On the remote Yemeni island of Socotra, a unique species of tree is fighting for survival against the growing threats of climate change and invasive species. The dragon's blood tree, known for its distinctive mushroom-shaped canopy and blood-red sap, is found nowhere else on Earth [1][2][3].

Sena Keybani, whose family runs a nursery dedicated to preserving the species, expressed her concern: 'Seeing the trees die, it's like losing one of your babies' [1][2][3][4]. This sentiment underscores the urgency of conservation efforts on the island.

The trees, which once thrived in great numbers, are now facing multiple challenges. Increasingly severe cyclones, a consequence of climate change, pose a significant threat to the trees' survival. Additionally, grazing by invasive goats has further compromised the species' ability to regenerate [1][2][3].

Compounding these environmental pressures is the ongoing turmoil in Yemen. The country, one of the world's poorest, has been embroiled in a decade-long civil war, which has hampered conservation efforts and pushed the unique ecosystem supported by the dragon's blood trees toward collapse [1][2][3].

Socotra, often compared to the Galapagos Islands for its biodiversity, lies approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) off the Horn of Africa in the Arabian Sea [1][3][5]. Its isolation has contributed to the evolution of its unique flora, including the dragon's blood trees.

Conservation efforts are underway, with local families like Keybani's establishing nurseries to protect and propagate the species. These initiatives involve creating makeshift fences to shield young saplings from environmental threats [1][2][4].

As climate change continues to intensify and local challenges persist, the fate of Socotra's dragon's blood trees hangs in the balance. The situation highlights the urgent need for increased conservation efforts and global attention to protect this unique species and the ecosystem it supports.