The island's uniqueness should be the gateway for environmental tourism in Yemen. The long isolation of the islands from the African continent has resulted in very high levels of endemism on the islands. Of the 850 plant species found in the islands, at least 277 are endemic. 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 .