Isolated in the Arabian Sea, the four islands of Yemen’s Socotra contains natural scenery unlike any other place, literally. At least 700 species of plants and animals are exclusively found in this World Heritage Site (inscribed in 2004), and the abundance of biodiversity is spread across 1,466 square miles of dunes, caves, and mountains. The naturally manicured appearance of the dragon’s blood trees — appropriately named for their blood-like red sap — symbolize the striking uniqueness of this location.

See more photography in the Socotra Island • Suquṭrā • سقطرى group and Socotra Archipelago gallery.

Photos from Rod Waddington, trevcole1, Manna dal Cielo, OlivierWan, Indradhano, Edoardo Scepi, pmedicus, Keith&Denise, yahyia Gassem, Gerry & Bonni, and anthony pappone photographer.