stagnant pools. A side gallery of about 300m from the entrance is oriented south and ends on a waterfall with a height of about 12m, originating from water seeping through the limestone on the Homhill plateau. 2. Importance and Research 2.1. Biology interpretation of evolutionary adaptations within each taxon. Further research is ongoing. Erher Cave is another island within the island, with its own set of endemics. Recently discovered species (Van Damme & Fransen, 2004; Messana & Van Damme, 2004) are under investigation (Fig 3.2) by KVD in collaboration with researchers from Italy and The Netherlands. The preliminary results prove these animals to be relic species, most important to the geological history of Soqotra and the Fig 3.2. New species of cave isopods, only found in Erher Cave. Photo PDG & KVD, Jan 2003. 1 cm . 2.2. Hydrology and climatology Being an active cave system, Erher gives provides direct information on the hydrogeological functioning of karstic systems on Soqotra island. Information about paleo-drainage, possibly related with climate changes, can be investigated here. Erher Cave also harbours the largest fresh water supply in the NE coast of Soqotra. The socio-economic changes for the 10 freshwater on Soqotra, construction of the reservoir (Fig 3.3b) is a positive evolution (Fig 3.3e). However, since the waterfall is not active throughout the year, care should be taken in the draining of other water resources inside the cave (see Suggestions). nearby fishing communities resulting from the discovery in 2003 are considerable. Soon after the discovery of the vast resources in Erher, a catchment was installed (Figs. 3.3a,c) to provide the population of Erisel (ca 600 people) with water. Because of the scarcity of 3a 3b 3c 3d 3d Fig. 3.3. Erher Cave as freshwater supply for Erisel. Photos PDG and KVD, 2004. Fig. 3.3a. Collection device. Fig. 3.3b. Water reservoir at Erisel, 15km from Erher. Fig. 3.3c. Pipes inside Erher. Fig. 3.3d. Entrance of Erher Cave, showing litter and three tubes, of which only one is functional. Fig. 3.3e. New garden in Erisel. 3e 11 3. Current threats wood, bottles, etc. This, in combination with the draining of stagnant pools, has resulted in quasi extinction of two of the most important freshwater endemics in Erher (Fig. 3.4). Erher cave suffered considerable damage during construction of the water catchment. In 2004, we collected 6 batteries, two cans with motor oil and 5 plastic water bottles from the cave, and there is still a lot of liter left behind: clothes, plastic, bolds, New species # 1. January 2003 New species # 2. 4a January 2004 4b New species # 1. January 2004 4c New species # 2. Fig 3.4. Impact of the catchment construction on the freshwater fauna. Fig. 3.4a. In January 2003, two new species were present in 5-6 localities in the cave. Fig. 3.4b. Draining of the pools in January 2004. Fig. 3.4c. Habitat loss in the first 1/3d of the cave has limited the species distribution to only one (species 2) or two localities (species 1). 12 During the exploration of Erher in January 2003, crystalline freshwater pools could be found throughout the cave (Fig. 3.4a). An impact study was prepared before water works began, with guidelines to minimize disturbance. This year, however, as a result of the drainage, four of the pools are dry, and the cave is severely polluted. The stagnant pool near the end of the cave (Fig 3.4b), 6m deep, was pumped out completely. The drainage of water only has sense in continuously replenished water resources, not in stagnant pools or lakes with a unique fauna. Three water pipes lead into the cave (Fig 3.4d), one of which connects to the water reservoir at Erisel. The two others have no apparent function. Inside, there are large segments of tube left behind, and one pipe starts and stops inside the cave. The whole system is severely disturbed, with the exception of the pristine terminal lake (Fig 3.4c), which still harbours the endemic freshwater animals. It is clear that the stenasellid isopod (Fig 3.2) is sensitive to the disturbance, and is close to extinction (Fig 3.4c), restricted to one locality. 4. Suggestions waterpools and small lakes, once empty, cannot be refilled completely. However, also the waterfall, which is not active throughout the year, should be handled with care. Overexploitation will lead to drainage of the source. We proposed (impact study 2004) only 1/3 of the waterfall to be tapped. The impact study prepared in Jan 2003, contained guidelines towards minimal disturbance of the cave: placing of the pipes at the eastern wall, no littering and no draining of the stagnant pools. The results of 2004 were predicted. These suggestions are a repetition of what we prepared and discussed then. - A team of volunteers could remove the remaining litter and the nonfunctional pipes from the cave, to allow restoration of the system. All recent human traces should be removed. - We do not believe that Erher Cave is suitable for eco-tourism. Besides the difficult terrain inside, the locality is too sensitive and too disturbed already. - Only continuously replenished water sources, like the waterfall, should be tapped, as the stagnant 13 - The terminal lake should not be accessed. - The water resources in Erher derive from the Homhill Plateau, so pollution or land use will affect the Erher water and the Erisel community, therefore also care should be taken with the freshwater resources up on Homhill. IV. Socotran Huris 1. Location Although no complete inventory has been made yet, the Soqotran Huris are found along the coastline, in villages (Erisel, Diham) and towns (Hadiboh). 2. Importance and Research Boats have been of immense importance to the social and economic lives of countless communities throughout the world and have also facilitated the spread of the Islam from the eighth century (Tibbets, 1971; Hourani, 1995). Boats have provided more information on technologies and social political change than any other artefact and therefore provide us with links to various cultures and their interactions. local culture and tradition but will assist, through comparative studies, in identifying the various maritime links Soqotra had in the past. The boats show links with Arabia and East Africa through some of the technologies employed in the manufacture, yet there is a myriad of things that need recording, to gain a clearer picture of traditional and cultural change in Soqotra and its links to Arabia, Asia and Africa. The Huri’s of Soqotra (Fig 4.1) are more than just objects in their own right but also reflect wider society and offer insight into culture and traditions that have spanned the entire Indian Ocean. Through recording these Huri’s will not only help to identify This research is currently being conducted by JJVR, at the University of Southampton, UK. Fig 4.1. Huri skeleton near Hawlaf Port, Socotra. Photo KVD, Jan 2004. 14 3. Threats gradually being broken up and lost. With the fast changes in the coastal plain, there is a good chance that most of the Huris will disappear from the landscape. With the introduction of plastic boats (Fig 4.2) in the 1980’s, the Huri went into a slow but steady decline; to date there are very few Huris in use while the remaining ones litter the shores of Soqotra (Fig 4.1), Fig 4.2. Modern boats have replaced the original Huris, in use on Socotra since millennia. Photo KVD, Jan. 2004 (Noged Plain). 4. Suggestions Effort is needed to prevent the Huris from disappearing. - fishermen should be made aware of the value of their Huris, so the protection can be done on a local level. - one sample of each (2) type could be kept in a museum for visitors, with a small information panel, on Huris as part of the cultural heritage of the island. 15 Concluding Remarks Eriosh, Hoq and Erher illustrate the effects of a time lapse between development and conservation on a vulnerable island like Soqotra. Fundamental research on valuable archaeological sites and is limited, and would help preserve Soqotra’s heritage by estimating their historical value. Currently, archaeological sites have no specific protection on Soqotra. place. On biodiversity of invertebrates in Soqotra, still a lot of work needs to be done. Islands have higher extinction rates than continents (Fig 5.1), and once the carrying capacity of an island is reached, the endemic fauna is quickly lost. In Soqotra, construction of roads is currently the main factor for fragmentation of the landscape. Further habitat destruction results from an increase in residential and agricultural areas, inevitable consequences of development, which have an immediate negative impact on economy. Soqotra would benefit most from regulated ecotourism (limited number of visitors in a limited period of time) and development when both proceed in consultation with conservation. For biodiversity, it is well known that habitat destruction, modification and fragmentation are the most serious threats biological diversity, accounting for 36% of extinctions worldwide (World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 1992). As stated in the introduction, Soqotra has a higher level of endemism than the Galapagos: of the 80 oceanic islands in the world, Soqotra takes in a respectful 10th 100 90 80 70 60 Islands Continents 50 40 30 20 10 16 00 -1 16 62 30 9 -1 16 65 60 9 -1 16 68 90 9 -1 17 71 20 9 -1 17 74 50 9 -1 17 77 80 9 -1 18 80 10 9 -1 18 83 40 9 -1 18 86 70 9 -1 19 89 00 9 -1 19 92 30 9 -1 95 9 19 60 no da te 0 Fig 5.1. Time series of animal extinctions on islands and continents, which clearly illustrates that islands are more sensitive to anthropogenic influence than continents. Data after World Conservation Monitoring Centre (1992). 16 Selected References Bent, J. T. 1897. The Island of Socotra. Nineteenth Century 41: 975- 992. Beyley Balfour, I. B.1881. On the island of Sokotra. British Association. Botting, D.S., 1958. Island of the Dragon's Blood. pp 251. London: Hodder and Stoughton. Burns et al. De Geest, P., 2003. The Underground Mysteries of Soqotra Revealed. Joined meeting of the British-Yemeni Socoiety, the Society for Arabian Studies and the Centre for Near and Middle Eastern Studies. School for Oriental & African Studies, University of London, London, England, 2003. (Oral communication abstract) De Geest, P., S. Verheyden & E. Keppens, 2002. Explorative karstological research on the island Soqotra (Yemen). Journées 2002 de Spéléologie Scientifique, Ferme du Dry Hamptay Han-sur-Lesse, Belgique, 2002. (Poster abstract) Doe, D.B., 1970. Socotra. An archaelogical reconaissance in 1967. Eds.: H. Field & E.M. Laird. Coconut Grove, Florida: Field Research Projects. Doe, B. (1992). Socotra: Island of tranquility. London: Immel Publishing Limited. Dridi H. & Gorea M., 2003. Yémen: au IIIe siècle après J.-C., le voyage d’Agbar à Suqutra. Archéologia, 396 :48-57. World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 1992. Global Biodiversity: Status of the earth’s living resources. Groombridge B. (ed). Chapman & Hall, London. xx + 594 pp. Hourani, G. F.1995. Arab Seafaring in the Indian Ocean in Ancient and Early Medieval Times. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Messana, G. & K. Van Damme, 2004. New stenasellid isopods from caves in Socotra Island. In prep. Mirabdullaev I., K. Van Damme & H.J. Dumont, 2002. Freshwater cyclopoids (Crustacea: Copepoda) from the Socotra Archipelago, Yemen, with description of a new species of Bryocyclops. Fauna of Arabia 19: 261-271. Naumkin, V.V., 1993. Island of the Phoenix. An ethnographic study of the people of Socotra. Translated from the Russian by Valery A. Epstein. Ithaca Press Middle East Cultures Series. (16). Ithaca Press. pp 421. Taiti S. & F. Ferrara, 2004. The terrestrial Isopoda (Crustacea: Oniscidea) of the Socotra Archipelago. - Fauna of Arabia 20 (in press, Feb 2004). 17 Tibbets, G. R., 1971. Arab Navigation in the Indian Ocean before the coming of the Portuguese. London: Royal Asiatic Society. Van Damme, K. & H.J. Dumont, 2004. Branchiopoda (Crustacea) of Socotra Island. In prep. Van Damme, Weekers & Dumont, 2004. Anostraca (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) from Socotra Island: A new Branchipodopsis and its relationship with its African and Asian congeners. Fauna of Arabia 20 (in press, Feb. 2004). Weygoldt, P. & H. Pohl, 2002. Arabian whip spiders: four new species of the genera Charinus and Phrynichus (Chelicerata: Amblypygi) from Oman and Socotra. Fauna of Arabia, 19: 289-309. Wellsted J.R., 1835. Memoir on the Island of Socotra, Journal of the Royal Geographical Society, V, London, 129-219. Note: This report is for scientific and conservation purposes only. No parts may be reproduced without consultation of the authors. Cover Photo: coastal road Hadiboh-Hawlaf, KVD, Jan. 2004. All rights reserved. 18