Top of the World
Today, it seems like most parts of the world are connected, thanks to technology. But there are still some very remote locations on our planet! We’ll learn more about one of those places today. We’re headed to an archipelago (chain of islands) in the Arabian Sea. Our destination? Socotra! Four islands make up Socotra. The nation is found off the easternmost part of the Horn of Africa. It’s about 155 miles northeast of Somalia. It’s part of Yemen and is about 210 miles southeast of that country’s mainland. One visit to Socotra would show you that it’s unlike any other place on Earth. What would you think an island in the Arabian Sea might look like? Beautiful, sandy beaches and palm trees might come to mind. However, the landscape of Socotra usually brings one word to mind: bizarre. Yes, there are sandy beaches. But Socotra’s 1,400 square miles is also full of large mountains, deep valleys, and limestone caves. The country is also home to desert plains with large sand dunes. Overall, its hot, dry climate makes for a harsh environment. The islands are full of native plants and animals unlike any others on the planet. Over one-third of Socotra’s 825 plant species can’t be found anywhere else. One of these is the rare dragon’s blood tree, which looks a bit like an umbrella. The island also hosts the giant succulent tree. Species of cucumber trees and pomegranates also grow there that are not found elsewhere. Most of the reptiles and land snails that live there are also special to the islands. Socotra is also home to many species of birds and marine life. However, you won’t find any native amphibians. There’s also only one native mammal: the bat. This diversity of life, along with Socotra’s natural beauty, led UNESCO to make Socotra a World Heritage Site in 2008.
