Socotra Archipelago – a lifeboat in the sea of changes: advancement in Socotran insect biodiversity survey

Pages

1-26

Citation

BATELKA, Jan. Socotra Archipelago – a lifeboat in the sea of changes: advancement in Socotran insect biodiversity survey. Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae. Prague: National Museum, 2012, 52, 1-26. ISSN 0374-1036 (print) 1804-6487 (online). Also available from: https://www.nm.cz/en/periodicals/aemnp/52-sppl2/socotra-archipelago-a-lifeboat-in-the-sea-of-changes-advancement-in-socotran-insect-biodiversity-survey

Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae | 2012/52/sppl2

Nature conditions in the Socotra Archipelago are briefly summarised, main factors contributing to the composition and diversity of the insect fauna, i.e. geological history, geographic position, geomorphology, climatic conditions and plant diversity, are circumscribed. Results of the Socotran invertebrate biodiversity research are reviewed, the first annotated list of 40 insect genera and subgenera endemic to the Socotra Archipelago is provided. Recorded high level of endemism in the Socotra Island is in accordance with the estimated geological age and continuous stability of its ecosystem. Brief comparison of biodiversity in Socotra and Seychelles Islands – both granitic archipelagos of Gondwanan origin in the West Indian Ocean – is performed. Difference in composition of insect fauna in Socotra and allied Abd el Kuri Island is commented. Main threats and conservation issues concerning the fragile Socotran ecosystem are summarised, and examples of possible consequences for insect fauna are given. Based on comparison of scarce outputs and research activities concerning the Socotran insect fauna so far with the number of those elaborated for other countries/islands, establishing of a long-term insect survey is recommended.