![The map of the distribution of the toponyms related to the D. cinnabari tree (green circles) in Socotra Island, in red, the current distribution of D. cinnabari by Maděra et al. [18].](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374466557/figure/fig5/AS:11431281195969373@1696521554892/The-map-of-the-distribution-of-the-toponyms-related-to-the-D-cinnabari-tree-green_Q320.jpg)
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Chapter
Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena
cinnabari): A Cenozoic Relict
SanjaySaraf
Abstract
The Dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) woodland is one of the oldest
surviving endangered forest communities on Earth. This unique endemic species of
Dragon’s blood tree is famous since antiquity for its bright red resin “Dragon’s blood”
and umbrella-shaped canopy. They are almost extinct everywhere except present as
small habitats in Socotra Archipelago (Yemen), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the
last two decades, there has been a significant decline in Dragon’s blood tree population
in the archipelago, posing a threat to its existence. We attempt to review the status of
Dragon’s blood tree population in Socotra Archipelago, factors affecting its survival,
and the status of conservation efforts propose recommendations to preserve this
flagship species.
Keywords: Dracaena cinnabari, Dragon’s blood tree, Socotra Island, biodiversity,
vulnerable, endemism
. Introduction
The Socotra Archipelago is one of the most significant and well-preserved island
ecosystems in the world and holds global significance for the exceptional level of
biodiversity and endemism in its ecosystem. Socotra Island is a masterpiece of evolu-
tion, containing a unique assemblage of species and habitats, and is ranked as the
world’s tenth richest island for endemic plant species per square kilometer, with
endemic species, which makes the ratio comparable with that of the Galapagos and
higher than those found in Mauritius, Rodrigues, or the Canary Islands []. The high
level of endemism seen in the archipelago is also in accordance with its estimated
geological age and ecosystem. Socotra island is home to over species of endemic
plant species and is considered as a gem of biodiversity in the Arabian Sea [–].
Dragon’s blood tree significantly contributes to this endemic biodiversity and is the
dominant iconic species of the island (Figure ), (Video available at https://bit.
ly/Dxh), [].
. Dragon’s blood tree geographical location
The Socotra Archipelago is part of the Republic of Yemen and is geographically
located in the north-western corner of the western Indian Ocean, at the junction
Endangered Species - Present Status
between the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, about km off the coastline of Yemen
and km east of Cape Guardafui (Somalia), the tip of the Horn of Africa (Figure ).
The Socotra Archipelago is km long and comprises a group of four islands
and other small islets. Socotra forms the largest island of the eponymous archipelago
of four islands (about of its landmass), followed by the three satellite islands,
Figure 1.
Dragon’s blood tree (D. cinnabari), “flagship species of Socotra” (photograph by the author, Socotra 2018).
Figure 2.
Overview map of the Socotra archipelago, a remarkable biodiversity spot, showing its isolated geographic location
in the Indian Ocean.
Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari): A Cenozoic Relict
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112282
which are collectively known as “the brothers,” Samha, Darsa, and Abd Al Kuri, and
other small rocky islets Jazirat, Sabuniya, and Ka’l Fir’awn, which are uninhabitable
(Figure ) but exhibits high level of endemism, rendering the archipelago as a whole
even more significant.
The official name of the island is Socotra (often spelled as sokotra, Soqotra or
Suqotra), which emanated from the Arabic word Souq-Al-Qatr, ‘Souq’ meaning “the
market” and ‘Cotra’ referring to “dragon’s blood”—a reference to the bright red resin
produced by Dragon’s blood tree species. The main language is Socotri, which is one
of the Semitic languages, and Arabic is the official and commonly spoken language.
. Dragon’s blood tree taxonomic hierarchy
Dracaena (Greek: δράκαινα, drakaina “female dragon”) genus comprises between
and Dracaena species, D. cinnabari being one of the only six species that grow
as a tree and is considered a terrestrial monocotyledon representative of the Tertiary
flora (Table , Figure ).
. Dragon’s blood tree ecosystem evolution and morphological characteristics
Dragon’s blood trees species belong to one of the oldest ecosystems in the world.
Dragon’s blood tree species are spectacular relicts of the Mio-Pliocene Laurasian
subtropical forest in Socotra (Yemen) []. In this epoch, Dragon’s tree vegetation
extended in a continuous vegetation belt between Northern Africa and Southern
Europe, but afterward, it was disrupted due to climatic changes, causing the deserti-
fication of North Africa []. Today, D. cinnabari is vulnerable and almost extinct
everywhere due to the Pliocene climate changes and extensive desertification of
North Africa and Southern Europe [, , ].
D. cinnabari is a monocotyledonous tree with a distinctive umbrella-shaped
canopy due to a “dracoid” ramification of branches (Figure ), []. Dracaena spe-
cies are exceptional among monocotyledonous plants because of their capacity for
Figure 3.
Socotra archipelago “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean” long geologic isolation is the key to preservation of Socotra’s
endemic ecosystem.
Endangered Species - Present Status
secondary thickening of stems and roots []. The D. cinnabari is a dominant endemic
evergreen tree and can live for more than years, often reaching a height of to
feet and is vulnerable to extinction.
. Dragon’s blood tree present distribution status
The Socotra Island is approximately km long and about km wide, with a
total surface area of km. The island can be geographically divided into three
main zones, namely Haggier (Hagghier, Hajhir) mountains, limestone plateau with
Figure 4.
Dragon’s blood tree (D. cinnabari Baif.f): ‘Singular dominant endemic community of Socotra.’ This unique tree
symbolizes a close bond between nature and the indigenous inhabitants of the island. (photograph by the author,
Socotra 2018).
Kingdom Plantae
Subkingdom Viridiplantae
Infrakingdom Streptophyta
Superdivision Embryophyta
Division Tracheophyta
Subdivision Spermatophytina
Class Magnoliopsida
Superorder Lilianae
Order Asparagales
Family Asparagaceae
Subfamily Nolinoideae
Genus Dracaena L.
Species D. cinnabari Baif.f
Dragon’s Blood Tree
Table 1.
Taxonomic serial No.: 505865 [6].
Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari): A Cenozoic Relict
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112282
many cave systems, and the alluvial coastal plains. The Haggier mountains form the
backbone of the island and are situated in the northwest part of the island. Its high-
est elevation is at Jabal Dryet (m) in the central Haggier Massif. In general, the
summit of the limestone plateau is covered with sparse shrubland or low woody-herb
communities. The coastal plains are sub desertic with open shrubland or in some areas
devoid of vegetation.
In general, Dragon’s blood trees occur typically in small dense groups and are
found on higher slopes of the limestone mountains, particularly in the central and
eastern parts of the island (Figures and ).
Dragon’s blood tree woodlands are preponderant in the large central plateau of
Diksam (Dixam), the central granite massive of Haggier, and the eastern area of
Hamadero, Sirahon, and Kilisan []. Several smaller and disrupted Dracaena popula-
tions exist on Kilim, Sirahan, Shibhon, and other less accessible localities. A dense
Dragon’s blood tree forest is present in the limestone plateau, known as Roqeb di
Firmihin. According to a recent study [], this small plateau occupies only of the
total suitable area currently occupied by the endemic Dragon’s blood trees of Socotra,
yet it hosts more than of the living population of all D. cinnabari trees, making it
an attractive hotspot for researchers.
Dragon’s blood tree density is not homogenous and has a fragmented distribution,
with predominant presence in the central and eastern parts of the island as mentioned
earlier. The area of distribution ranges from an altitude of to m above sea
level, and it dominates above meters above sea level (m.a.s.l) []. Dragon’s blood
trees are not seen in the seaside plains, lowlands (below m.a.s.l), and the western
part of the island [].
In the past, Dragon’s blood tree habitats were present over larger areas of the island.
However, currently, habitats of Dragon’s blood tree are dwindling, and several authors
have described the D. cinnabari habitat decline on Socotra Island [, , , , , ].
Figure 5.
Dragon’s blood trees (D. cinnabari): The “dracoid” ramification of branches is an adaptation to its harsh
environment, which helps in capturing the moisture in the arid environment. (“physiologic plasticity”)
(photograph by the author, Socotra 2018).
Endangered Species - Present Status
Till the th century, the geology of the Socotra Archipelago received little attention,
with limited mention of the Dragon’s blood tree population in the Socotra archipelago.
Most articles published in the late th and early th centuries were descriptions of
endemic species collected by visitors and researchers to the islands. The first description
of Dragon’s blood tree in the literature was mentioned during the survey of Socotra
Figure 7.
Dragon’s blood tree on a higher plateau. The endangered Dragon’s blood trees are strongly tied to the culture of the
Socotran people. (photograph by the author, Socotra 2018).
Figure 6.
Socotra: General view of habitat. D. cinnabari Is the unique identity of Socotra Island and now occupies only 5%
of its habitat. (photograph by the author, Socotra 2018).
Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari): A Cenozoic Relict
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112282
led by Lieutenant J.R. Wellsted of the East India Company in []. He named the
tree as Pterocarpus draco (Greek: πτερον, pteron, “wing”+Latin” carpus from Greek:
καρπός, karpos, “fruit”; Latin: dracō from Greek: δράκων, drakōn, “dragon”). In the sci-
entific literature, Dragon’s blood tree species was first described by the Scottish botanist
Sir Isaac Bayley Balfour in [].
The best contemporary distribution of Dracaena forests and woodlands was pub-
lished by Král and Pavliš in [] using remote sensing data. They found that the
habitats hosting D. cinnabari comprised a total of ha (hectare), including only
ha of Dracaena forests and ha of mixed mountains forests, with the rest of
the area (ha) consisting of woodlands with low tree densities and overmatured
populations [, ]. Based on statistical analyses as well as on direct field observa-
tions, Král and Pavliš also commented that the Dracaena populations on Socotra do
not regenerate to a great extent, and their age structure indicates over maturity.
Attorre et al. in used a deterministic regression tree analysis (RTA) model to
examine environmental variables related to the current D. cinnabari species distribu-
tion. They found that the current distribution and abundance of D. cinnabari is corre-
lated to three factors: moisture index (i.e., the ratio between the annual precipitation
and potential evapotranspiration), mean annual temperature, and slope. According
to this model, D. cinnabari occupies only of its current potential habitat, and this
potential habitat is expected to be reduced by by because of a predicted
climate change, with increased aridity [].
A study by Madera et al. in using remote sensing data estimated the popula-
tion size of D. cinnabari to be , individuals, with sub-populations varying
from to , individuals, with an extinction time ranging from to years
(Figure ) [].
A toponym study by Al-Okaishi (), carried out in four areas on Socotra
Archipelago ( toponyms), assumed that dragon’s blood trees had a wider
Figure 8.
The map of the distribution of the toponyms related to the D. cinnabari tree (green circles) in Socotra Island, in
red, the current distribution of D. cinnabari by Maděra et al. [18].
Endangered Species - Present Status
distribution on Socotra Island in the past, potentially from the west in Ma’aleh to the
east in Momi, before humans inhabited the island (Figure ), [].
In , Vahalík et al. (published ) did a field survey of Socotra using a pair of
UAVs (using the DJI Mavic Mini drones) to spatially describe individual tree positions,
tree density, mortality, and the forest age structure. They found that the spatial dis-
tribution of the Dracaena tree density within the entire plateau is variable. The mean
age of the forest, based on crown age (derived from crown size), was estimated at an
average of ca. years (.years), with some individuals older than years [].
. Dragon’s blood tree conservation status
Due to its remarkable and highly vulnerable island ecosystems containing many
endemic species, Socotra Archipelago was designated as a UNESCO Man and
Biosphere (MAB) Reserve in , a Ramsar Site in (Detwah Lagoon), and then
as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in .
Dragon’s blood tree (D. cinnabari) is categorized as “vulnerable” species on the
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Figure ), [].
. Dragon’s blood (resin) and its significance
Since antiquity, Socotra Island was famous for its Dragon’s blood, which is a
remarkable bright red colored resin produced by D. cinnabari.
The name Dragon comes from the unique, red-colored sap or resin/latex that the
tree produces. The tree is known locally as “Ahrieb” “” and its resin “dum al-
akhawin” “ ,” while derived (mixed-cooked) products are called “eda’a” “,”
while regionally different names can be found (Figure ), [].
Local legends say that the Dragon’s blood tree (brother’s blood tree) first grew on
the spot where two brothers, Darsa and Samha, fought to death. The Dragon’s blood
(red resin) is mentioned in early literature by an unknown author of the Periplus of
the Erythrean Sea around the mid-first century AD, who called it “cinnabar,” possibly
because of the matching color [].
Dioscorides in AD mentioned the Dragon’s blood resin in his book “On Medical
Material” as Kinnabari “cinnabari,” brought from Africa []. Names of Dragon’s
Figure 9.
Map showing the study areas (Hajher, Momi, Qatanin, Ma’aleh) in integrating two maps with the current and
potential distribution of D. cinnabari according to Maděra et al. [5] and Attorre et al. [10], respectively.
Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari): A Cenozoic Relict
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112282
blood tree and its resin are also mentioned in old Arabic literature by travelers and
researchers who visited Socotra in earlier days [–].
This highly prized resin has been historically harvested by the indigenous popula-
tion for local use and trade throughout medieval periods for diverse medical, artistic,
Figure 11.
The Socotra ecosystem and D. cinnabari species are unique to the island, with high global significance.
(photograph by the author, Socotra 2018).
Figure 10.
IUCN red list aims to convey the urgency of conservation issues to the public and policy makers, as well as help the
international community to reduce species extinction.
Endangered Species - Present Status
and magical uses. It was frequently used as a medicine for respiratory and gastro-
intestinal problems in the Mediterranean basin and by early Greeks, Romans, and
Arabs [–].
Miller and Morris mention the use of Dracaena resin as a coloring matter for
varnishes, tinctures, toothpastes, and plaster for dying the horn to make it look like
tortoiseshell [].
Dragon’s “blood” secretion (Figure ) can be considered an induced natural defense
mechanism following trauma by cells of the stem, and during the process of wound
repair, this coats the margins of the wound providing additional protection against desic-
cation, but unfortunately, it also makes the species vulnerable to human exploitation.
Dragon’s blood has astringent effects and is frequently used as a hemostatic and
antidiarrheal medicine. Though the biological basis for its secretion and phytochem-
istry is still not completely known, the resin is believed by some authors to have
antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant (flavonoids), and anti-carcinogenic
properties [–]. Local inhabitants still use the red resin for treating diarrhea,
fever, mouth ulcers; to stop bleeding; for wound healing, skin diseases, coloring mate-
rial for dye, varnish, cosmetic, incense, painting, decorating earthen pots, folk music,
alchemy, and performing social rituals. However, the efficacy for human use remains
unsubstantiated and needs further bioassay-guided spectroscopic studies and scien-
tific trials for establishing human safety and use.
Presently, this resin is an important product for the local communities and is
the most important local nontimber forest product (NTFP). It is a source of income
for the rural population in Socotra and is becoming even more important with the
increasing population, unemployment, and tourism-related activities [].
. Dragon blood tree mounting challenges and extinction risk
The factors threatening the survival of Dragon’s blood tree population envisage
multiple reasons including overgrazing by the increasing population of livestock
[, ]; habitat loss with insufficient regeneration of Dracaena growth; soil erosion;
Figure 12.
The Dragon’s blood is a common name of a red sap, or resin, produced by the Dragon’s blood tree in response to
mechanical trauma. (photograph by the author, Socotra 2018).
Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari): A Cenozoic Relict
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112282
increased aridity []; effect of past cyclones, namely Chapala and Megh ()
and Mekunu (); climatic changes due to global warming; unsustainable human
interference, which are not only rendering the Dracaena woodlands vulnerable to
extinction [] but also making the fragile biological hotspot vulnerable to desertifica-
tion (Figures and ).
Figure 13.
Dragon blood trees (D. cinnabari)—Socotra’s most iconic plant. (photograph by the author, Socotra 2018).
Figure 14.
Uprooted Dragon’s blood tree (photo by author, Socotra 2018).
Endangered Species - Present Status
. Discussion
The Archipelago of Socotra remained inaccessible for centuries due to its
remotegeographic location. This prolonged period of geological isolation of the
archipelago, a complex geopolitical landscape, and variable climatic conditions with
an arid ecosystem contributed to the maintenance of Socotra’s distinctly rich bio-
diversity, with the preservation of many insular species like Dragon’s blood tree for
centuries.
However, the last few decades have threatened the fragile Socotra ecosystem
due to multiple factors including woodland fragmentation, senescent dragon tree
population, unsustainable harvesting of dragon’s blood, unsustainable overgrazing,
unsustainable livestock management, commercial collection of wood, introduction
of invasive alien species, smuggling out of endangered Dragon’s blood tree, climatic
threats, uncontrolled infrastructure development including roads to the mountains,
increased unsustainable tourism, lack of financial resources, non-diligent enforce-
ment of international and national policies for bio-cultural preservation, current
political instability, and post Covid- economic challenges.
The cattle (specially by goats) overgrazing of the vegetation including Dragon
tree seeds is an important factor threatening the survival of the Dragon tree [].
Consumption of seedlings and new sprouts, if not protected from goat and other
livestock, prevents D. cinnabari and other species from regeneration as they have
extremely low survival capacity in open habitats [, ]. Overgrazing also provokes
soil erosion by causing loss of perennial vegetation layer and the thin organic topsoil
following rains. The decline of D. cinnabari is likely to negatively affect plant diver-
sity, reduce the abundance of rare endemic plants, and lead to homogenization of the
vegetation []. The increasing demand of the red resin has resulted in the overex-
ploitation of Dragon’s blood tree and is one of the crucial factors adversely affect-
ing the Dracaena population. The unsustainable traditional method of harvesting
dragon’s blood further compounds the deleterious effect on the Dracaena population
[]. Multiple cuts on tree to harvest resin invariably makes trees weak and vulnerable
to uprooting in intense winds.
Another concerning factor is that most Dragon’s blood trees on Socotra Island are
senescent, with increasing mean population age and are subject to progressive Dracaena
population decline due to limited natural regeneration of the species (Figure ).
The loss of each Dragon’s blood tree leads to a decrease in biodiversity, as Dragon’s
blood trees are important nurse tree []. Furthermore, the occurrence of a wide
range of insect species depends on D. cinnabari []. Moreover, dragon’s blood tree
woodlands function as cloud forests, catching water from horizontal precipitation,
fog, drizzle, and mist, playing a significant role in the hydrology of the island []. A
decline in the Dragon’s blood tree population density leads to land aridification, soil
erosion, and desertification []. Given its ecological importance, D. cinnabari has
been identified as an umbrella species of Socotra Island, with its conservation essen-
tial to preserve the island’s native biota [, , –].
Socotra has a dry arid climate, with bimodal distribution of rainfall. The climate is
dependent on the seasonal migration of the Inter tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
and related monsoon cycles []. Each year, from June until September, the seasonal
Southwest monsoon blow from Africa brings hot, strong, and dry winds and occa-
sional rainfall into Haggier mountains in Socotra. The Northeast monsoon in winter
(November–January) is less pronounced and coincides with the rainy season in the
north. The annual rainfall ranges between mm in the coastal plains and mm
Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari): A Cenozoic Relict
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112282
in the high mountains []. The alternance of extreme desiccation and mist, brought
about by the seasonal wind, had an important effect on the evolution of habitats and
vegetation of the Socotra Island.
The climatic changes linked to global effects due to global warming are adding
new challenges on the resilience of the vulnerable ecosystem. The resultant unreli-
able, irregular, and patchy monsoons with mean annual precipitation ranging from
to mm is negatively influencing the survival of the present population of
D. cinnabari. This is not only threatening Dragon’s blood tree populations but also
endangering other endemic species on Socotra Island. Global warming is perceived as
a serious threat to the biodiversity of such hotspots because it is likely to exacerbate
both grazing and prolonged drought periods due to unreliable monsoons making it
exceedingly difficult for the recovery of vulnerable species [, ].
Increasing aridity due to ongoing climatic change is also negatively affecting the
potential habitat of the Dragon’s blood tree. The loss of Dragon’s blood trees is also
affecting the hydrological cycle as these plants capture horizontal precipitation [].
There is also evidence that in the past, a traditional agricultural land use with
protected wall system was prevalent on Socotra for organized farming activities for
frankincense, myrrh, and dragon’s blood and harvesting of aloe juice []. This strong
traditional land-use management practices employed by the indigenous population
served to protect the vegetation and biodiversity of the Socotra Archipelago, which is
now lacking.
Figure 15.
Senescent Dragon’s blood tree (photograph by the author, Socotra 2018).
Endangered Species - Present Status
The strict conservation of vulnerable areas included in the Socotra Archipelago
Master Plan envisioned in are now not being enforced on Socotra due to admin-
istrative issues and a complicated land tenure system based on the tribal organization
of society []. The lack of EIA enforcement capacity with deficient project planning
and construction of new infrastructure including housing and several hundreds of
kilometers of asphalt roads to mountains (since ) are also adversely affecting the
fragile habitat of Socotra (Figure ).
Other major threats are the increase in tourism and recreational activities, smug-
gling of Dragon blood trees to sell them in international markets, increasing immi-
gration, import of goods from mainland Yemen, and pollution by deficient waste
management practices around human settlements [].
The archipelago’s remarkable integrity and Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) is
also significantly threatened by the unsustainable developments. There are no effec-
tive controls in place at the airport or ports to control the import of species and EPA
has limited capacity to enforce such controls. Though there is a ban on the removal or
export of Socotra flora and fauna, there are many reported incidences of smuggling
out of rare endemic species, including Dragon’s blood tree, affecting the biodiversity
of Socotra Island. Due to ongoing regional instabilities, the coordination between
major stakeholders regarding biodiversity conservation issues and decisions may
also be affected. The current sociopolitical and post-Covid economic trends are also
negatively impacting the site’s capacity to provide sustainable economic growth for its
people. The local government has limited financial resources and limited protective
capacity to enforce local protective legislation. Thus, the population of Dragon’s blood
tree is thinning from forests to woodlands, shrublands, and eventually grasslands,
with individual sparse trees.
Figure 16.
Asphalt roads to mountains causing habitat fragmentation and ecosystem destruction. The future road works
must minimize environmental impacts on the ecosystem. (photograph by the author, Socotra 2018).
Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari): A Cenozoic Relict
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112282
Conservation of vulnerable and endangered endemic species depends on long-
term strategies, coordination between different agencies, committed international
funding, and involvement of the indigenous population with realistic developmental
models; otherwise, money is being wasted with no changes on the ground, affecting
the biodiversity more than before. A sustainable financing strategy also needs to be
formulated to ensure necessary human and financial resources for the long-term
preservation of the endangered ecosystem. More studies, planning, and appropriate
linkages need to be developed and evolved for the management of the ecosystem, its
buffer zones, and Socotra Biosphere Reserve. Awareness and educational activities
to the natives emphasizing the fragility of islands and extinction risks are crucial. By
involving the local communities and promoting them to take the lead in conservation
activities by inculcating conservation knowledge and perpetuating it to the future
generation, the inevitable negative impacts on biodiversity and livelihoods could be
countered with improved ecosystem resilience. The local legislative laws for conser-
vation need to be strengthened, maintaining a delicate balance among biodiversity
preservation, sustainable trade, tourism, and infrastructure development. The care-
ful implementation of these strategies is likely to positively impact the future of the
endemic species in the Socotra archipelago.
. Recommendations for the preservation of the Dragon’s blood tree
population
As the vulnerable biosphere reserve faces new challenges, we propose the follow-
ing recommendations to protect and conserve the vulnerable Dragon’s blood tree
population and Socotra’s unique archipelago biodiversity [, , , –]:
. Propagating and protecting Dragon’s blood tree by:
• Ecological restoration of Dragon’s blood tree species in a protected environment,
including local specialized nurseries for providing scientific expertise, technical
assistance, and funding to the local inhabitants for the care of the saplings. This
will help in the ecological restoration of native Dragon’s blood tree communities,
even if it takes many years for vulnerable trees to grow to maturity (exception-
ally slow growing, around .cm over a five-year old period).
• Developing concept for a certified sustainable community forestry system,
establishing a forest nursery to produce tree seedlings from local tree species
population.
• Encouraging natives for setting good practice example even at the smallest
scale, by planting and nurturing a single sapling of Dragon’s tree in their
garden.
• Protecting existing Dragon’s blood tree and seeds from being used as fodder
for livestock, firewood, and domestic use like house construction.
• Protecting aging Dragon blood trees from natural calamities with strategies
focusing in-situ conservation.
Endangered Species - Present Status
• Promoting sustainable land management practices to enable Dragon’s blood
tree regeneration.
• Protecting the existing Dragon’s blood trees from human interference includ-
ing unplanned infra-structural development/roads to mountain.
• Promoting use of UAVs (drones) in collecting crucial data and creating adrone
inventory for evaluating the conservation status and threat assessment of
Dragon blood tree and other vulnerable species in the Socotra ecosystem.
. Preserving Dragon tree habitat fragmentation and woodland degradation from
overgrazing by feral and domesticated goats and other cale.
. Promoting sustainable harvesting of Dragon’s tree blood.
. Taking initiative for curbing soil erosion, increasing ecosystem resilience, and
addressing threats from unsustainable resources to the ecosystem.
. Protecting and insulating the native ecosystem from invasive alien species (IAS)
by biodiversity monitoring system, with emphasis on an early warning system
with appropriate checks for invasive alien species.
. Strengthening of the sea port and airport biological monitoring to avoid smug-
gling out of endangered Dragon’s blood tree species.
. Strict enforcement of the Socotra archipelago’s protected area regulations and
developing buer zones in a complementary manner in Conservation Zoning
Plan (CZP).
. Extending the boundaries of the strictly protected Skund nature sanctuary
(where no (road) infrastructure is allowed) to include areas of Dragon’s blood
tree population.
. Enactment of local legislative laws and governance including Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) and project approval prior to further infra-structural
development and road construction.
. Maintaining a registry with proper data compilation, processing, and manage-
ment, with regular monitoring of Dragon’s blood tree population and distribu-
tion by regional centers.
. Formulating and improvising the existing master plan for sustainable infra-
structural developmental activities with controlled sustainable development
plans for preserving the island’s Dragon’s blood tree population.
. Increasing environmental awareness in the local population and strengthening
local conservation eorts by employing adequate workforce.
. Educating, involving, and empowering the local population about the need for
protecting the vulnerable Dragon’s blood tree species and Socotran heritage.
Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari): A Cenozoic Relict
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112282
. Developing models that can assess and help in improving the chances of sur-
vival of endangered Dragon’s blood tree species.
. e development of nature-based tourism development program (Ecotourism).
. Strong and eective collaboration among dierent stakeholders (from individu-
als to institutions).
. Strengthening local legislative laws for conservation, aided by a strong political
will to protect, preserve, and promulgate the archipelago’s unique species.
. Lastly, a sustainable financial strategy needs to be formulated to ensure long-
term preservation of this flagship species.
. Conclusion
Socotra’s biodiversity remained resilient for centuries; however, the last two
decades have threatened the well-preserved ecosystem including the vulnerable
endemic Dragon’s tree population. The strategic, result-oriented biodiversity preser-
vation approach along with consideration of the proposed recommendations will not
only help in protecting the Socotra’s unique biodiversity from present and future chal-
lenges but also serve as a benchmark for biodiversity conservation around the globe.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Divine mother Maa MKM for all the
blessings and my dear mother Mrs. Vidya Saraf for profound belief in my abilities and
unconditional support. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my dear friend Mr.
Hassan Abd Elfatah Hassan Ismail, Ms. Christina and Mr. Shailesh for their unwaver-
ing help and unparalleled support. I also would like to thank dear DSS for unending
inspiration and invaluable patience. Finally, I am very thankful and grateful to the
staff of Summerland hotel and wonderful people of Socotra for their warm hospital-
ity and great support during my stay in Socotra.
Conflict of interest
The author declares no conflict of interest.
Video materials
“Video materials referenced in this chapter are available at: {https://bit.ly/Dxh}”
Endangered Species - Present Status
Author details
SanjaySaraf
NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai, UnitedArabEmirates(U.A.E)
*Address all correspondence to: drsaraf@hotmail.com
© The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of
the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/.),
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided
the original work is properly cited.
Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari): A Cenozoic Relict
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112282
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