The higher terrestrial plants have been best studied, yet new species keep being discovered. Animal groups stand out by the presence of numerous endemics, including birds. Many species remain to be discovered. These facts reflect the long geological isolation of the islands. Animal groups that managed to survive on the islands stand out by the presence of numerous endemics, including birds.
Many groups remain to be discovered, especially in the marine fauna.
Ancient Greeks called it Dioscorida. One ancient Greek dialect gave it the names Fia-Soqa'tra and Soqater . Hadibu, the largest town on Socotra, is home to several thousand people. The Archipelago consists of Socotra and three outlying islands, Abd al-Kuri, Samha and Darsa. Bounded to the north and south by the deep waters of the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, the seas immediately around these islands are very shallow, with depths of as little as 40m recorded 50km south of Socotra, and 20km to the north.