On the windswept plateau of Socotra, a Yemeni island in the Arabian Sea, Sena Keybani tenderly cares for a young dragon’s blood tree sapling protected by a makeshift fence. The species, found only on Socotra, is struggling to survive due to intensifying threats from climate change. “Seeing the trees die, it’s like losing one of your babies,” said Keybani, whose family runs a nursery dedicated to preserving the species.
The dragon’s blood tree, known for its distinctive mushroom-shaped canopy and blood-red sap, is a pillar of Socotra’s ecosystem. The trees capture fog and rain, channeling it into the soil, allowing neighboring plants to thrive in the arid climate. According to Kay Van Damme, a Belgian conservation biologist, “When you lose the trees, you lose everything — the soil, the water, the entire ecosystem.” Without intervention, scientists warn these trees could disappear within a few centuries.
The frequency of severe cyclones has increased dramatically across the Arabian Sea, and Socotra’s dragon’s blood trees are paying the price. In 2015 and 2018, devastating cyclones uprooted thousands of trees, including centuries-old specimens. Additionally, invasive goats devour saplings, preventing regeneration. “The majority of forests that have been surveyed are what we call over-mature — there are no young trees, there are no seedlings,” said Alan Forrest, a biodiversity scientist. Conservation efforts, such as protected nurseries, are critical to the species’ survival.
Yemen’s ongoing civil war complicates conservation efforts, with policymakers focused on stabilizing the country and ensuring essential services. According to Abdulrahman Al-Eryani, an advisor with Gulf State Analytics, “The Yemeni government has 99 problems right now… Addressing climate issues would be a luxury.” Local resources are scarce, and funding for sturdier nurseries and conservation initiatives is desperately needed.
The dragon’s blood tree forests attract around 5,000 tourists annually, generating income for islanders. Mubarak Kopi, Socotra’s head of tourism, said, “With the income we receive from tourism, we live better than those on the mainland.” If the trees were to disappear, the industry that sustains many islanders could vanish with them. Sami Mubarak, an ecotourism guide, emphasized the need for the local authority and national government to prioritize conservation, stating, “Right now, there are only a few small environmental projects — it’s not enough.”