Vegetation Ecology of Socotra [Paperback]

Although the unique flora of the Socotra Archipelago with its high degree of endemism has received much attention recently, little information is available on the vegetation and related ecological aspects. Based on their extensive field experience of the region, the authors have assimilated a vast amount of knowledge to produce this book, which gives a detailed insight into the plant ecology of Socotra, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008.The book is divided into seven chapters. After a brief introduction and overviews of important abiotic features, various aspects of the vascular flora are presented in Chapter 4, together with accounts of the bryophyte and lichen flora. Ecology and adaptive strategies of the plants are dealt with in Chapter 5, and Chapter 6 gives a concise description of the main vegetation units. Finally, important management issues of the vegetation are discussed, an essential topic to ensure preservation of the natural heritage of the archipelago.

This book gives a detailed insight into the plant ecology of Socotra, designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2003, and as a World Heritage Site in 2008. It includes comparisons with other islands from a biogeographical perspective.

Preface.- Acknowledgements.- 1. Introduction.- 2.- Topography, Climate and Soils.- 2.1. Introduction.- 2.2. Topography.- 2.3. Climate and weather patterns.- 2.4. Soils.- 3. Geology.- 3.1. Introduction.- 3.2. General geology and structure.- 3.3. Basement rocks.- 3.4. Triassic and Jurassic strata.- 3.5. Cretaceous strata.- 3.6. Tertiary strata.- 3.7. Quaternary deposits.- 3.8. Brief geology of the ancillary islands.- 3.9. Brief tectonic and climate history of the region.- 4. Flora and Biogeography.- 4.1. History of botanical exploration.- 4.2. Vascular plants.- 4.2.1. General attributes of the flora of Socotra.- 4.2.2. Characteristic distribution patterns.- 4.2.3. Endemism.- 4.2.3.1. Endemic taxa.- 4.2.3.2. Palaeoendemics and neoendeml³-