SANDGROUSE 1996 Volume 17 SOUTHERN YEMEN mvt) SOCOTRKA ...this world is a green and sweet thing. Allah has left you in charge in it and is looking at how you will behave. So be careful of the things of this world... Hadith (the collected traditions about the Prophet Muhammad) OSME OSME OSME was founded in 1978 as the successor to the Ornithological Society of Turkey. Its primary aims are: e Tocollect, collate, and publish data on all aspects of the birds of the Middle East. e To promote an interest in ornithology and bird conservation throughout the Middle East. e To develop productive working relationships with other governmental and non-govern mental organisations with an interest in conservation and/or natural history in the region. Publications OSME publishes a scientific journal, Sandgrouse, containing papers on all aspects of Middle Eastern ornithology.. The OSME Bulletin contains more popular articles, letters, Society news, and other news and information from around the region. Both are published twice a year and are issued free to members. Meetings An Annual General Meeting is held in London at which guest speakers provide new perspectives on ornithology in the region. OSME usually joins forces with other societies for a second meeting each winter and organises occasional special meetings of its own; some meetings take place outside the UK. Projects OSME organises field expeditions to collect data on birds in little-known parts of the region and in areas where OSME can assist by teaming up with local societies. In addition, the Sites Register Scheme collects records from all interested ornithologists of important bird areas in the Middle East. Grants The Conservation & Research Committee disburses funds to valuable field projects and desk studies that further the conservation of birds in the region. Grants have been awarded to over 25 such projects since the Conservation & Research Fund was set up in 1982. Membership OSME is open to all, and its membership spans over 40 couniries. Annual membership Life membership Individual £10 (£13 air mail outside Europe) Individual £200 (£100 if 60 or over) Family £15 (£18 air mail) for two Family E275 members, plus £3 for each additional family member Please add £3 if payment is made in non-sterling currency. For details of payment by banker's order, and for any other information on the Society, write to the Secretary at the address below. Vice Presidents Prof. Abdulaziz H. Shaika Noora Bint Lord Barber of M. D. Gallagher Abuzinada Isa Bin Sulman Al Tewkesbury N. Yazgan Sherif Baha El Din Khalifa Prof. W. Buttiker Council as at April 1995 Dr G. Allport R. P. Morris R. Parslow G. R. Welch Conservation & Secretary Membership Chairman Research G. M. Kirwan H. Scott H. J. Welch A. Colston Information Officer (co-opted) (co-opted) Librarian Treasurer R. P. Martins Publications Officer P. A. D. Hollom (co-opted) Turkey F.E. Warr S. Howe Bird Report (co-opted) Sales ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST clo THE LODGE, SANDY, BEDFORDSHIRE SG19 2DL, UK SANDGROUSE NUMBER 17 SOUTHERN YEMEN AND SOCOTRA the report of the OSME survey in spring 1993 Edited by R. F. Porter and R. P. Martins with editorial assistance from Francine Stone, Ben Hoare, J. W. Spencer and Mark Boyd Designed by HH: I>Seott Supported by ya uo fe INTERNATIONAL Published by THE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST 1996 Citation: Porter, R. F. and Martins, R. P. (1996) Southern Yemen and Socotra: the report of the OSME survey in spring 1993. Sandgrouse 17. Further copies, price £10.00, from OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK. ISSN 0260-4736 © 1996 Ornithological Society of the Middle East CONTENTS 5 Ik) 22 102 130 132 134 138 142 145 148 151 155 158 165 170 181 185 188 The Ornithological Society of the Middle East's survey of southern Yemen and Socotra, March-May 1993: an introduction R. F. PORTER, R. P.. MARTINS AND FRANCINE STONE Some aspects of southern Yemen: an introduction for field ornithologists and conservationists R. P. MARTINS The status of non-passerines in southern Yemen and the records of the OSME survey in spring 1993 R. F. PoRTER, R. P. MARTINS, K. D. SHAW AND UFFE SORENSEN The status of passerines in southern Yemen and the records of the OSME survey in spring 1993 R. P. MARTINS, C. G. BRADSHAW, ALAN BROWN, G. M. KIRWAN AND R. F. PORTER An introduction to Socotra and its birds R. F. PORTER AND FRANCINE STONE Taxonomic treatment of endemic taxa in Socotra R. P. MARTINS The status of birds in Socotra and 'Abd Al-Kuri and the records of the OSME survey in spring 1993 G. M. KIRWAN, R. P. MARTINS, K. M. MORTON AND D. A. SHOWLER Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra PETER DAVIDSON Ostrich Struthio camelus eggshell fragments in Yemen J. W. SPENCER The Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus in Yemen J. N. DYMOND The Buteo population in Socotra R. P. MARTINS AND R. F. PORTER Forbes-Watson's Swift Apus berliozi in Socotra R. F. PorTER, J. N. DYMOND AND R. P. MARTINS The Socotra Warbler Incana incana J. N. DYMOND The Socotra Cisticola Cisticola haesitata J. N. DYMOND AND R. F. PORTER The Socotra Sunbird Nectarinia balfouri D. A. SHOWLER AND PETER DAVIDSON The Socotra Starling Onychognathus frater and Somali Starling O. blythii R. F. PORTER AND R. P. MARTINS The Socotra Bunting Emberiza socotrana K. M. MORTON Biometric data of birds in southern Yemen and Socotra, spring 1993 J. N. DYyMOND Mammal observations in Yemen and Socotra, spring 1993 D. A. SHOWLER Reptile observations in Yemen, spring 1993 D. A. SHOWLER Amphibian observations in Yemen, spring 1993 D. A. SHOWLER Reptile observations in Socotra, spring 1993 D. A. SHOWLER Odonata observations in Yemen, spring 1993 C. G. BRADSHAW Sandgrouse (1996) 17:3 SANDGROUSE woumerr 19% FOREWORD s a member of the 1993 OSME team that surveyed southern Yemen and Socotra, I am very pleased to introduce this special issue of Sandgrouse. It is a most important contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the wildlife of my country. Yemen is undergoing a period of rapid change. Its population growth is among the highest in the world. There is much pressure on the remaining areas of forest for fuel and food for livestock. Water is becoming an increasingly precious resource, as it is for all countries in Arabia. As an agriculturalist, I know only too well how people and wildlife both need trees and water. But it is Allah alone who knows how important natural places are for our spiritual life. Recently I was appointed the Yemen Representative for BirdLife International. This has enabled me to ensure that the OSME findings are used for the benefit of wildlife conservation. Let me give a few examples: planners involved in the development of Aden Harbour as a Free Zone have been made aware of the most important sites for wildlife; the unique bird biodiversity of Socotra was highlighted at an international scientific symposium — part of a process of seeking international conservation status for this remarkable island; and the Children’s Bird Book that OSME sponsored will be distributed to all schools in Yemen this autumn by the Environmental Protection Council. The Republic of Yemen has now ratified the Convention on Biodiversity and the government, like many throughout the world, is starting work on its Action Plan. I will ensure that the information collected by the two OSME surveys is fed into the process. The expedition’s ornithologists have made a vital contri- bution to wildlife conservation in our country. Dr Omar Al-Saghier, Agricultural Research and Extensions Authority, Dhamar, Republic of Yemen, June 1996 Ow why: chewed aay noah r in oe, Sine ey jd tone eae = eral Sand grouse (1996) 17: 5-14 The Ornithological Society of the Middle East's survey of southern Yemen and Socotra, March-May 1993: an introduction R. F. PORTER, R. P. MARTINS AND FRANCINE STONE ituated in the mountainous south-west corner of Arabia, the Republic of Yemen supports a unique and diverse assemblage of habitats and species. Many are endemic, occurring only within this region and are ecologically isolated by surrounding deserts and seas. Until the mid-1970s, little systematic research in the environmental sciences had been conducted in Yemen owing to difficulty of access, both politically and geographically. The revolutions of the 1960s which overthrew the monarchy in northern Yemen and colonialism in southern Yemen paved the way for the creation of two modern states which united in May 1990, forming the Republic of Yemen. This event prompted OSME to extend the work commenced in 1985 in north Yemen (the then Yemen Arab Republic) to southern Yemen (previously the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen) and to Socotra. Thus OSME's second expedition was launched in spring 1993. Southern Yemen and Socotra are poorly known ornithologically and this influenced the choice of these regions for attention during the eight week period 16 March to 9 May. This volume of Sandgrouse presents the results of the 1993 survey, complementing the results of the 1985 expedition to (the then) North Yemen detailed in Sandgrouse 9. Copies of all published and unpublished records and material collected by survey participants are held by the leaders and lodged in the OSME archives. AIMS OF THE SURVEY The principal aims of the survey were: To establish: & the status, distribution and ecology of birds, especially species endemic to south-west Arabia. The avifaunas of the Afrotropical zone in the extreme east (contiguous with the Dhofar region of Oman) and Socotra naturally commanded special attention. & the importance of southern Yemen as a migratory flyway for birds, especially diurnal raptors. B priorities for bird conservation (for inclusion in the BirdLife publication Important Bird Areas in the Middle East). @ an active dialogue between OSME, the Environmental Protection Council and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Yemen and to train Yemeni R. F. Porter, R. P. Martins and Francine Stone Sandgrouse 17 scientists and technicians in both fieldcraft and the development of strategies to advance conservation. To collect: ® information for the forthcoming Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia (ABBA). @ incidental records of other vertebrates and plants. ® information to enable the publication of an illustrated bird book for distri- bution to schools treating a selection of 96 of the most econ te or significant species (in the context of conservation) in Yemen. @ footage for a film or video to promote the work of the survey. To document the results of the survey in appropriate journals. SURVEY COVERAGE Survey activities were arranged so as to maximise coverage of as many areas as possible in the available time, given available resources, in order to define key areas for conservation attention with a view to future intensive studies. Two consecutive teams of survey participants were in the field from 16 March to 10 May. This period coincides with the breeding season and spring migration through the region. For the purpose of this survey we have defined southern Yemen as the area of the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) and, in addition, the areas south of al-Mukha on the Red Sea coast, south of al-Turbah including the Jabal Iraf massif in Ta'izz province and the environs of al-Mardam near al-Bayda'’. Maps showing the sites surveyed and other localities where ornithological observations were undertaken in southern Yemen and on Socotra are presented in Figures 1 and 2. The itinerary was as follows: March April 15 arrive Sana'a 1-6 Socotra 16-20 northern Yemen 7-9 al-Mukalla 21-23 Jabal Iraf Wadi Himarah 23-26 Aden and adjacent interior al-Mardam (north-west of al- plain Bayda’) 26-29 Wadi al-Jahr Wadi Yashbum 9-17 northern Yemen Wadi Hajr 17-21 al-Jadid 30-31 Socotra Dhubab Bab al-Mandab Sandgrouse 17 OSME survey of southern Yemen and Socotra Acacia savannah east of Bab Shahrut hills in the Mahrah al-Mandab and coast to 30 al-Ghaydah Aden May 21-23 Aden 1-3 al-Ghaydah to Tarim al-Mukalla 4-5 Tarim to Shabwah, through Wadi al-Masilah Ramlat al-Sab'atayn on Sayhut fringe of Rub’ al-Khali 23 Pelagic transect by boat from 7-10 northern Yemen Sayhut 10 depart Sana'a 23-26 Sayhut to the Mahrah 26-30 Wadi Mararah in the. Mahrah NOTES ON LOGISTICS Transportation was by three long-wheelbase Toyota Land Cruisers with Yemeni drivers, except on Socotra where two flat-bedded trucks (with drivers) were used. In addition, on mainland Yemen we engaged guides to assist us in navigating problematical dune systems east of Sayhut and through the sands of Ramlat al-Sab'atayn between Shabwah and Marib. On Socotra we were supported by guides, porters and cooks. Fishing vessels were used to undertake a pelagic transect off the coasts of both southern Yemen and Socotra. Camping allowed extended periods in the field, maximising opportunities early and late in the day. Tents were not essential but mosquito nets were considered indispensable. Care in protection against malaria is crucial in the region as resistant forms of the disease are now endemic. An extensive range of medical equipment proved useful in combating such ailments as a twisted ankle, a scorpion bite, severe diarrhoea and a two-day high fever. Participants in the survey were selected from the OSME membership. Selection reflected the need for a broad range of expertise beyond ornithology, notably in mammals, amphibians, reptiles and botany. Sound ecological and - conservation qualifications and experience were also considered important, as well as practical photography skills, video recording and bird trapping techniques. Six survey members participated for its full eight week duration and were joined by two additional teams of six during the first and second months. Throughout the entire period, the survey benefited substantially from the opportunity to work with Yemeni counterpart Dr Omar al-Saghier of Yemen's Agricultural Research and Extension Authority (AREA) in Dhamar, who undertook training in ornithological research techniques and facilitated work in innumerable practical ways. Sandgrouse 17 R. F. Porter, R. P. Martins and Francine Stone | Bios ; ONG 1yep-/e IDpe, ge WNUSE, @ LI iley IDEM yemqeys @ L WeEAIUS @ 81 = uAeje. ges-/e s queus ; jeIWeY YEHNPAY. A ° GN, ee? pet pen ‘ISNOLSPUVG JO ANSSI STY} UL POdUdIIJaI IIL YDTYM SIdAIOSqO snotAoid Aq says ay} [[e Moys jou soop deur styy, ‘aytsoddo saa}49ze3 3Y} UI Pa}SI] SUOT}LDO] 0} JOJaI SIOqUINN “E66 Bulids ut Aoains AINSO 2u3 Aq a104} paraaod says dy} pue AOdaI sn} Aq pajyeasy UdWIDX UIOYNOS Jo Rare dy} 7UdUIAX Jo dI|Gndoay “[ amnBry Sandgrouse 17 Gazetteer OSME survey of southern Yemen and Socotra To be read in conjunction with Figure 1. The positions of localities marked * are shown by name on the map ‘Abdullah Gharib Dhubab* Wadi al-Jahr* Aden* 5 Hiswat al- Wadi al-Jiz’* Al-Bayda™ Hujaymah 12 Wadi al-Khabt 30 Al-Fatk Jabal Iraf* Wadi al-Masilah* 28 Al-Faydami 29 Jabal Rub'ut 21 Wadi Fughmah Al-Ghaydah* Lahej* 17 Wadi Habban 4 Al-Hajaf 24 Mar'ayt springs Wadi Hadramawt* 1 Al-Jadid Marib* Wadi Hajr* 13 Al-Khaw'ah 26 Qishn 3 Wadi Harim Al-Mardam* 15 Ramlat al-Sab'atayn 16 Wadi Himarah 9 Al-Mihal 6 Rasal-'Arah 25 Wadi Irkhawt Al-Mukalla* Ras Fartak* 32 Wadi Mararah Al-Mukha* Rub’ al-Khali* 23 Wadi Sh'hout 18 Al-Qatn Sana'a* 22 Wadi Wa'shah 20 Al-Sawm 27 Saqr Wadi Yashbum* Al-Shihr* Sayhut* 10 Wadi Zirayqah 2 Al-Sugayyah 19 Sayun 14 Zinjibar 8 Al-Turbah Shabwah* Bab al-Mandab* 31 Shahrut hills Jabal - mountain 7 Biram Shuqra Wadi - watercourse Muhammadiyah Tarim* 11 Dar al-Qudaymi The Mahrah* \ Pelagic ‘ transect tadia, NA0'PY shidadah OW, . HAJHIF ® Rookib marsh (HAGGHIER) & MTS. Jabal Jaaft PLATEAU Fikhah ® Di-Ishal SO COT AR A Hakari Wells ® Shibrhoh 03730) Figure 2. Socotra: the sites covered during the OSME survey in spring 1993. Note: this map does not show the islands of ‘Abd al-Kuri, The Brothers and Sabuniya or all of the sites visited by previous observers referenced in this issue of Sandgrouse. R. F. Porter, R. P. Martins and Francine Stone Sandgrouse 17 Survey personnel Gier Anderson 13 April—10 May Pieter Bison 15 March-10 May Chris Bradshaw 13 April—10 May Alan Brown 13 April-10 May Peter Davidson 15 March-10 May Nick Dymond 15 March-12 April David Farrow 15 March-12 April Chris Heard 13 April-10 May Guy Kirwan 15 March-12 April Fiona Lowry 15 March-12 April Rod Martins, co-leader 15 March-10 May Keith Morton - 15 March-12 April Richard Porter, leader 15 March-10 May Dr Omar al-Saghier 15 March-10 May Ken Shaw — 15 March-12 April - David Showler 15 March-10 May Uffe Sorensen 13 April-10 May Jonathan Spencer 13 April-10 May Francine Stone, co-leader 8 March-10 May Richard Porter took overall responsibility for ensuring the success of the survey including directing the field work and liaising with sponsors. He was assisted by Rod Martins and by Francine Stone who was also responsible for managing the finances in the field and for liaison with Yemeni authorities and support personnel. This required her travel to Sana'a for one week in advance of the arrival of the first team. SPONSORS The survey was facilitated through generous sponsorship from the following organisations: The American Institute of Yemeni Studies (in Sana'a) The British Council The British Ornithologists' Union Cable and Wireless plc Canadian Oxy Lasmo Oil (Aden) Ltd The Ornithological Society of the Middle East The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the UK partner of BirdLife International Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd sun International Exploration and Production Company Ltd TeleYemen Yemen Airways 10 Sandgrouse 17 OSME survey of southern Yemen and Socotra ENDORSEMENTS In addition to sponsorship, endorsement was received from: The Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia (ABBA) BirdLife International Fauna and Flora International The Harrison Zoological Museum The Society for Arabian Studies The World Conservation Union (IUCN) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We thank the government of the Republic of Yemen for welcoming us to their remarkable country through, in particular, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Council and the Yemen Embassy in London. Dr Derek Harvey of the Joint Oil Companies' Medical Clinic was paramount in ensuring the success of the survey through hospitality in Sana'a and tireless support through the life of the project and beyond. In addition OSME is very grateful to Faisal Abd al-Aziz, Muhammad al- Basahi, Yahya al-Haifi and the staff of Al Mamoon Travel, Dr Omar al-Saghier and his family, Abdullah Salim Ali, HE Sa'id Salim Ba Hagiba, Grahame Binns, Renaud Detalle, Yasin Dutton, MacGuire Gibson, HE Douglas Gordon, Martin Herzog, Gordon Kirby, Irena Knehtl, Daniel L'Emaillet (CGG), HE Mark Marshall, HE Col Al-Iryani, Shaykh Muhammad Ali Mazariya, Dr McKenzie (Canadian Oxy), Taoufik Oaunes (UNHCR), Nabil Obadi, Katie Read (Nabors Drilling), Nicki Rush, (Canadian Oxy), Jamaledine Saadallah, the late Haj Salih, Dr David Warburton, and Carlos Zaccagnini (UNHCR). In the UK and Europe, we are most grateful for active assistance from Samar Damluji, Michael Jennings (especially for the loan of his Magellan 2000), Dawn Lakin, Antione Lonnet, Anthony Miller and Dr Miranda Morris, Julian Paxton (Shell), Dr Mike Rands (BirdLife), Khalid Rashad (Yemen Airways), HE Dr M. Shaya, Marie-Claude Simeone-Senelle, Mrs F. E. Warr and Paul Woodman and staff of PCGN. | Finally, we would like to express our grateful thanks to Duncan Brooks for advice on presentation and for preparing the maps in Figures 1 and 2, also to Pat Hall and particularly Kirsty Cheshire for coping with the onerous task of typing this report. SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS In the field, the survey: 1. Undertook systematic surveys of 77 locations in southern Yemen, recording 266 bird species and completing 350 kilometres of standardised habitat transects, with an additional 17 hours of spot-count observations. 2. Undertook systematic surveys of 18 locations on Socotra, recording 79 bird species and completing 66 kilometres of habitat transects and 4 hours of spot-count observations. 11 R. F. Porter, R. P. Martins and Francine Stone Sandgrouse 17 — 3. Undertook two 10-hour pelagic transects, from Sayhut on the Gulf of Aden coast of Yemen and along part of the north coast of Socotra, to investigate the status of pelagic seabirds (and whales and dolphins). 3 4. Discovered 4 and 10 previously unrecorded species in Yemen and Socotra respectively. 5. Collected data within 64 half-degree latitude/longitude squares for the forthcoming Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia. Each square covers an area of 55 km x 55 km. ae 6. Identified 16 sites, based on habitat quality and species diversity, meriting international recognition as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) within the Middle East. 7. Observed spring migration through southern Yemen. 8. Undertook studies of Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs,13 south-west Arabian and 6 Socotran bird species of global conservation significance. 9. Photographed over 100 species, concentrating on endemics and species of global conservation significance within Yemen and Socotra. 10. Collected sound recordings of 55 species (these are listed in the Appendix). 11. Collected video recordings of selected bird species, of other wildlife encountered and of aspects of the survey's work. 12. Documented the occurrence of 5 species of amphibian, 55 species of reptile and 20 species of mammal. CONSERVATION EDUCATION The project: 13. Completed the planned book on Yemen's birds for children to be distributed to schools by the Environmental Protection Council of Yemen, and coordinated with this organisation to provide interpretive slide sets and text on Yemen's birds for future educational programmes within the country. 14. Participated with UNICEF in drafting a section concerning ‘bird / wildlife awareness’ for an environmental questionnaire for completion by 2,000 Yemeni youths during June and July 1993. 15. Lectured to the British Council and The American Institute of Yemeni Studies and consulted with the Yemen Ornithological Society to progress future conservation in Yemen. 16. Gave interviews to The Yemen Times and Yemeni radio. 17. Provided the opportunity to work closely with Yemeni counterpart Dr Omar al-Saghier of the Agricultural Research and Extension Authority (AREA), through training in bird survey and identification techniques and planning discussions for collaboration on future conservation work in Yemen. 18. Culminated with a presentation to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Dr _ - Abdullah Zabarah, and representatives of the AREA and the Environmental Protection Council. At this the importance of Yemen's birds, their habitats, threats to their future survival and priority areas for follow-up action were 12. Sandgrouse 17 OSME survey of southern Yemen and Socotra discussed. This meeting clearly demonstrated the interest and commitment to the conservation of nature currently emerging in Yemen. RESULTS The results of the survey appear in this issue of Sandgrouse (Volume 17). While a modified system of transliterated Arabic has been adopted for place names in the presentation of the survey results, no similar attempt has been made to standardise place names cited from historical records and references. R. F. Porter, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ONA, UK. R. P. Martins, 6 Connaught Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3BP, UK. Francine Stone, Grimsdyke Cottage, Nuffield Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 6QW, UK. APPENDIX Bird vocalisations recorded during the OSME surveys of Yemen in 1985 and Yemen and Socotra in 1993 Species Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Philby's Rock Partridge Alectoris philbyi Arabian Red-legged Partridge Alectoris melanocephala Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus African Collared Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Bruce's Green Pigeon Treron waalia Didric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis Little Owl Athene noctua Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus Nubian Nightjar Caprimulgus nubicus Forbes-Watson's Swift Apus berliozi White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis - Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops superciliosus Hoopoe Upupa epops African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus Arabian Woodpecker Dendrocopos dorae Singing Bushlark Mirafra cantillans Yemen PH PD PD PD PH PD PD & PH PD PD PD PD PD PD PD PD PD PD PD PH PD PD PD & PH PD PD Socotra Recorded by 13 R. F. Porter, R. P. Martins and Francine Stone Black-crowned Finch Lark Eremopterix nigriceps Dunn's Lark Eremalauda dunni Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos Arabian Accentor Prunella fagani Black Bush Robin Cercotrichas podobe Blackstart Cercomela melanura Red-breasted Wheatear Oenanthe bottae South Arabian Wheatear Oenanthe lugentoides Little Rock Thrush Monticola rufocinerea Yemen Thrush Turdus menachensis Yemen Warbler Parisoma buryi Socotra Warbler Incana incana Socotra Cisticola Cisticola haesitata Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Desert Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca minula Brown Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus umbrovirens Gambaga Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa gambagae African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps Nile Valley Sunbird Anthreptes metallicus Shining Sunbird Nectarinia habessinica Orange-tufted Sunbird Nectarinia osea Socotra Sunbird Nectarinia balfourit White-breasted White-eye Zosterops abyssinica Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus Tristram’s Grackle Onychognathus tristrami Socotra Starling Onychognathus frater Somali Starling Onychognathus blythii Socotra Sparrow Passer insularis Bush Petronia Petronia brachydactyla Rtippell's Weaver Ploceus galbula Arabian Serin Serinus rothschildi Yemen Serin Serinus menachensis Golden-winged Grosbeak Rhynchostruthus socotranus Yemen Linnet Carduelis yemenensis House Bunting Emberiza striolata African Rock Bunting Emberiza tahapisi Recordists: PH =P. A. D. Hollom (1985) PD =P. Davidson (1993) 14 Sandgrouse 17 a PD & PH PD -PD& PH PD PD a PD & PH PH PH PD PD PD PD PD PD PD PD a PD PD & PH PD & PH | BRBEREHRHE SS HBHRHRRBHR EG rg rg U U SERS HBP BBR BRB OD rd 0 & rd

(Meinertzhagen 1954); the species is a locally common migrant breeder in northern Yemen. African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis 37 recorded at five sites. Most numerous in Anogeissus/Commiphora woodland in the Mahrah, where 19 at Wadi Mararah (360 m) 29 April and 13 in the Shahrut hills (680 m) 30 April; in addition recorded at Jabal Iraf, Wadi al- Masilah and Wadi Hayr. A localised resident breeder, especially in areas of riparian vegetation. Eggs have been recorded in February. Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps 103 recorded at 12 sites. None recorded from the Mahrah. A fairly common resident where scrub is present but apparently absent from the Mahrah. Eggs have been recorded in April. Nile Valley Sunbird Anthreptes metallicus 326 recorded from widespread localities up to 1,200 m, but none in the Mahrah. Highest counts were 34 at Wadi al-Khabt 24 March, 65 at Wadi Himarah 8 April and 30 at Shabwak: 5 May. A fairly common and widespread resident but apparently absent from the Mahrah. Shining Sunbird Nectarinia habessinica 175 recorded from widespread localities. The largest concentrations were 41 at Wadi al-Masilah 22 April and 75 at Wadi Mararah (the Mahrah) 28 April. Both areas support extensive vegetation. A widespread resident breeder, with eggs recorded in May and June. Orange-tufted Sunbird Nectarinia osea 141 recorded from widespread localities. Most counts were of 1-15 birds but 65 R. P. Martins et al. Sandgrouse 17 larger numbers were recorded in the Mahrah, with 22 at Wadi Mararah 28 April and 53 in the Shahrut hills 29 April. | A widespread resident. White-breasted White-eye Zosterops abyssinica 109 recorded at eight sites between 360 and 1,760 m. Highest counts were 26 in Juniperus woodland at Jabal Iraf (1,450 m) 22 March, and in Anogeissus/Commiphora woodland in the Mahrah, with 36 at Wadi Mararah (360 m) 29 April and 16 in the Shahrut hills (680 m) 30 April. A widespread local resident, not recorded below 360 m. Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus 16 at Wadi Harim 19 April and singles in Acacia savannah between al-Hajaf and Hiswat al-Hujaymah 20 April, at Wadi al-Masilah 22 April and at Shabwah 6 May. A passage migrant from March to May, (passage perhaps peaking during the second half of April) and from late August to early October. One additional record, 5 July 1947 (Browne 1950). Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala 39 recorded at seven sites between 360 m and 1,450 m. Most common in the Mahrah where nine at Wadi Mararah 29 April and 14 in the Shahrut hills 30 April. | An uncommon resident occurring, apparently disjunctly, in the south-west and the Mahrah. Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus 20 recorded at 11 sites between 23 March and 1 May. A common winter visitor and passage migrant between September and May. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 16 recorded at nine sites between 18 April and 6 May. A passage migrant during April and May and from September to early November. Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor Two at Shabwah 6 May. A passage migrant during September to October and April to May. An exceptional count of 100 was in gardens at Aden 29 April 1940 (Bark Jones & Hartley 1957). Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor 139 recorded from at least 13 localities between 10 m and 2,000 m. Especially common in Acacia savannah between al-Hajaf and Hiswat al-Hujaymah, where 78 recorded 20 April. Not recorded from the Mahrah. 66 Sandgrouse 17 Status of passerines in southern Yemen A widespread and locally common resident, although apparently absent from the Mahrah, breeding from March to June. Probably also occurs as a passage migrant and winter visitor. Woodchat Shrike Lantus senator One between Aden and Wadi al-Jahr 26 March. Records from Amiri district in January and March suggest this species is an uncommon passage migrant and/or winter visitor. Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus Not recorded during the survey. An uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant, recorded mainly from the Aden area between September and early April. Drongo sp. Dicrurus sp. Not recorded during the survey. A Drongo generally resembling Black Drongo D. adsimilis was present at Aden from 28 October 1946 to 28 February 1947 (Browne 1950). House Crow Corvus splendens 966 recorded, mostly in the Aden area, where the peak count was 210 on 25 March. An abundant breeding resident, mainly in Aden and its environs but increasingly recorded in villages along the coast east to al-Mukalla. Eggs recorded February to September (MDG, HPM). One at al-Ghaydah in autumn 1989 (Jennings et al. 1991). Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis 119 recorded, most records involving 1-10 birds but a concentration of 53 was noted at Wadi al-Khabt, north of Aden, 24 March. A widespread and locally abundant breeding resident, with flocks of up to 150 recorded at Abyan cotton fields (MDG, HPM). Raven Corvus corax Not recorded during the survey. Claimed sightings at Sheikh Othman and Lahej (Bark Jones & Hartley 1957) lack supporting details. Therefore, occurrence cannot be considered proven. Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus 542 recorded at numerous and widespread localities. The largest concentrations were 50 at Ras al-’Arah 20 April and 137 in the Mahrah 28 April. A common and widespread breeding resident. Flocks of up to 1,000 recorded near Lahej and 2,000 at Dhala (MDG, HPM). Tristram's Starling Onychognathus tristramii 459 recorded. Widespread through most of the south, fairly common in the east, 67 R. P. Martins et al. Bees Sandgrouse 17 but few in Wadi Hadramawt. A widespread resident breeder. Amethyst Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster 108 recorded at 18 localities. Highest counts were ten at al-Mihal 21 March, nine at Wadi Yashbum 28 March and ten at Wadi Harim 19 April. A passage migrant, which may breed in the west. Recorded from March to May and in October. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant, the only record being 100 at Aden 8 December 1965 (MDG, HPM). Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus Not recorded during the survey. : A vagrant, one near Aden 30 October 1946 (Browne eo, and one there 7 November (Ennion 1962). Wattled Starling Creatophora cineracea Not recorded during the survey. An irregular visitor, recorded in the Aden area in April and from July to September (MDG, HPM). Two recorded at sea off southern Yemen, July 1963 (Bailey 1966). House Sparrow Passer domesticus 1,545 recorded, all in areas with human settlements. A widespread resident breeder. Arabian Golden Sparrow Passer euchlorus Ten recorded, six on the Tihamah 30 km inland from Aden, 25 March and four near Hisn al-Sawat 21 April. A scarce local breeding resident on the Tihamah north of Aden and eastward; the record from Hisn al-Sawat demonstrates an eastward range extension of 400 km. Passer sp. A small juvenile sparrow superficially resembling juvenile House Sparrow was trapped at Wadi Himarah 8 April. Measurements (in millimetres, excepting weight in grams) were: max wing chord 68; head and bill 28.1; max tarsus 19.1; tail 54.0; weight 18.3. A number of slides were taken but identification remains unclear and the possibility remains that the bird could perhaps be Somali Sparrow Passer castanopterus or a hybrid. Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant; three at Habilayn 27 December 1965 (Latham 1967). 68 Sandgrouse 17 Status of passerines in southern Yemen Bush Petronia Petronia dentata Not recorded during the survey. Apparently a very local resident breeder, with records from Amiri and Dhala in the west (Sclater 1917, Meinertzhagen 1954; MDG, HPM). Riippell's Weaver Ploceus galbula 1978 recorded, from the Tihamah near Aden to Wadi al-Masilah in the east, with a maximum of 263 roosting at Wadi Himarah 7 April. Common in Wadi Hadramawt, for example 150 at al-Sawm 3 May and 174 at Sayun 4 May. A resident breeder throughout western and central regions east to Wadi al- Masilah. Apparently absent from the Mahrah. Arabian Waxbill Estrilda rufibarba 159 at eight localities: from 625 m (Wadi Hadramawt) to 1,450 m (Jabal Iraf). No large concentrations noted. Highest counts were: 20 at Jabal Iraf 22 March; 18 at Wadi al-Jahr 27 March and 37 at Wadi Yashbum 27 March. Recorded in Wadi Hadramawt on an intensively farmed silt plain and elsewhere in highland wadis, often in cultivated or wetter areas; also in Juniperus woodland on Jabal Iraf. Recently fledged juveniles were recorded at Jabal Iraf and Wadi al-Jahr and a bird was carrying nest material at Tarim 4 May, the first breeding evidence from southern Yemen. A resident breeder, fairly common from the south-west east to Wadi Hadramawt. African Silverbill Euodice cantans 280 recorded at numerous and widespread localities at low elevations. Localities include Wadi al-Jahr, Wadi Hajr, Wadi Himarah, Saqr, al-Ghaydah and, in Wadi Hadramawt, al-Sawm, Tarim, Sayun, and al-Qatn. On the fringe of the interior desert three were noted on the desert crossing from al Qatn to Shabwah. A widely distributed resident breeder. Arabian Serin Serinus rothschildi 57 recorded from near sea-level to 1,450 m. Common in Juniperus woodland on Jabal Iraf; also recorded at Wadi al-Jahr, Wadi Yashbum and Wadi Hajr. Apparently a localised resident breeder in the west, extending east to Wadi Hadramawt and Wadi Hajr. Yemen Serin Serinus menachensis Not recorded during the survey. / Status unclear. Two records, both collected by Meinertzhagen, at Amiri, February 1923 and Dhala, November 1948. Golden-winged Grosbeak Rhynchostruthus socotranus 104 recorded at three sites: in Juniperus woodland on Jabal Iraf (1,450 m), at Wadi Mararah (360 m) and in the Shahrut hills (680 m) in the Mahrah. 69 R. P. Martins et al. Sandgrouse 17 Clearly a resident, although previously recorded only in January, July and December, with no proof of breeding. Singing birds were noted at all localities but no other evidence of breeding was recorded; display and song have been noted in October to November and spring in northern Yemen (Martins 1987). In — northern Yemen the species is primarily dependent on Euphorbia scrub but all observations from southern Yemen were associated with Juniperus, Acacia, or (in the Mahrah) Anogeissus/Commiphora woodland. Yemen Linnet Acanthis yemenensis 13 recorded on the escarpment at 2,000 m in the al-Mardam area on the border of former North and South Yemen are the first records. Probably an uncommon breeding resident. Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus Three in rocky hills near al-Sawm in eastern Wadi Hadramawt, 3 May. Probably an uncommon breeding resident in Wadi Hadramawt, previously recorded March to June 1985 and 1986 (J. F. Pavey pers. comm.). House Bunting Emberiza striolata 97 recorded; 90 were in Wadi Hadramawt between Mar'ayt and al-Qatn (with 39 at Wadi Fughmah, 2 May). In addition, five at Wadi Harim in the extreme south-west, one at Wadi Irkhawt and one between Shabwah and Marib on the fringe of the interior desert. | A scarce and remarkably localised resident breeder, most common in Wadi Hadramawt; apparently absent in the east. African Rock Bunting Emberiza tahapisi 77 recorded at five sites, including Jabal Iraf and Wadi Himarah in the Mahrah. A rather localised resident breeder in rocky hills. Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana Seven recorded at al-Mihal 21 March, the first spring record. A scarce passage migrant, recorded in September, October and March. Cretzschmar's Bunting Emberiza caesia Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant, one on a ship near Aden Spring 1891 (Tristram 1891). REFERENCES ASH, J. S. (1988) Some observations in South Yemen in 1984 and a selected bibliography of the region. Sandgrouse 10: 85-90. BAILEY, R. (1966) The sea-birds of the southeast coast of Arabia. Ibis 108: 224-264. BARK JONES, R. AND HARTLEY, P. H. T. (1957) A list of birds of Aden and the Aden Protectorate 1944-1945, Privately printed. BARNES, H. E. (1893) On the birds of Aden. Ibis (18) 6: 57-84, 165-181. BATES, G. L. (1938) On birds from Hadhramaut. Ibis (14) 2: 437-462. 70 Sandgrouse 17 Status of passerines in southern Yemen BOURNE, W. R. P. (1960) The Petrels of the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters. Sea Swallow 13:9-39 ; BOURNE, W. R. P. AND BUNDY, G. (1990) Records of Brown-headed Gull Larus brunni- cephalus and Grey-headed Gull L. cirrocephalus around Arabia. Sandgrouse 12: 37-42. BROOKS, D. J., EVANS, M. I., MARTINS, R. P. AND PORTER, R. F. (1987) The status of birds in North Yemen and the records of the OSME expedition in autumn 1985. Sandgrouse 9: 4-66. BROWN, L. H. (1969) A Bird Count on the Arabian ‘Jol’. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 66 (2): 327-337. BROWNE, P. W. P. (1950) Notes on birds observed in Saudi Arabia. Ibis 92: 52-65. Bury, G. W. (1911) The Land of Uz. London. CLARKE, G. (1966) Flamingos at Khormaksar, Aden Colony. RAF Orn. Soc. J. 1: 11-19. CLARKE, G. (1967) Bird notes from Aden Colony. Ibis 109: 516-520. CRAMP, S. AND SIMMONS, K. E. L. (EDS) (1983) The Birds of the Western Palaearctic Vol. 3. Oxford University Press, Oxford. DowseTT, R. J. AND DowSETT-LEMAIRE, F. (1993) Afrotropical avifaunas: annotated country checklists. Tauraco Research Report 5. Tauraco Press, Liege. DYMOND, J. N. (1996) The Plain Nightjar in Yemen. Sandgrouse 17: 132-133. ENNION, H. E. (1960) Birds of western Aden. Country Life 4 August 1960: 246-247. ENNION, H. E. (1962) Notes on birds seen in Aden and the western Aden Protectorate. Ibis 104: 560-562. Evans, M. I. (ed.) (1994) Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. BirdLife Conservation Series No 2. BirdLife International , Cambridge. Farrow, D. (1994) Occurrence and breeding of Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata in Yemen. Sandgrouse 16: 58-59. GALLAGHER, M. D. (1986) Additional Notes on the Birds of Oman, Eastern Arabia 1980- 1986. Sandgrouse 8: 93-101 GALLAGHER, M. D. (1986) Abdim's Stork in Arabia. Sandgrouse 8: 107-111. GALLAGHER, M. D. AND STANLEY PRICE, K. (1990) The Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis and Stone Curlew B. oedicnemus in Arabia. Sandgrouse 12: 8-24. GALLAGHER, M. D. AND Woopcock, M. (1980) The Birds of Oman. Quartet, London. GRIMWOOD, I. R. (1963) Notes on birds seen in the eastern Aden Protectorate. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 83: 50-51. GUICHARD, K. M. AND GOODWIN, D. (1952) Notes on birds collected and observed in Oman and Hadhramaut. Ibis 94: 294-305. Ho.tom, P. A. D., PorTER, R. F., CHRISTENSEN, S. AND WILLIS, I. (1988) Birds of the Middle East and North Africa: a companion guide. Poyser, Calton. JENNINGS, M. C., ABDULLA, I. A. AND MOHAMMED, N. K. (1991) Atlas of the breeding birds of Arabia: Survey No.8. Results of an ornithological survey of South Yemen 23 October to 9 November 1989. NCWCD Technical Report 25. KiRWAN, G. (1994) First record of White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus in Yemen. Sandgrouse 16: 55. LATHAM, J. J. (1967) Bird notes of Aden Protectorate - Salalah and Habilayn. RAF Orn. Soc. Je 328-12. MARTINS, R. (1987) The Golden-winged Grosbeak in North Yemen. Sandgrouse 9: 106-110. MEINERTZHAGEN, R. (1923) [New species and subspecies: exhibited and described]. Bull. ‘Brit. Orn. Club 43: 156-159. MEINERTZHAGEN, R. (1924) A contribution towards the birds of the Aden Protectorate. Ibis (11) 6: 625-642. MEINERTZHAGEN, R. (1949) A new race of Melierax gabar from Aden. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 69: 82-83. MEINERTZHAGEN, R. (1954) Birds of Arabia. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh. 71 R. P. Martins et al. Sandgrouse 17 MEININGER, P. M. AND SORENSEN, U. G. (1986) The occurrence of skuas (Stercoraridae) in the Middle East with special reference to Egypt and the northern Red Sea. Vogelwarte 33: 281-294. . OBADI, N. (1989) The Birds of Yemen. Singapore. (In Arabic.) OGILVIE-GRANT, W. R. (1900) On the birds of Southern Arabia. With field notes by A. Blayney Percival. Novit. Zool. 7: 243-273. PAIGE, J. P. (1960) Bird notes from Aden and Oman. Ibis 102: 520-525. PAIGE, J. P. (1965) Field identification and winter range of the Asiatic Dowitcher, Limnodromus semipalmatus. Ibis 107: 95-97. PORTER, R. F., MARTINS, R. P. AND STONE, F. (1996) The Ornithological Society of the Middle East's Survey of southern Yemen and Socotra, March-May 1993: an introduction. Sandgrouse 17: 5-14. PORTER, R. F., MARTINS, R. P., SHAW, K. D. AND SORENSEN, UFFE. (1996) The status of non- passerines in southern Yemen and the records of the OSME sumeey, in spring 1993. Sandgrouse 17: 22-53. SAGE, B. L. (1959) Some recent observations at Aden. Ibis 101: 252-253. SCLATER, W. L. (1917) The birds of Yemen, south-western Arabia. Ibis (10) 5: 129-186. SMITH, K. D. (1956) On the birds of the Aden Protectorate. Ibis 98: 303-307. SPENCER, J. W. (1996) Ostrich eggshell fragments in Yemen. Sandgrouse 17: 130-131. THESIGER, W. (1959) Arabian Sands. Longmans, London. TRISTRAM, H. B. (1891) [Letter to the editor which includes Emberiza caesia ‘near' Aden.] Ibis (6) 3: 470-472. YERBURY, J. W. (1886) On the birds of Aden and the neighbourhood. Ibis (5)4: 11-24. YERBURY, J. W. (1896) Further notes on the birds of Aden. Ibis (7) 2: 13-14. R. P. Martins, 6 Connaught Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3BP, UK. C. G. Bradshaw, 6 Collet Walk, Parkwood, Gillingham, Kent ME8 9LQ, UK. Alan Brown, 23 King’s Court, Longniddry, East Lothian EH32 0QP, UK. G. M. Kirwan, 6 Connaught Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3BP, UK. R. F. Porter, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ONA, UK. Vig Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 73-80 An introduction to Socotra and its birds R. F. PORTER AND FRANCINE STONE he island of Socotra lies in the Gulf of Aden some 800 km east of Aden and 350 km from the nearest coastline of the Republic of Yemen. It is 110 km from east to west, 40 km from north to south and reaches an altitude of over 1,500 m. Together with the neighbouring island groups of The Brothers (al- Ikhwan), ‘Abd al-Kuri and Sabuniya, it is much closer to the Horn of Africa than Yemen, from which it is administered. The human population is estimated at between 20,000 and 80,000, but it is probably nearer the lower figure. There are no port facilities or metalled roads, the availability of electricity is restricted and medical facilities do not exist. The population is supported primarily through | subsistence animal husbandry, farming and fishing. GEOLOGY It is commonly held that the Socotra archipelago is a fragment of the Afro- Arabian tectonic plate which began to break away from the African mainland at least 10 million years ago in the upheavals that created Arabia and the Gulf of Aden. Geologically, Socotra comprises an igneous and metamorphic basement dating from the Pre-Cambrian Era and a complex of early Paleozoic volcanic rocks which are overlain by a mantle of limestones, marls and sandstones of Cretaceous and Eocene age. Intrusive granites of the Hajhir massif break through the older metamorphic and magmatic formations exposing riebeckite, an unusual form of peralkaline mineral first found and identified on Socotra by Aemilius Riebeck in 1881 (Naumkin 1993, Beydoun & Bichan 1970). TOPOGRAPHY The topography of Socotra can be divided into three main zones: 1) the alluvial coastal plains which range in width up to 5 km, the longest being the Noged plain which stretches 60 km along the south coast; 2) the limestone plateaux covering a majority of the island and averaging 300-700 m in altitude, with poor soils except in the gullies and rock crevices on the surface and in fissures of the nearly vertical escarpments; and 3) the Hajhir mountains in the north-west where the soils can be well developed in the valleys and on the more gentle slopes. The Hajhir mountains, with their jagged granite pinnacles, form the spine of the island. They rise dramatically to a height of 1,519 m (Jabal Mashanig) on the sheer northern face and slope off more gently on the south and eastern flanks. The limestone plateaux which surround this elevation to the east, west and south drop away at the edges in steep cliffs and are eroded on their surfaces into a karst topography aptly described as 'clint fields with grooved, fractured, cellular and cavernous holes' (Naumkin 1993) that make heavy going for the sturdiest of footwear (Bent 1900). The northern coastal plain lying at the feet of 73 R. F. Porter and Francine Stone Sandgrouse 17 the Hajhir granites and the limestone bluffs consists of alluvial gravels, stones and coarse sands. The sector of the island south of the Hajhir massif descends in terraces to the Noged plain, the marine sediments of which meet a strip of dunes at the shoreline and continue at a shallow gradient at least 15 km out to sea. To the west there is very little wadi drainage off the limestone plateaux except at Ras Sha'b and Ras Katanahan, and it is here that coral reefs are the best developed. In the east toward Ras Momi sections of aeolian sand deposits on the northern exposure, so-called 'leaned dunes’, can reach as high as 360 m where they are blown against the cliff faces of the Hamadiroh plateau by the monsoon winds. The sea shelf at Ras Dehammeri (Rhiy di-Hamri) drops away precipitously to a depth of 1,000 m within 5 km of the shore. Otherwise, the coastal waters surrounding the archipelago are relatively shallow. The interior of the island is dissected by wide basins studded with outcrops of lightly-eroded volcanic rock, and the rolling relief of the limestone platforms is broken in places by spectacular gorges (Naumkin 1993, WWF & IUCN 1994, Beydoun & Bichan 1970). VEGETATION The Socotra archipelago is relatively sparsely vegetated and dominated by xeromorphic plants. Its botany has been extensively studied and is renowned for its high level of endemism: of about 800 vascular plants recorded, some 30% are endemic (A. G. Miller in prep). Desiccating winds associated with the summer monsoon restrict lush vegetation to the sheltered vaileys in the mountains, to gullies and clefts in the cliffs not exposed to the elements. Sparse shrubland characterises the open summits of the limestone plateaux, and on the coastal plain conditions are best described as semi-desert, in some places almost devoid of vegetation, notably on the Noged plain. In this context, the unique flora of the islands can nevertheless be found in all the various vegetation zones. Furthermore, the most abundant plants (Croton socotranus and Jatropha unicostata), and the most common shrubs and trees are endemic to the islands. A. G. Miller of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, who is developing the authoritative description of Socotran flora, divides the island's vegetation into four principal categories (further subdivided into seven main types in Figure 1). 1. Open deciduous shrubland of coastal plains and low inland hills, up to 150 m (types 1 & 2 on Figure 1). As this terrain is dominated by the endemic Croton socotranus, he terms it 'Croton shrubland’ but also notes the scattered emergent trees, Euphorbia arbuscula, Dendrosicyos socotranus and Zizyphus spina-christi, and low cushion shrubs and a good ground cover of grasses and herbs after the rains. 2. Open deciduous or succulent shrubland of lower mountain slopes, limestone plateaux and escarpments, sea-level to 550 m (type 3 on Figure 1). This zone is richer in species than the Croton shrubland and the vegetation is the most widespread of any zone on the island. It is here, notably on the seaward 74 Sandgrouse 17 An introduction to Socotra and its birds escarpments, that one finds the distinctive succulent trees, such as the Adenium obesum ssp. sokotranum, which give Socotra its other-worldly aspect. The emergent trees include Euphorbia arbuscula, Dendrosicyos socotranus, Sterculia africana var. socotrana, Boswellia spp. and Commiphora spp., and the main shrubs are Croton socotranus and Jatropha unicostata. 3. Submontane, semi-deciduous thicket, mainly 380 - 750 m (types 4,5 & 6 on Figure 1). In this topography of limestone plateaux and middle slopes of the granite mountains, the dominants which thrive in rich quantities of species include Rhus thyrsiflora, Buxus hildebrandtii, Carphalea obovata, Sterculia africana, with emergent Dracaena cinnabari, the famed Dragon's Blood tree. Here too, the pomegranate species, Punica protopunica, once mistakenly thought endangered, is readily found. 4. Mosaic of dense thicket, low shrubland, grassland and rock vegetation 750 - 1,500 m (type 7 on Figure 1). Over the higher slopes and rock pinnacles of the granite mountains, one encounters this patch-work of dense thicket, at times impenetrable at the feet of the pinnacles, which merges higher up into a low shrubland mainly of Hypericum spp. and grassland on the gentler slopes where cattle graze. The thicket feature is dominated by Rhus thyrsiflora, Cephalocroton socotranus and Allophylus rhoidiphyllus with emergent Dracaena cinnabari. 53°30’ 53°40’ 93°50’ 94°20’ Herb communities Limestone plateau with low woody herb communities. 500-720 m. Degraded Croton shrubland Coastal plains mainly devoid of vegetation. 0-50(-150) m. Sub-montane thickets Granite limestone slopes and valleys with semi-deciduous thicket and emergents. (50-)380-750 m. Croton shrubland Coastal plains and inland hills with deciduous shrubs, particularly Croton Socotranus. 0-50(-150) m. Succulent shrubland Coastal foothills and Montane thicket Granite slopes and pinnacles limestone slopes with succulents and emergents. with a mixture of dense thicket, shrubland and 0-550 m. grassland. 750-1,500 m. Mosaic shrubland Limestone plateau with a mixture of shrubland types. 500-700 m. Figure 1. The main vegetation types on Socotra (A. G. Miller pers. comm.; WWF & IUCN 1994). 75 R. F. Porter and Francine Stone Sandgrouse 17 LAND USE The grazing of livestock is the major land-use, and there are smaller areas of cultivation. In recent years water cisterns have been constructed on the island and are attracting larger grazing stocks than in the past. However, as yet there is no practicable way to provide supplementary fodder, and drought and disease continue to provide their traditional control on livestock numbers. Currently the coastal waters are abundantly stocked with fish, and fishing is a widespread activity. Communications from the mainland by air and by boat are severely restricted by lack of harbours, airport facilities and adequate aircraft, and by monsoon conditions which effectively shut the island off for four months every year (from July to October). Prospecting for minerals and offshore natural gas is taking place. There is very little tourism on the island. Plans for future development of the island include an asphalt runway, a harbour jetty at Hadibu and extended road infrastructure; tourism is under discussion. The prospect for these plans is uncertain, but private enterprise has already constructed a fish refrigeration plant at Sug near Hadibu in anticipation of a serviceable jetty. CLIMATE Socotra's position in the zone of the Indian Ocean where the northern tropical and the sub-equatorial air masses merge subjects it to a semi-annual climate cycle. The hot, dry south-west monsoon brings heavy winds from April until October, and is replaced in November by the wet north-east monsoon. The period of calm air between the two monsoons in the spring is characterised by both great heat and humidity. The south-west monsoon can pick up to gale force on the coasts, and tropical cyclones cause high seas and unstable conditions, closing the island to access by sea and by air intermittently during the late spring and summer months. Temperatures range from 17°C in January to 37°C in July. Average annual rainfall measures 150 mm. However, the west of the island, lying in the shadow of the Hajhir mountains, experiences greater aridity, and in the Hajhir peaks above 200 m, average rainfall increases to 300 mm. This is in part because the mountains create their own mists and cloud, with a fine rain. Amid the granite pinnacles of the Hajhir (above 1,500 m) annual precipitation can be as great as 1,000 mm, giving rise to permanently lush vegetation and relatively abundant surface water. ORNITHOLOGICAL HISTORY The ornithology of Socotra has been little studied and many areas of the island, notably the west, remain unvisited by ornithologists. The most extensive survey was undertaken between 7 March and 14 June 1964 by Alec D. Forbes-Watson, his results being presented in Ripley & Bond (1966). This involved the collection of over 500 bird specimens. Prior to Forbes-Watson's visit, expeditions were conducted by Professor I. B. Balfour of Glasgow University between February and 30 March 1880 and by Dr 76 Sandgrouse 17 An introduction to Socotra and its birds Riebeck and Dr Schweinfurth in 1881. These resulted in annotated lists of birds collected being published by Sclater and Hartlaub (1881). Further bird collections were made by E. N. Bennett in 1888 and by Henry Forbes and W. R. Ogilvie-Grant in winter 1898-9, details being presented in Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903). Prior to the OSME survey, the status of birds on Socotra and its associated islands was summarised by Dowsett & Dowsett- Lemaire (1993). THE 1993 SURVEY The OSME survey was conducted from 30 March to 6 April 1993. Offshore islands were not visited. During this period, 12 species of birds previously unrecorded were observed, bringing the total number of species recorded from Socotra, its associated islands in the archipelago and neighbouring seas to 110. . A summary of what is currently known of the status and distribution of birds in Socotra is presented in Kirwan et al. (1996). AREAS COVERED The areas covered by the survey are mapped in Figure 2 in Porter et al. (1996); the itinerary was as follows: March 30 Flight: al-Mukalla to Socotra lagoons at Erhina (Hadibu) Ras Hebak 31 Ras Hebak Hadibu Qariyah lagoons Rizeleh (or Dihur) below Hamadiroh plateau Hamadiroh plateau April 1 Rizeleh below Hamadiroh plateau Hamadiroh plateau Fikhah Ras Momi 2 Fikhah ~ Ras Momi Pelagic transect from Ras Momi Pass south of Rookib Shidadah 3 Shidadah Pass south of Rookib Jabal Jaaf Hakari wells Ras Diblih (south coastal plain) 4 Ras Diblih Wadi near Shibrhoh (south coastal plain) Di-Ishal Jabal Jaaf Rookib pass 5 Hadibu Wadi Ayhaft Di-Ishal Ehrina 6 Ras Hebak Qadub marsh Dunes west of the airport Flight: Socotra to al-Mukalla Wider coverage was achieved by splitting the survey team into two groups. ad R. F. Porter and Francine Stone Sandgrouse 17 ORNITHOLOGICAL OVERVIEW 110 species have been recorded from Socotra, of which 31 are known or thought to breed. Of these, six are endemic to the island (Sibley & Monroe 1990), whilst the populations of a further ten have been treated as endemic sub-species — (Ripley & Bond 1966). With one exception, we have followed this approach, which is discussed in further detail by Martins (1996). Common birds Based upon survey observations the most common and widespread species are (in systematic order): Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis, Forbes-Watson's Swift Apus berliozi, Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis, White-breasted White-eye Zosterops abyssinicus, Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor, Socotra Sunbird Nectarinia balfouri, Somali Starling Onychognathus blythii and Socotra Sparrow Passer insularis. The population of Egyptian Vulture may exceed 1,000 pairs, signifying that Socotra supports the most important breeding population in the Middle East. The relative abundance and densities of these and other species encountered during systematic transects of the island is presented in Davidson (1996). Endemics Study of the endemic species occurring on Socotra was one of the main objectives of the survey and the information collected is presented through various relevant papers in this report. The Socotra Sparrow was found to be by far the most common and widespread endemic species, often occurring in large concentrations. Less common but also widespread were Socotra Sunbird and Socotra Warbler Incana incana, though this species has a more patchy distribution, occuring in low scrub from sea-level to 1,000 m. The Socotra Starling Onychognathus frater is also patchily distributed (and is much rarer than the non-endemic Somali Starling), generally occurring in hilly areas with fruiting trees at altitudes up to at least 500 m. The Socotra Cisticola Cisticola haesitata appears to require areas of low scrub and, together with the apparently montane Socotra Bunting Emberiza socotrana, is probably the rarest endemic. Collar et al. (1994), categorise three endemic species occurring on Socotra as ‘vulnerable’ in the world list of threatened species: Socotra Starling, Socotra Cisticola and Socotra Bunting, each having an estimated world population of less than 1,000 individuals. These clearly present the highest priority for conser- vation action. Initially, this should include a survey of their populations and habitat requirements. IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS A major objective of the survey was to identify sites meriting inclusion in Important Bird Areas in the Middle East (Evans 1994). Selection of such sites is based on carefully agreed criteria which review such issues as the presence of 78 Sandgrouse 17 An introduction to Socotra and its birds globally-threatened species, concentrations of regional populations, presence of regionally-threatened or declining species and species with small world ranges. Whilst this survey of Socotra was not comprehensive, we benefited greatly from discussions with A. G. Miller and Dr Miranda Morris, and thus combined the known ornithological data with their extensive vegetation surveys. This enabled identification of predicted Important Bird Areas based upon their clarification of the vegetation zones of the island. Nineteen important bird areas were identified, ten resulting from our surveys. Protection of these sites and identifi- cation of new ones through further surveys is the highest conservation priority. FUTURE ACTION As the ornithology of the island is poorly known, further studies are imperative. Suggested priorities include: B collection of further information on unsurveyed Important Bird Areas listed in Important Bird Areas of the Middle East and identification of new areas. m™ breeding surveys and assessment of conservation requirements of the three globally-threatened species ocurring in Socotra: Socotra Bunting, Socotra Starling and Socotra Cisticola. ™ further study of the taxonomy and ecology of the 11 putative endemic sub-species listed in Martins (1996). ® further study of the taxonomy and ecology of the sedentary Buteo population. = identification of areas for breeding seabirds: for example, do Jouanin's Petrel Bulweria fallax and Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis breed? REFERENCES BALFOUR, I. B. (1888) The Botany of Sokotra. Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh 31: 1-446. BENT, T. AND MRS THEODORE BENT (1900) Southern Arabia. Smith, Elder and Company, London. BEYDOUN, Z. R. AND BICHAN, H. R. (1970) The Geology of Socotra Island, Gulf of Aden. Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London 125, part 3, 1970: 413-446. COLLAR, N. J., CRosBy, M. J. AND STATTERSFIELD, A.J. (1994) Birds to Watch 2: The World List of Threatened Birds. BirdLife Conservation Series No. 4. BirdLife International, Cambridge. DAVIDSON, P. (1996) Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra. Sandgrouse 17: 102-129. DowsETT, R. J. AND DowseEtTT-LEMAIRE, F. (1993) Afrotropical avifaunas: annotated country checklists. Tauraco Research Report 5. Tauraco Press, Liege. EVANS, M. I. (ed.) (1994) Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. BirdLife Conservation Series No. 2. BirdLife International, Cambridge. 79 R. F. Porter and Francine Stone Sandgrouse 17 KIRWAN, G. M., MARTINS, R. P., MORTON, K. M. AND SHOWLER, D. A. (1996) The status of birds in Socotra and ‘Abd Al-Kuri and the records of the OSME survey in spring 1993. Sandgrouse 17: 83-101. MARTINS, R. P. (1996) Taxonomic treatment of endemic taxa in Socotra. Sandgrouse 17: 81-82 NAUMKIN, V. (1993) Island of the Phoenix. Reading. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE DIVISION. (1946) Western Arabia and the Red Sea. 609 - 615 et passim. OGILVIE-GRANT, W. R. AND Forses, H. O. (1903) Birds of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. In FORBES, H. O. The natural history of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. Porter, London. RIPLEY, S. D. AND BOND, G. M. (1966) The Birds of Socotra and Abd-el-Kuri. Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections 151, No. 7. | PORTER, R. F., MARTINS, R. P. AND STONE, F. (1996) The Ornithological Society of the Middle East’s survey of southern Yemen and Socotra, March-May 1993: an introduction. Sandgrouse 17: 5-14. SCLATER, P. L. AND HARTLAUB, G. (1881) On the birds collected in Socotra by Prof I. B. Balfour. Proc. Zool. Soc. London 1881: 165-175. SIBLEY, C. G AND MONROE, B. L. JR. (1990) Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World. Yale University Press, New Haven. WWE AnD IUCN (1994) Centres of plant diversity. Vol. 1. UCN Publications Unit, Cambridge. R. F. Porter, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ONA, UK. Francine Stone, Grimsdyke Cottage, Nuffiela Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 6QW, UK. MAPS Abd al Kuri to Suqutra (Socotra) 1:350000, inset Ghubbet Kallansiya 1:360000 and Tamrida or Hadibo 1:720000, chart No. 5. British Admiralty, London: 1987. Peoples Democratic Republic of Yemen 1:500000, sheet No. 4. Petroleum and Minerals Board. Aden: 1979 (from Landsat imagery 1972/3). Socotra 1:125000. Royal Geographical Society. London: 1978. 80 Sandgrouse 17 ee | ee ee Plate 1. Acacia tortilis Woodland, southern Yemen, April; this savanna woodland extends for over 100 km in the coastal plain between Bab al-Mandab and Aden. (R. F. Porter) Plate 2. Montane juniper forest on Jabal Iraf, southern Yemen, March. (RK. P. Martins) Sandgrouse 17 ty Ye Plate 3. The coast east of al-Fatk, southern Yemen, April; coastal beaches provide important breeding sites for marine turtles. (KR. P. Martins) Plate 4. Al-Sawm, the Hadramawt, southern Yemen, May; an example of an uncultivated foothill wadi in the interior. (C. G. Bradshaw) Sandgrouse 17 a iar ae? _ ‘ ape * - : sak Plate 5. Small scale subsistence agriculture on coastal dunes at Saqr, southern Yemen, April. (C. G. Bradshaw ) : 4 cae Sr i fy : 2 f : : oe : / Plate 6. The Ramlat al-Sab’atayn, southern Yemen, May; grassland growth has been induced by recent rainfall. (RK. P. Martins) Sandgrouse 17 ep ee : a i aiericite a s Plate 7. The Mahrah, southern Yemen, April; typical Commiphora/Anogeissus woodland on the hills adjacent to the Oman border. (R. F. Porter) Plate 8. Boscia arabica and termite mound in the Mahrah hills, southern Yemen, April; termite mounds are frequent in parts of this heavily-overgrazed area. (J. W. Spencer) Sandgrouse 17 Plate 10. The Hamadiroh plain, Socotra, April. (R. P. Martins) Sandgrouse 17 Bec eee Ps me é é Plate 11. Adenium obesum, Socotra, April; this is a common species on the foothills and highlands. (R. P. Martins) the limestone plateaux. (R. P. Martins) Sandgrouse 17 Plate 13. Frankincense Trees Boswellia elongata, Socotra, April; apparently an important habitat for African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis. (R. F. Porter) Plate 14. Wooded foothills, Wadi Ayhaft, Socotra, April; the lower slopes of the Hajhir mountains are in the background. (R. F. Porter) Sandgrouse 17 Plate 15. Spotted Eagle Owl Bubo africanus, al-Mahwit (northern Yemen), April; heard in the Mahrah, southern Yemen in late April. (P. Bison) Plate 16. African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis, Wadi Yashbum, March. (P. Bison) Sandgrouse 7 Plate 17. Arabian Woodpecker Dendrocopos dorae, female, Jabal Iraf, March; Jabal Iraf is the most southerly breeding site of this species in Arabia. (P. Bison) Plate 18. Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dunni, Ramlat al-Sab’atayn, May; 25 were observed including displaying pairs. (P. Bison) Sandgrouse 17 Plate 19. Brown Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus umbrovirens, Jabal Iraf, March: the most southerly breeding site of this species in Arabia. (P. Bison) Plate 20. Juvenile Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor, Hiswat al-Hujaymah, April; a common breeding species in Acacia woodland between Bab al-Mandab and Aden. (R. F. Porter) Plate 21. House Bunting Emberiza striolata, Wadi Hadramawt, April; a localised resident breeder in southern Yemen. (VP. Bison) Sandgrouse 17 Plate 22. Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax, southern Yemen and Socotra. (R. F. Porter) Plate 23. The breeding Buteo in Socotra, April. For discussion of the taxonomy of this species, see Martins & Porter, this volume. (R. F. Porter) off Socotra, April; : eA “hy ai a ar chal eee 4 widespread at sea off Plate 24. Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus scavenging for food at a camp site in Socotra, April; the island supports a population of conservation significance. (R. F. Porter) Sandgrouse 17 Plates 25 and 26. Forbes-Watson’s Swift Apus berliozi, Socotra, April. For discussion of this species, see Porter, Dymond & Martins, this volume. (R. F. Porter) ‘et, Plate 27. Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis, Socotra, April; a common resident breeder in Socotra. (P. Bison) Sandgrouse 17 Plates 28 and 29. Socotra Sunbird Nectarinia balfouri, Socotra, April; a common endemic in Socotra. For discussion of this species, see Showler & Davidson, this volume. (P. Bison) — Sandgrouse 17 Plates 30 and 31. Socotra Warbler Incana incana, Socotra, April; endemic in Socotra. For discussion of this species, see Dymond, this volume. (P. Bison) Peeks ae e re see : i : » dil mM oe 3 i ce Plate 32. White-breasted White-eye Zosterops abyssinica, Socotra, April; widespread in Socotra. (P. Bison) Sandgrouse 17 Plate 33. endemic. Plate 34. Somali Starlings Onychognathus blythii, male and female, Socotra, April; widespread and common in Socotra. For discussion of this species, see Porter & Martins, this volume. (R. F. Porter) ocotra Starling Onychognathus frater, Socotra, April; For discussion of this species, see Porter & Martins, this volume. (KR. F. Porter) a globally threatened Plate 35. Socotra Bunting Emberiza socotrana, Socotra, April; one of two individuals seen in Socotra in April 1993. For discussion of this species, see Morton, this volume. (P. Bison) Sandgrouse 17 Plate 36. African Rock Bunting Emberiza tahapisi, Socotra, April. A common breeder in Socotra. (P. Bison) Plate 37.. Socotra Sparrow Passer insularis, Plate 38. Socotra Sparrow Passer insularis, male, Socotra, April. A common breeder male, Socotra, April. (R. F. Porter) in Socotra, April. (P. Bison) Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 81-82 Taxonomic treatment of endemic taxa in Socotra R. P. MARTINS Be populations endemic to Socotra are little studied. Some comments on the systematic treatment adopted in this report are, therefore, appropriate. During the survey, field-time on Socotra was very limited. It has, therefore, not been possible to conduct the detailed study necessary for a full review of endemic taxa described from Socotra (either at species or ‘sub-species’ level). Excepting the local Buteo populations the approach taken here is simply to adopt the treatment proposed by Sibley & Monroe (1990) where six taxa are treated as species endemic to Socotra. These are: Onychognathus frater Socotra Starling Nectarinia balfouri Socotra Sunbird Cisticola haesitatus Socotra Cisticola (Island Cisticola) Cisticola incanus/Incana incana Socotra Warbler Passer (motitensis) insularis Socotra Sparrow Emberiza socotrana Socotra Bunting The most recent review of the Socotran avifauna (Ripley & Bond 1966) lists an additional ten or eleven (including the local Buteo, for which no firm conclusions were offered) local populations as endemic sub-species as follows (taxa - or putative taxa - marked * were not encountered during the survey): Buteo buteo ‘sub-species?’ Centropus superciliosus sokotrae* Otus scops socotranus Caprimulgus nubicus jonesi* Eremopterix nigriceps forbeswatsoni Lanius elegans uncinatus Anthus similis sokotrae Zosterops abyssinicus socotranus Passer insularis hemileucus (on Abd-el-Kuri only)* Rhynchostruthus socotranus socotranus Fringillaria (=Emberiza) tahapisi insularis While it is beyond the scope of this report to undertake a reassessment of these taxa, the serious need for this is well illustrated by recent work in the Cape Verde archipelago (Hazevoet 1995) where similar difficulties in interpreting local taxa exist. The Cape Verdes and Socotra are located off continental Africa at similar latitudes, show limited but significant zoogeographical similarities and have apparently experienced a parallel history of environmental change since the Tertiary. Conclusions from a comprehensive reassessment of the systematics of Cape Verdean taxa, therefore, constructively inform any analysis 81 R. P. Martins Sandgrouse 17 of similar phenomena on Socotra. The analysis conducted by Hazevoet employs the Phylogenetic Species Concept, which views a species as the smallest diagnosable cluster of individual organisms "within which there is a parental pattern of ancestry and descent" (Cracraft 1983 and 1987, see also Hazevoet 1995). By contrast, the past treatment of certain populations on Socotra at the level of locally endemic ‘sub-species’ has reflected the application of the more traditional Biological Species Concept. There is a clear need for a review of the avifauna of Socotra which reflects contemporary systematic thinking. Thus sub- species which have been described from Socotra in the past may or may not merit recognition as valid and discrete taxa (perhaps as Phylogenetic species). Hopefully, this problem will receive more attention in the future. Two important conclusions from Hazevoet's work in the Cape Verdes of relevance to the Socotran avifauna are: 1. Endemic breeding populations may be more closely related to (common) ancestral stock than widespread continental congeners (or conspecifics). The former may be relict populations derived from pre-pleistocene, previously widespread African populations, now extinguished through environmental change, while the latter (at least in Eurasia) are of more recent origin. This may imply that the treatment, for example, of the endemic(?) Socotran populations of Apus and Buteo as (phylogenetic) species more accurately reflects their true evolutionary history and relationship to more widely distributed continental congeners. Arguments for the adoption of this approach to the systematic treatment of, for example, Apus and Buteo populations on the Cape Verdes are presented by Hazevoet. 2. Morphological differences (e.g. minor variation in plumage characters) between local populations of species which are extralimitally widespread are often most meaningfully interpreted as a reflection of the influence of local environmental conditions and not as evidence which adequately justifies treatment as a unique taxon. Under the traditional approach to avian systematics (through application of the Biological Species Concept) such populations would qualify for treatment as ‘sub-species’ while, under the Phylogenetic Species Concept, such differences are viewed as virtually insignificant. The Socotran population of Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis (sokotrae?) offers a good example of a situation where such considerations are perhaps relevant. REFERENCES CRACRAFT, J. (1983) Species concepts and speciation analysis. Current Ornithol. 1: 159-187 CRACRAFT, J. (1987) Species concepts and the ontology of evolution. Biol. Philos. 2: 63-80. HAZEVOET, C. J. (1995) The Birds of the Cape Verde Islands. B.O.U. Checklist No. 13. British Ornithologists’ Union, Tring. SIBLEY, C. G. AND MONROE, B. L. (1990) Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World. Yale University Press, New Haven. - RIPLEY, S. D. AND BOND, G. M. (1966) The Birds of Socotra and 'Abd al-Kuri. Smithsonian Misc. Coll. 151, No. 7. R. P. Martins, 6 Connaught Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3BP, UK. 82 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 83-101 The status of birds in Socotra and 'Abd AI- Kuri and the records of the OSME survey in spring 1993 G. M. KIRWAN, R. P. MARTINS, K. M. MORTON AND D. A. SHOWLER his paper presents the results of the OSME survey of Socotra from 30 March to 6 April 1993. The itinerary and area surveyed are presented in Porter & Stone (1996), which also outlines the previous ornithological studies undertaken on the island and describes the general habitats. The observers (the survey team members) are listed in Porter et al. (1996). The first paragraph of each species account details observations made during the survey. Figures quoted for the number of individuals recorded are day totals summed for the whole period; where a site was visited on more than one day, the highest count has been used. Generally, this gives an accurate picture of relative abundance. The second paragraph summarises the known status to date. Jouanin's Petrel Bulweria fallax Ten on 30 March from the shore at Hadibu/Ras Hebak. 260 on a pelagic transect, north-east of the island, 2 April; all more than 4 km from shore and fairly evenly distributed to 20 km from shore, with up to 55 recorded per hour. Recorded at sea around Socotra and in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden, apparently throughout the year. No breeding colony has yet been found. Ripley & Bond (1966) postulate that ‘it probably breeds in burrows on Socotra, ‘Abd al-Kuri, and the Kuria Muria islands off eastern Aden, possibly from October to March’. Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant from the western Pacific. Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1952) report that it is ‘recorded in April from seas just east of Socotra Island, and may occur in the Gulf of Aden’. Persian Shearwater Puffinus (Iherminieri) persicus Six on a pelagic transect, north-east of the island, 2 April. Seven from the shore at Ras Hebak, 6 April. Occurs in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden throughout the year. Breeds in the Persian Gulf, perhaps also the Red Sea (Brown et al. 1982, Harrison 1985) and on the Kuria Muria islands (Hollom et al. 1988). 83 G. M. Kirwan, R. P. Martins, K. M. Morton & D. A. Showler Sandgrouse 17 Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus Two off Ras Hebak, 30 March. Two on a pelagic transect, north-east of the island, 2 April. Resident in the region. Forbes-Watson considered that three or four birds in. March on Jazirat Sabuniya were preparing to breed (Ripley & Bond 1966). Red-footed Booby Sula sula Not recorded during the survey. Socotra is on the very edge of its known pelagic range in the Indian Ocean. There is no evidence of breeding. Referring to this species, Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903), under the heading Sula piscatrix, ambiguously report ‘an immense flock of Gannets’ from the seas around Socotra a a ‘small flock of the White Booby’ off 'Abd al-Kuri. Masked Booby Sula dactylatra One off south coast, near Ras Diblih, 4 April. A resident, breeding on outlying islands. Forbes-Watson recorded about 100 pairs on Kaal Firaon and Jazirat Sabuniya in mid-March. All stages of incubation and nestling development were noted (Ripley & Bond 1966). Brown Booby Sula leucogaster Seen daily between 30 March and 6 April with a total of 32 records. The maximum was 15 off Ras Hebak and Erhina, 30 March. A resident, breeding on outlying islands. Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis Maximum of 35 off Ras Hebak, 6 April. One off Fikhah, 2 April. Three off south coast, 2 km west of Ras Diblih, 4 April. Six off Erhina, just east of Hadibu, 5th April. A non-breeding visitor. Although recorded at all the island groups in the Socotran archipelago, breeding has not been proven. Forbes-Watson considered breeding unlikely (Ripley & Bond 1966). Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Single immatures at Hadibu, 31 March, and en-route from the south coast to Rookib pass, 4 April. | These are the first records for Socotra. It seems likely that this species is a scarce or very scarce passage migrant. Striated Heron Butorides striatus One at Erhina lagoon, just east of Hadibu, 5 April. This species is largely sedentary throughout its range but some passage is reported from Oman (Hollom et al. 1988), so its status on Socotra is possibly that of scarce passage migrant. Two or three records by Forbes-Watson in March are the only others on Socotra (Ripley & Bond 1966). 84 Sandgrouse 17 The status of birds in Socotra and ‘Abd Al-Kuri Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis One at Erhina lagoon, just east of Hadibu, 30 March. A scarce or very scarce passage migrant. One seen by Forbes-Watson in early June is the only previous record (Ripley & Bond 1966). Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis Three at Qariyah lagoons, 31 March. 12 between Rizeleh and Ras Momi, 1 April. One during a pelagic transect, north-east of the island, 2 April. Three at Ras Hebak, 5 April. Six between Ras Hebak and Qadub marsh, 6 April. Principally sedentary, but apparently undertakes at least limited dispersion, which may account for the Socotran records. Forbes-Watson recorded birds in March but none remained until April (Ripley & Bond 1966). Little Egret Egretta garzetta One at Erhina lagoon, 5 April. Two at Qadub marsh, 6 April. A scarce passage migrant. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 38 seen at 12 sites. Most records were of one to three birds, but 14 were observed at Qariyah lagoons, 31 March. A passage migrant. Although Forbes-Watson recorded the species from March to June (Ripley & Bond 1966), he found no evidence of breeding. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Not recorded during the survey. A passage migrant or scarce passage migrant. Forbes-Watson recorded two in May (Ripley & Bond 1966) and Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) collected a single immature. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus One at Wadi Ayhaft, 5 April is the first record for Socotra. Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Not recorded during the survey. Sclater and Hartlaub (1881 (who collected one at Cadhoop)) mention Spoonbills as having been seen by Balfour on the margins of stagnant pools near the villages on the north coast. Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1952), without indicating their source, state that the migrant Palearctic race leucorodia and the mainly sedentary north-east African race archeri both occur, the latter as a non- breeding visitor. There are no modern records. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber 49 at Qariyah lagoons, 31 March and eight at Ras Momi, 2 April. A passage migrant. The Bent expedition recorded ‘quantities of Flamingos on the beach’ in 1888 (in Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Forbes-Watson saw small 85 G. M. Kirwan, R. P. Martins, K. M. Morton & D. A. Showler Sandgrouse 17 numbers of flamingos, presumably of this species, as late as mid- os (Ripley & Bond 1966). Wigeon Anas penelope Not recorded during the survey. A common winter visitor to adjacent areas of north-east Africa. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) ‘found the Wigeon fairly common about the mouths of the rivers near Hadibu and met with large flocks in a patch of marshy ground bordering the Dimichiro river near its entrance into Khor Garieh’. Gadwall Anas strepera Not recorded during the survey. A common winter visitor in the adjacent parts of north-east Africa. Ogilvie- Grant & Forbes (1903) describe the species as ‘fairly common on the brackish estuaries of the rivers traversing the Hadibu plain and in the swamps near Khor Garieh’. Teal Anas crecca Not recorded during the survey. A common winter visitor in the adjacent parts of north-east Africa. Sclater and Hartlaub (1881) state that Balfour found the species ‘specially prevalent on the Debeni river and Khorfariah’, with up to 14 recorded together. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Not recorded during the survey. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) state that Bennett obtained Mallard on Socotra. Neither they nor Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966) recorded the species. Garganey Anas querquedula Not recorded during the survey. A female obtained by Forbes-Watson in March at a lagoon near Hadibu is the only record (Ripley & Bond 1966). Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Not recorded during the survey. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) recorded ‘a small flock swimming in a brackish estuary of the Wadi Dinehan’. Hartlaub (1881) reports that Riebeck shot a female at Gollensir. : Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus A total of 618 recorded. Seen daily in all areas visited, often in considerable numbers. Greatest densities occurred in association with human settlements and activity; often very tame. Largest concentrations were: 100 between the airstrip and Hadibu, 30 March; 60 at Hadibu, 31 March; 35 at Hamadiroh plateau, 1 April (attracted by survey campsite); 40 at airport, 6 April. 86 Sandgrouse 17 The status of birds in Socotra and ‘Abd Al-Kuri A conspicuous resident. Forbes-Watson describes it as ‘one of the most obvious birds on Socotra’. He found one nest at Kishin at 500 m with young between mid-April and mid-May. He did not find the species on 'Abd al-Kuri (Ripley & Bond 1966). Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) likewise found the species ‘very common at all our camps’. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Not recorded during the survey. Forbes-Watson saw a single on two or three occasions in March flying over the lagoon at Hadibu (Ripley & Bond 1966). Buzzard Buteo buteo A total of 31 sightings, the maximum being six at Jabal Jaaf, 4 April. Five recorded at Di-Ishal, 5 April, were a family party. | A resident and possibly a rare passage migrant though this is far from clear. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) were the first to record the species and found ‘a good many pairs’ nesting. Forbes-Watson ‘noted these birds occasionally on the Hadibu plain, the cliffs near the sea, and in the limestone country to the east of Kallansiya’. In the Hajhir mountains, he observed a pair carrying sticks to a nest on a cliff at Kishin (Ripley & Bond 1966). For discussion of the taxonomy see Martins & Porter (1996). Osprey Pandion haliaétus One between Rizeleh and Ras Momi, 1 and 2 April. Possibly a resident but no confirmed breeding. Ripley & Bond (1966) report that Forbes-Watson ‘found ospreys to be common on Socotra and 'Abd al-Kuri, but no nests were seen.’ Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) recorded ‘a good many’ on 'Abd al-Kuri where they collected ‘a pair of very old birds’. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Widespread and common throughout the area covered by the survey, with up to seven daily. A resident breeder. Lanner Falco biarmicus Not recorded during the survey. Perhaps a resident breeder. Two pairs of possible Lanners were recorded on Dimimi (in the Hagghier range) and in the Dimichiro valley in 1898-99 (Ogilvie- Grant & Forbes 1903) but it appears that comprehensive views were not obtained of either pair. Occurrence of this species on Socotra perhaps requires confirmation, as indicated by Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire (1993). Peregrine Falco peregrinus One, about ten kilometres south of Jabal Jaaf, 3 April. Status uncertain; at least a winter visitor. Previously recorded in winter and 87 G. M. Kirwan, R. P. Martins, K. M. Morton & D. A. Showler Sandgrouse 17 in the breeding season but confusion with Barbary Falcon Falco pean cannot be ruled out. Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides : One, Rizeleh, 31 March and two, apparently paired, Hamadiroh plateau, 1 April. Probably a resident breeder, although not previously recorded from Socotra. Quail Coturnix coturnix One, Jabal Jaaf, 3 April. A passage migrant. Forbes-Watson saw ‘one coturnix’ near Suk at the end of March 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966) and Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) report ‘only a few’ from Socotra and 'Abd al-Kuri. The species is easily confused with Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei if seen only in flight. The extent to which this problem might be reflected in-past observations of the two species is unknown. Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant. Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1952) list the species as occurring on Socotra but there are apparently no published records. See remarks under Quail Coturnix coturnix. It is suggested that this species is removed from the Socotran list pending further evidence. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant. One was collected by Bennett, but no date or locality is recorded (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant. Riebeck obtained five adults (Hartlaub 1881), but no date or locality was given. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Up to 16 at Erhina lagoons, 30 March - 5 April. A passage migrant, not previously recorded from Socotra. Crab Plover Dromas ardeola Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant. Balfour reported the species to be common at Kallansiya (Sclater & Hartlaub 1881). No further observations were detailed in Ripley & Bond (1966) and this is apparently the only record. 88 Sandgrouse 17 The status of birds in Socotra and ‘Abd Al-Kuri Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor A pair with two fledged young at Hakari wells, 4 April. A migrant or resident breeder, recorded from areas on both north and south coasts. Seven reported breeders were collected by Forbes-Watson between March and June 1964, who regarded the species as ‘common’ east of Hadibu on the Ras Kharma airstrip and near Eriosh (Ripley & Bond 1966). Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Two, Erhina Lagoons 31 March and 5 April. A passage migrant. Forbes-Watson collected one near Hadibu, 9 March 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Eight at three localities in the eastern half of the north coast, 30 March - 5 April, » and 14 on the south coast at Ras Diblih, 3 April. A passage migrant. Forbes-Watson collected one east of Hadibu, 13 March 1964 and saw the species on 'Abd al-Kuri during this month (Ripley & Bond 1966). Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus A total of 24 at three localities along the eastern half of the north coast, 30 March - 5 April. Maximum ten at Qariyah lagoons, 3 April. A common resident breeder. Forbes-Watson found the species to be common along the ponds and lagoons on the north coast (Ripley & Bond 1966). Lesser Sandplover Charadrius mongolus One, Qariyah lagoons, 31 March and four, Ras Momi, 1-2 April. Presumed to be a passage migrant. Not previously recorded from Socotra. Greater Sandplover Charadrius leschenaultii Three, Ras Momi, 2 April. Presumed to be a passage migrant. Not previously recorded from Socotra. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Two, Erhina lagoons, 30 March and one there, 5 April. Apparently a scarce passage migrant (as is the case on the fringe of mainland Arabia). Forbes-Watson collected one, two miles east of Hadibu, 17 May 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). This is the only other record from the islands. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola / Eight along the eastern half of the north coast, 31 March - 6 April. A passage migrant. Presumably also a winter visitor. Forbes-Watson collected one near Hadibu, 13 March 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). 89 G. M. Kirwan, R. P. Martins, K. M. Morton & D. A. Showler Sandgrouse 17 Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago One, Erhina lagoons, 30 March, where two, 5 April and one on the Hamadiroh plateau, 1 April. A passage migrant and perhaps also a winter visitor. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes | (1903) found the species common at Homhil, although it was not recorded by Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966). Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant. Two shot at Homhil during the Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) expedition of 1898-99 are the only records. No date, locality or description are given. Recent records indicate that this species is a scarce but regular passage migrant and a winter visitor to the eastern fringe of Arabia. There are also three records from Yemen. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Not recorded during the survey. Ripley & Bond (1966) reported that Forbes-Watson saw this species during the period 7 March - 14 June 1964. There are apparently no further details available and this is the only record. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 29 at four sites along the eastern half of the north coast, 30 March - 6 April. A common passage migrant. Presumably also a winter visitor. Curlew Numentus arquata One, Qariyah lagoons, 31 March and one, Ras Momi, 2 April. A passage migrant. Redshank Tringa totanus Nine, Qariyah lagoons, 31 March and three, Qudub Marsh (east of the airstrip), 6 April. A common passage migrant. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis One, Qudub marsh (east of the airstrip), 6 April. A passage migrant. Not previously recorded from Socotra. Greenshank Tringa nebularia Widespread in small numbers at five localities along the eastern half of the north coast and at one locality on the south coast. A common passage migrant. Presumably also a winter visitor. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Two, Qariyah lagoons, 31 March. A passage migrant. 90 Sandgrouse 17 The status of birds in Socotra and ‘Abd Al-Kuri Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Widespread in small numbers; at least 33 at a minimum of six localities along the eastern half of the north coast. A passage migrant and perhaps also a winter visitor. Recorded from 'Abd al- Kuri (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903) and from near Hadibu where Forbes- Watson collected two, 11 and 15 March 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). Turnstone Arenaria interpres 18 recorded at three localities (Ras Hebak, Erhina lagoons and Ras Momi) along the eastern half of the north coast, 30 March - 5 April. A winter visitor (although non-breeders perhaps linger through the spring and summer). Red Knot Calidris canutus One near Di-Lishah, 3 April was the first record for Socotra. A vagrant or rare passage migrant in east and north-east Africa. There are two extralimital records from Somalia (Urban et al. 1986). The species is a vagrant in Yemen and Oman (Hollom et al. 1988). Sanderling Calidris alba One at Ras Momi, 1 April, and two at the same locality, 2 April. Probably a scarce passage migrant, although listed as a vagrant by Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire (1993). In winter this species is widespread on coasts throughout north-east and east Africa (Urban et al. 1986). Forbes-Watson (in Ripley & Bond 1966) did not record this species on Socotra in 1964. Bennet is credited with having obtained a specimen in 1898 or 1899 (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii Three records, two at Erhina lagoon, 30 March, 12 on shoreline at Hadibu, and 7 on Qariyah brackish lagoons, 31 March. Probably a regular passage visitor in small numbers. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) report having shot one from a flock along the Hanefu river, 20 Feb 1899. The only other records are of two males and a female collected near Hadibu by Forbes-Watson in March 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Two at Erhina lagoon, 30 March was the first record for Socotra. In east Africa this species winters regularly from the Red Sea south to Kenya (Harrison 1985). Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Three at Erhina lagoon, 30 March. In 1964 Forbes-Watson noted small numbers of gulls including L. fuscus along the entire north coast. Probably an uncommon non-breeding/winter visitor. a1 G. M. Kirwan, R. P. Martins, K. M. Morton & D. A: Showler Sandgrouse 17 L. f. fuscus is apparently the only subspecies wintering in the Middle East and east Africa (Grant 1986). 3 Lesser black-backed Gull Larus fuscus complex The systematics of the Lesser Black-backed Gull complex are open to much debate. We have included the sub-species heuglini and taimyrensis under Lesser black-backed Gull, though often they are treated as sub-species of Herring Gull. No Yellow-legged Gulls L. cachinnans were observed. A total of 1,015 recorded, principally along the north coast from Ras Hebak to Ras Momi with maximum counts of 74 off Hadibu, 31 March and 650 at Ras Momi, 1 April. Recorded once on the south coast: five at Ras Diblih, 4 April. All birds examined from slides taken were either heuglini or taimyrensis. Observed in 1964 by Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966) along the north coast, this species is a regular non-breeding visitor. In this region L. a. heuglini is known to winter in the southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and south along the African coast to Tanzania. The winter range of taimyrensis is not fully understood, but some birds wintering in Kenya may be this subspecies (Grant 1986) and so it could possibly occur on Socotra. White-eyed Gull Larus leucophthalmus Two at Ras Momi, 1 April. In 1964 Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966) encountered small numbers of gulls, including this species, along the north coast. Probably a regular non- breeding visitor in small numbers. Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii A total of 688 recorded. Regularly seen off the north coast with the following maxima: 50 off Ras Hebak, 30 March; 60 off Ras Momi, 2 April and 53 during a north coast pelagic transect, 2 April. Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966) noted small numbers of gulls including L. hemprichii along the north coast in 1964. Apparently a fairly common non- breeding visitor. Breeding occurs in the southern Red Sea to Gulf of Aden, off the Makran coast and locally along the east Somalia coast to Kiunga, Kenya and also the Arabian Gulf. It is present off the Arabian coast throughout the year, but many migrate south to Kenya and Tanzania in the winter (Harrison 1985). Swift Tern Sterna bergii A total of 417 recorded, principally on the north coast, with the following maxima: 80 off Ras Hebak, 30 March; 50 between Riseleh and Ras Momi, 1 March; and 66 off Fikhah, 2 April. On the south coast, 20 at Ras Diblih, 4 April. Noted as the most common tern species along the north coast in 1964 by _ Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966). Either a common migrant or present throughout the year in Socotran waters, where it may breed on islands in the archipelago. 92 Sandgrouse 17 The status of birds in Socotra and ‘Abd Al-Kuri Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis A total of 17 recorded along the north coast, from Ras Hebak, Ras Momi, Fikhah and the coast near the airport. Recorded at Qadhub and Kallansiya with Swift Terns by Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966). Either a migrant or a resident in waters around Socotra, where it may breed on islands in the archipelago. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis A total of 268 recorded, with a maximum of 150 off Ras Hebak, 30 March. A passage migrant and non-breeding visitor to waters around Socotra. Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii Two off Ras Hebak, 6 April was the first record for Socotra. Probably a scarce migrant; the sub-species concerned, S. d. bangsi, breeds in . the Arabian Sea on islands off Oman (Harrison 1985). White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa A total of 10,261 recorded, with large numbers counted on three sea-watches: 400 (+ 1,000 terns that were either this species or S. hirundo) off Ras Hebak, 30 March; an estimated 2,500 per hour flying east near Dibleh, 4 April; 4,380 per hour flying west and 2,390 per hour flying east during a timed count off Ras Hebak, 5 April (with additional feeding flocks of up to 300 present offshore). Apparently a regular and common passage migrant. Saunders' Tern or Little Tern Sterna saundersi or S. albifrons Not recorded during the survey. Forbes-Watson noted a few pairs in late May 1964 near Eriosh that had just started to make nest scrapes (Ripley & Bond 1966). These seem more likely to have been Saunders’ Tern than Little Tern. The former is known to breed from the southern half of the Red Sea to the Seychelles and possibly Madagascar, whereas Little Tern occurs much farther north. Brown Noddy Anous stolidus One caught by local fishermen near Di-Lishah, 4 April. In addition, a noddy, presumably A. stolidus, was recorded during a north coast pelagic transect, 2 April, with another observed from the shore near Ras Diblih, 4 April. Two previous records: one close inshore near Jebel Bitzobur, 14 January 1899 (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903) and a single observed by Forbes-Watson on Ras Hebak in late May 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii A minimum of 34 recorded at four localities in the north of the island: one on the Hamadiroh plateau, six at Rizeleh, two between Ras Momi and Shidadah and 25 at Di-Ishal. A resident breeder. In addition, has also been recorded from Qaysuh, the Hadibu plain and near Kallansiya (Ripley & Bond 1966). 93 G. M. Kirwan, R. P. Martins, K. M. Morton & D. A. Showler Sandgrouse 17 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis A total of 982 recorded. Seen daily, the highest density occurring at Wadi Ayhaft where 100+, 5 April. A common breeding resident on Socotra, occurring from sea-level to at least 850 m on Jabal Jaaf. Often recorded around habitation and in date palm Phoenix dactylifera groves and other well vegetated areas. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Not recorded during the survey. | An adult male at Gollonsir (Hartlaub 1881) is the only record. Bruce's Green Pigeon Treron waalia A total of 28 recorded at five localities: Rizeleh (1), Hakari wells (4), Wadi Ayhaft (9), en-route to Di-Ishal (2) and at Di-Ishal (12). A resident breeder, most commonly found in date palm P. dactylifera groves and other wooded areas. White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus sokotrae Not recorded during the survey. The race sokotrae is endemic. A resident breeder, though nest and eggs have apparently never been found. Forbes-Watson in 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966) considered it uncommon, being confined to water courses and their environs. Also found rarely in palm groves on the coastal plain, but more common in the Hajhir mountains. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) also observed the species in the Hajhirs and recorded it as being nowhere common, but widespread in small numbers over all parts of the island visited. It is possible that the species has become more localised in response to increasing aridity. African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis (subspecies?) The population encountered on Socotra, and treated as Otus senegalensis, is presumably the same as that described by Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) and Ripley & Bond (1966), who assign it to Otus scops socotranus. Heard or seen at five localities: eight on the Hamadiroh plateau, one at Jabal Jaaf, one at a pass south of Rookib, two or four at Di-Ishal, and four at Wadi Ayhaft. Apparently a widespread breeding resident in wooded areas to at least 850 m on Jabal Jaaf. Nubian Nightjar Caprimulgus nubicus jonesi Not recorded during the survey. A male obtained in the Dimichiro valley on the Garieh plain, east Socotra, 16 _ January 1899 (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903) was accorded subspecies status. This is the only record for Socotra. Forbes-Watson's Swift Apus berliozi berliozi Approximately 300 birds recorded. Seen almost daily, principally in small 94 Sandgrouse 17 The status of birds in Socotra and ‘Abd Al-Kuri flocks, along the coast and inland to 850 m on Jabal Jaaf, where one was trapped. The largest flocks observed were as follows: 40 at Fikhah, 2 April; 30 on Hamadiroh plateau, 3 April; 60 at Jabal Jaaf, 4 April and 54 at Ras Diblih, 4 April. A fairly common breeder. Movements outside the breeding season are unclear. Occurs from sea-level to the Hajhir mountains. Forbes-Watson noted birds in May 1966 at the high cliffs in the Hajhirs and considered that they were almost certainly breeding in cracks in the cliffs (Ripley & Bond 1966). For further details see Porter et al. (1996). Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops superciliosus One at Erhina, 5 April was the first record for Socotra. European Roller Coracias garrulus Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant with one record: a female collected by Forbes-Watson near Hadibu, 15 March 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966) Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinicus Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant. The only record is of a skeleton found on 'Abd al-Kuri in 1899 (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Hoopoe Upupa epops Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant, the only record is one flying between Socotra and 'Abd al-Kuri in 1899 (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Black-crowned Finch Lark Eremopterix nigriceps forbeswatsoni A total of 284 recorded. Seen daily, especially numerous in arid coastal scrubland, often in the vicinity of habitation but also encountered up to 850 m on Jabal Jaaf. The largest concentration was 64 at Hakari wells. The race forbeswatsoni is endemic to Socotra. A common breeding resident. Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Not recorded during the survey. No records from Socotra, but a specimen of one of the paler south-western forms, possibly the race artemisiana, was obtained on ‘Abd al-Kuri, 21 March 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). Sand Martin Riparia riparia Not recorded during the survey. A passage migrant (Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire 1993). Two males and a female collected by Forbes-Watson in May 1964 near Hadibu (Ripley & Bond 1966). 95 G. M. Kirwan, R. P. Martins, K.M. Morton & D. A. Showler Sandgrouse 17 Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula Not recorded during the survey. Apparently breeds. A few pairs were seen (and three birds collected) in the Hajhir mountains (500-1,100 m) and around limestone cliffs at Homhil (800 m) in 1898-99 (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Forbes-Watson obtained two males and two females at Adho Dimellus in May 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris One at Wadi Ayhaft, 5 April was the first record for Socotra. A vagrant. The species is a scarce autumn passage migrant and winter visitor to Yemen (Brooks et al. 1987). There are no records from adjacent continental Africa (Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire 1993). Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant. A female collected by Forbes-Watson near Hadibu, 17 May 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). House Martin Delichon urbica Not recorded during the survey. A passage migrant. Forbes-Watson observed the species on several occasions over Hadibu in mid-May 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant. Two on ‘Abd al-Kuri, 23 February 1899, one of which was collected (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis sokotrae A total of 284 recorded, principally from inland and montane areas. Observed from sea-level to 850 m (Jabal Jaaf), usually in poorly vegetated, rocky localities. A common resident breeder. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) found newly- fledged young in mid-December as well as fresh eggs, both in the same period in early February. Recorded up to at least 1,200 m. Apparently absent from 'Abd al-Kuri. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Not recorded during the survey. A passage migrant. Balfour collected three of the race lutea, in March 1880 near Ghor Gharrieh (Sclater & Hartlaub 1881; Keith, Urban & Fry 1992). - Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea One at Wadi Ayhaft, 5 April is the first record for Socotra. A vagrant. The species is a fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor to northern Yemen (Brooks et al. 1987). Uncommon on passage and in winter in Somalia (Ash & Miskell 1983). 96 Sandgrouse 17 The status of birds in Socotra and ‘Abd Al-Kuri White Wagtail Motacilla alba Not recorded during the survey. A winter visitor (Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire 1993). Balfour described it as common along the lower reaches of perennial streams (Sclater & Hartlaub 1881). Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) found it to be fairly common on the Hadibu plain, in the Dimichiro valley and on 'Abd al-Kuri. Forbes-Watson collected seven in March 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). All records apparently refer to dukhunensis, which breeds in Russia, east to central Siberia and south to northern Iran (Keith, Urban & Fry 1992). Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina Two at Ras Momi, 2 April. Status uncertain. Recorded twice previously; a specimen taken in March 1880 (Sclater & Hartlaub 1881) and a male collected on 'Abd al-Kuri, 23 February 1899 (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903) Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Not recorded during the survey. A winter visitor. Found commonly on the plains by Balfour in March 1880 (Sclater & Hartlaub 1881) and noted as numerous by Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) who recorded it up to 1,000 m in the Hajhir mountains, and up to 500 m on ‘Abd al-Kuri. Nine females and a male on 'Abd al-Kuri in March 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966) were considered, on wing measurements and the amount of white in the wing, to be the race oreophila which breeds in Tibet, Ladakh and the Kunlun Shan range and winters in southern Arabia and possibly southern Somalia (Keith, Urban & Fry 1992). Socotra Warbler Incana incana A total of 135 recorded at 11 sites, principally from localities between sea level and 150 m, but found up to 850 m on Jabal Jaaf (15, 4 April). Usually found in sparse, halophytic vegetation in both rocky and sandy areas, but also recorded from thickets and grassy uplands. Maximum was 20 in dunes at Fikhah (10 m), 2 April. A resident breeder, endemic to Socotra. Recorded to approximately 1,400 m by Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) and Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966). For further details of the species see Dymond (1996). Socotra Cisticola (Island Cisticola) Cisticola haesitata A total of 25 recorded at four localities: two on the coastal plain east of Ras Diblih (0-5 m), 11 at Hakari wells (0-5 m), ten 2 km west of Ras Diblih (0-5 m) and 15 in dunes west of airport (2-3 m). All observations were in areas where the dominant vegetation was low coastal scrub, typically tamarisk and/or halophytic scrub. Most records related to singing males, but no other indications of breeding were noted. A resident breeder. Both Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) and Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966) observed fledged young. In upland areas it is found in 97 G. M. Kirwan, R. P. Martins, K. M. Morton & D. A. Showler Sandgrouse 17 grassland with scattered bushes. Probably local and uncommon, and considered globally vulnerable (Collar et al. 1994). For further details of the species see Dymond & Porter (1996). Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Not recorded during the survey. A vagrant (Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire 1993). One collected on 'Abd al-Kuri, 23 February 1899 (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Not recorded during survey. A vagrant {(Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire 1993). One collected on 'Abd al-Kuri, 23 February 1899 (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). i Socotra Sunbird Nectarinia balfouri A total of 149 at 14 sites between 50 m (Ras Hebak) and 850 m (Jabal Jaaf), with maxima of 50 at Wadi Ayhaft, 16 at Shidadah, and 15 at Jabal Jaaf. All other observations involved 1-13 birds. A nest with three unfledged young at Ras Hebak, 30 March. Recorded in most well-vegetated areas. A resident breeder. Widespread and fairly common, recorded from sea-levei up to 1,500 m. For further details of this species see Showler & Davidson (1996). White-breasted White-eye Zosterops abyssinica socotrana A total of 149 recorded at 12 sites from sea-level to 850 m on Jabal Jaaf. Occurs in small numbers at lower altitudes, with largest concentrations of 50 in climax woodland on Jabal Jaaf and 25 in sub-montane woodland at Wadi Ayhaft. Elsewhere, usually found in mixed Adenium obesum and Zizyphus woodland, principally above 250 m. Two of three trapped at Jabal Jaaf, 4 April were in active wing-moult. A resident breeder. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) found newly fledged but still dependent young, 17 December 1898 and 1 January 1899, but Forbes- Watson found no evidence of breeding between March and June (Ripley & Bond 1966). Described as equally common at high and low altitudes (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Great Grey Shrike Lantus excubitor uncinatus A total of 139 recorded at 19 sites . Widespread and common in most areas with mature trees, from sea-level to 850 m. Maximum of 46 on the Hamadiroh plateau and 21 at Shidadah. Most other observations were of 1-6 individuals. A resident breeder. Forbes-Watson made no mention of nesting (Ripley & Bond 1966), but Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) found fully fledged young being fed by adults on many occasions and a nest with small young at Homhil. Evidently common in suitable habitat, principally at lower to middle elevations. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) found the species to be scarce above 1,000 m, although recorded up to 1,200 m by Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966). 98 Sandgrouse 17 The status of birds in Socotra and ‘Abd Al-Kuri Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis A total of 54 recorded at 13 sites. Usually observed in pairs or small groups of up to eight individuals, except for 20 at the airport, 6 April. Most observations were from the coastal plain but recorded up to 460 m (Hamadiroh plateau). No instances of breeding noted. Presumably a resident breeder but nesting never established. Riebeck shot a pair (Hartlaub 1881), Forbes-Watson shot a female (Ripley & Bond 1966) and Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) recorded it as comparatively rare, typically in pairs. Socotra Starling Onychognathus frater A total of 41 recorded at six sites, from near sea-level to 850 m on Jabal Jaaf. Maximum 16 on Hamadiroh plateau, where a nest site in a hole in a limestone ~ cliff was discovered. More common in well wooded areas. An endemic resident breeder, below 60 m in towns, around lagoons and on plains; 60-1,200 m in foothills, in valleys and thickets and grassy uplands; and on the high peaks of the Hajhir mountains between 1,200 and 1,500 m (Ripley & Bond 1966). For further details of this species see Porter & Martins (1996). Somali Starling Onychognathus blythii A total of 538 recorded from almost all sites visited. Common throughout (although apparently most common in higher, rocky areas), from sea-level to 850 m (Jabal Jaaf). Three counts exceeding 100 birds: 111 on Hamadiroh plateau, 110 at Shidadah, and 100 between Rookib and Ras Diblih. A resident breeder on Socotra and 'Abd al-Kuri. For further details of this species see Porter & Martins (1996). Socotra Sparrow Passer insularis A total of 1,142 recorded from nearly all localities, from sea-level up to 850 m. Largest concentrations were: 231 at Hamadiroh plateau, 133 at Shidadah, at least 200 between Rookib and Ras Diblih, 121 at Di-Ishal. Most other observations involved 10-50 individuals. An endemic resident breeder, widespread and common. Records suggest that nesting occurs throughout the year (Ripley & Bond 1966). Recorded up to at least 1,200 m. The sub-species hemileucus is found commonly on 'Abd al-Kuri (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Of four young birds trapped during the survey, one had fledged in 1993, one in late 1992 and the other two were judged to have almost certainly fledged in late 1992. Golden-winged Grosbeak Rhynchostruthus socotranus socotranus A total of 46 recorded at three sites: on rocky, scrub-covered hillsides at Rizeleh (100 m), in sub-montane woodland at Wadi Ayhaft (200 m) and in Adenium scrub at Di-Ishal (150 m). Most common at Wadi Ayhaft where 42 were counted. A resident breeder. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) obtained fully fledged young but no other evidence of breeding has been recorded. Apparently locally 99 G. M. Kirwan, R. P. Martins, K. M. Morton & D. A. Showler Sandgrouse 17 common, principally in the Hajhir and Adho Dimellus mountains. Ogilvie- Grant & Forbes (1903) also found it to be fairly common in the Addah, east of Hadibu, while Forbes-Watson shot one near Kallansiya (Ripley & Bond 1966). Recorded from 60 to 1,200 m. African Rock Bunting Emberiza tahapisi insularis A total of 76 recorded at five sites between 100 and 850 m: 30 at a pass south of Rookib, 19 at Shidadah, 25 at Jabal Jaaf (850 m), one between Rookib and Jabal Jaaf and one between Di-Ishal and Hadibu. Ail were in rocky upland areas with sparse vegetation. A common resident breeder. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) found three nests with either eggs or young in January 1899 and adults with dependent young in February. Apparently common in all suitable open areas with scattered vegetation, principally at low to middle elevations; Ogilvie-Grant (1903) stated that it was replaced at high altitude by E. socotrana. Socotra Bunting Emberiza socotrana Two at the pass south of Rookib (500 m), 3 April were wit 15 African Rock Buntings, on a dry, rocky hillside with scrub and a few scattered small trees. An endemic resident. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) collected a pair and three singing males on the slopes of Adho Dimellus between 6-15 February 1899, at over 1,200 m. Forbes-Watson obtained a total of 17 specimens in 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). Probably prefers upland thickets and scrub for nesting, but Collar & Stuart (1985) speculate that the species may descend to low altitudes during the non-breeding season. For further details see Morton (1996). REFERENCES ASH, J. S. AND MISKELL, J. E. (1983) Birds of Somalia. Their Habitat, Status and Distribution. Scopus Special Supplement No. 1. Ornithological Sub-Committee of the East African Natural History Society, Nairobi. BROOKS, D. J., EVANS, M. I., MARTINS, R. P. AND PORTER, R. F. (1987) The Status of Birds in North Yemen and the Records of the OSME Expedition in Autumn 1985. Sandgrouse 9: 4-66. BROWN, L. H., URBAN, E. K. AND NEWMAN, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa Vol. 4. Academic Press, London. COLLAR, N. J., CRosBy, M. J. AND STATTERSFIELD, A. J. (1994) Birds to Watch 2: The World List of Threatened Birds. BirdLife Conservation Series No. 4, BirdLife International, Cambridge. CoLaR, N. J. AND STUART, S. N. (1985) Threatened Birds of Africa and Related Islands. ICBP, Cambridge. ; DowsETT, R. J. AND DOWSETT-LEMAIRE, F. (1993) Afrotropical avifaunas: annotated country checklists. Tauraco Research Report 5. Tauraco Press, Liege. DYMOND, J. N. (1996) The Socotra Warbler. Sandgrouse 17: 142-144. - DYMOND, J. N. AND PorTER, R. F. (1996) The Socotra Cisticola. Sandgrouse 17: 145-147. GRANT, P. J. (1986) Gulls: a guide to identification. (2nd ed.). T. & A. D. Poyser, Calton. HARRISON, P. (1985) Seabirds: a guide to identification. Croom Helm, Beckenham. HARTLAUB, G. (1881) On the birds collected in Socotra and Southern Arabia by Dr Emil Riebeck. Proc. Zool. Soc. London 1881: 953-959. 100 Sandgrouse 17 The status of birds in Socotra and ‘Abd Al-Kuri HOoL.o, P. A. D., PORTER, R. F., CHRISTENSEN, S. AND WILLIS, I. (1988) Birds of the Middle East and North Africa. T. & A. D. Poyser, Calton. KEITH, S., URBAN, E. K. AND Fry, C. H. (1992) The Birds of Africa. Vol.4. Academic Press, London. MACKWORTH-PRAED, C. W. AND GRANT, C. H. B. (1952) Birds of Eastern and North-eastern Africa Vol. 1. Longmans, London. MARTINS, R. P. AND PORTER, R. F. (1996) The Buteo population in Socotra. Sandgrouse 17: 134-137. Morton, K. M. (1996) The Socotra Bunting. Sandgrouse 17: 155-157. OGILVIE-GRANT, W. R. AND FORBES, H. O. (1903) Birds of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. In: Forses, H. O. The natural history of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. Porter, London. PORTER, R. F., DYMOND, J. N. AND MARTINS, R. P. (1996) Forbes-Watson's Swift in Socotra. Sandgrouse 17: 138-141. PORTER, R. F. AND MARTINS, R. P. (1996) The Socotra Starling and Somali Starling. Sandgrouse 17: 151-154. PORTER, R. F. AND STONE, F. (1996) An introduction to Socotra and its birds. Sandgrouse 17: 73-80. PORTER, R. F., MARTINS, R. P. AND STONE, F. (1996) The Ornithological Society of the Middle East's survey of southern Yemen and Socotra, March-May 1993: an introduction. Sandgrouse 17: 5-14. RipLey, S. D. AND BOND, G. M. (1966) The Birds of Socotra and 'Abd al-Kuri. Smithsonian Misc. Coll. 151, No. 7. SCLATER, P. L. AND HARTLAUB, G. (1881) On the birds collected in Socotra by Prof. I. B. Balfour. Proc. Zool. Soc. London 1881: 165-175. SHOWLER, D. A. AND DAVIDSON, P. (1996) The Socotra Sunbird. Sandgrouse 17: 148-150. URBAN, E. K., Fry, C. H. AND KEITH, 5S. (1986) The Birds of Africa. Vol. 2. Academic Press, London. G. M. Kirwan, 6 Connaught Road, Norwich NR2 3BP, UK. R. P. Martins, 6 Connaught Road, Norwich NR2 3BP, UK. K. M. Morton, 31 Braehead Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 6QN, UK. D. A. Showler, clo OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK. 101 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 102-129 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra PETER DAVIDSON hilst knowledge of the status and distribution of bird species in arid tropical environments has advanced, quantitative assessments of species’ abundance are few. A major objective of the OSME survey of spring 1993, therefore, was to investigate, by means of standardised quantitative transects, the bird communities of different habitats, thus enabling broad comparisons between them and assessment of the relative abundance and densities of the species they support. Employing simple survey techniques, large areas were covered by survey teams in relatively short periods. This strategy is essential for the coverage of extensive areas in a climate where bird activity occurs primarily during the first two hours of daylight. No comparison has been attempted between results presented here and those from surveys undertaken in the Tihamah of northern Yemen in autumn 1985 (Rands et al. 1987). Differences in the season of survey and methodology used prevented meaningful comparison. METHODS Habitat categorisation The principal vegetation types and land-use characteristics encountered on each transect were recorded on standardised forms. This information was used to develop a series of broadly defined habitat and land-use categories. Comparisons of bird species' density and relative abundance could thus be made between the categories using techniques described below. Within southern Yemen, these habitat/land-use categories have been classified into three altitudinal bands: Tihamah and coastal lowlands (<500 m), Foothills (500- 1,800 m) and Highlands (>1,800 m). For the Socotra data, three zones, mainly based on altitude, have been used. Bird census techniques and data analysis Two census techniques were employed: line transects and encounter rates. Line transects are particularly suitable for surveying extensive tracts of relatively uniform terrain, especially ‘open’ or sparsely vegetated habitats. Such a survey approach offers an efficient way of collecting a large volume of data per unit effort. The methodology followed for conducting the line transects was that detailed in Bibby et al. (1992). At each survey site up to ten transects were walked by different observers simultaneously, attempting to achieve a constant pace of one km per 20 minute period. Transects, which were a minimum of 400 m apart, were distributed in such a way as to ensure that no large areas of 102 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra habitat were left uncovered. During each transect, every individual bird contact was recorded and divided into those within 25 m of each observer, and those beyond. In instances where bird contacts involved individuals or groups flying over, this was noted separately, but these data were excluded from the density analyses. Transects were generally undertaken between 05.30 and 10.00 and 16.30 and 18.00 hours, the periods of maximum bird activity. For each species, a density value (expressed as birds/km*) was calculated according to the formula (from Bibby et al. 1992): D 10N ((1-SQRT(I - Ni/N))/W)/L where = density in birds per ha (x100 for density per km) = total number of birds recorded on transect number of birds recorded within 50 m belt = width of inner belt (i.e. 50 m) = transect length (km) ean Density estimates were summed and divided by the number of transects, generating a mean density for each species at each site. In cases where habitat categories were represented at more than one site, site means were summed and divided by the number of sites to give an overall mean for each habitat. Using the above formula produces a density of zero in cases where no birds were recorded within the 50 m belt. Since data from all transects (including those with zero density) must be used when calculating site and habitat densities, the density of some species may have been slightly underestimated. Point counts, based on the method described in Bibby et al. (1992) were also conducted at four sites where the structural complexity of the vegetation (e.g. densely wooded habitats) made line transects impracticable. No further analysis of the point count data was attempted because of its incompatability with line transect data. Fortunately though, sufficient line transect data were collected in three of the point count habitats (Juniperus woodland, Mahra woodland, and Socotra foothills) to enable calculation of a density estimate. When insufficient time was available to organise full line transects, encounter rates (the number of individuals of each species encountered per kilometre walked) were calculated. Since observer effort was judged to be similar to that on full line transects, the data have been combined with that from the transects to derive a relative abundance index for each species in each habitat. This makes full use of all observations made during the bird surveys. The original data recording sheets are lodged in the OSME archives. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION During the survey, a combined total of 377 transects and encounter rate walks was conducted, covering 390 km at 45 different sites, including 52 transects on Socotra. Co-ordinates are given for most of these, but all can be located by 103 Peter Davidson Sandgrouse 17 reference to Figures 1 and 2 in Porter et al. (1996). A total of 120 species was recorded (on both transects and encounter rate walks): 80 breeding species, and 40 passage migrants. Details of the habitats covered, together with a summary of species numbers recorded, are given in Table 1 (page 116). Densities and relative abundance indices are presented in Table 2 (breeding species page 118) and Table 3 (passage migrants page 126). The following sections covering first southern Yemen and then Socotra discuss the characteristics of each habitat in turn, broadly identifying the relative importance of each to the bird species occurring, especially those endemic to south-west Arabia or for which the habitat holds high densities. Under Breeding Species with highest density, species are listed in descending order of abundance. Table 1 provides an appraisal of the relative importance of the habitats surveyed and gives details of the coverage achieved and census methods used. For full details of the species recorded in each habitat see Tables 2 and 3. SOUTHERN YEMEN Tihamah and Coastal Lowlands (<500 m) Sabkha Desiccated saline mud coastal plain, with scattered small dune systems (<3 m high) formed and maintained through an aggregation of sand around substantial shrubs and bushes. Scattered Suaeda bushes were present and the dominant grass was Odyssea mucronota; Halopyrum mucronatum also present. Ground cover generally <5%. An unidentified club rush was present at very low density on the landward side of this habitat strip. Altitude: <10m. Land use: Apparently undisturbed, except for limited low intensity grazing and occasional vehicle tracks. Site: 13°02'N 45°04'E, c.25 km north-east of Aden on the Arabian Sea coast. Breeding species with highest density: Hoopoe Lark* (the only species recorded). Virtually birdless. No migrants were found in the habitat. Subdesert plain Fixed low sand dunes (c.3 m high), flats and vegetated sand hummocks comprising c.30% ground cover, comprising Salvadora persica (Arak) scrub and Odyssea mucronota and Panicum turgidum grass cover. Also widely scattered, unidentified Acacia spp. and a ridge of sand fringing beach covered with dense _Suaeda fruticosa scrub and, in wet patches, Avicennia marina. Altitude: <10m. Land use: Apparently undisturbed. Scattered settlements at very low density. * Scientific names appear in tables 2 and 3 (pages 118-129) 104 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra Site: Al-Jadid (13°04'N 43°20'E), on the Red Sea coast south of al-Mukha. Breeding species with highest densities: Hoopoe Lark, Crested Lark, Yellow-vented Bulbul, African Collared Dove. The most striking feature of this habitat was the high number of migrant species recorded (14) compared with a mere five breeding species. Although relatively well vegetated, plant diversity was limited (mostly halophytes and xerophytes). Due to close proximity to the coast the area provides a good staging post for migrants of which Pied Wheatear, Redstart and Willow Warbler were recorded at their highest density. It should be noted that although African Collared Dove was recorded at its highest relative abundance in this habitat, density was greatest in sandy wadis and cultivated plains inland. Herbaceous grassland Dry, flat or gently undulating sand and fine gravel plain. Dominant herbs include Tribulus arabicus, Dipterygium glaucum and Heliotropium sp. Panicum turgidum is the dominant grass; sward height 230 cm. Ground cover generally <30%. Scattered, unidentified shrubs and bushes c.1 m high. Altitude: 80-150 m. Land use: Extensive low to medium intensity grazing. Scattered semi-nomadic settlements. Sites: 12°57'N 44°49'E, 20 km north-west of Aden; 12°9'N 44°38’'E, 30 km north-west of Aden. Breeding species with highest densities: Black-crowned Finch Lark, Hoopoe Lark, Crested Lark, Nile Valley Sunbird. This habitat held a low number of breeding species (10) probably reflecting a lack of structural complexity (the vegetation is predominantly at ground level). The very high density of Black-crowned Finch Larks breeding (much higher than in other habitats) reflects the seasonal nature of optimal breeding conditions for this species, recent rain having promoted the profuse flowering of herbs and grasses in the rather fine sand and gravel substrate. Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse also occurred but at very low density. Few migrants were recorded. Acacia woodland Gently undulating gravel plain supporting Acacia tortilis, the dominant tree species, at a density of 10-20 trees per ha, with rather sparse Panicum turgidum grass cover and a low shrub understorey, with Zygophyllum sp. in gravel areas. Slightly more species-rich along dry runnels where more annual herbs present. Some sandy grassland with patches of Salvadora persica along a narrow (0.5 km wide) coastal strip. 105 Peter Davidson Sand grouse 17 Altitude: 30-60 m. Land use: Extensive light grazing and browsing of Acacia by camels. Scattered semi-nomadic settlements. Site: Hiswat al-Hujaymah. This Acacia woodland belt (5-10 km in width) stretches for at least 80 km along the coastal plain of western southern Yemen from a few kilometres east of Bab al-Mandab to the herbaceous grassland north-west of Aden. It is one of the largest stands of Acacia woodland in Yemen. Breeding species with highest densities: Great Grey Shrike, Black-crowned Finch Lark, Crested Lark, African Collared Dove. This highly distinctive habitat, typical of the Sudan Savanna zone of continental Africa, held only eight breeding species, perhaps surprisingly as the vegetation structure is more complex in Acacia woodland than in many of the other lowland habitats studied. Great Grey Shrike occurred at its highest density which was considerably higher than in any other habitat on the mainland being comparable with its density in the Socotran Highlands. Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse and Arabian Babblers occurred at low density. More importantly in conservation terms, Arabian Bustard was found to occur, although the species was not recorded during formal censusing. This extensive habitat tract may still support an important population of the species. Perhaps surprisingly only four migrant species were recorded, all at low densities. Alluvial coastal plain Sparsely vegetated flat or gently undulating sand and gravel plains. Typical species include Salvadora persica, Acacia spp. (particularly Acacia tortilis), occasional Adenium obesum, Zizyphus spina-christi and Calotropis procera, generally comprising not more than 5% ground cover, mainly restricted to dry gullies. Altitude: 50m. Land use: Mainly undisturbed, but perhaps with some seasonal light grazing. Sites: Al-Sugayyah (12°40'N 43°37'E, just east of Bab al-Mandab; Wadi Irkhawt, 2 km east of Sayhut (both sites east of al-Mukalla); plain below Jabal Rub'ut (eastern southern Yemen). Breeding species with highest densities: Sand Partridge, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Desert Lark, Orange-tufted Sunbird, Blackstart, Arabian Babbler. _ Of 20 breeding species recorded, Sand Partridge was recorded at the highest density found in any habitat. This was the only lowland habitat where south- west Arabian endemics were encountered during transects: Arabian Partridge and South Arabian Wheatear (both were scarce). High densities of a number of 106 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra passage migrants were recorded, notably Rufous Bush Robin and Upcher's Warbler, both at considerably higher densities than in any other habitat. Sandy wadis Flat, open dry sandy wadis, often traversed by smaller gullies and bordered by agricultural land. Generally well vegetated; plant species include Tamarix nilotica, Salvadora persica, Zizyphus spina-christi, occasional Acacia spp. Calotropis procera, Euphorbia spp. in western southern Yemen, and the introduced Prosopis juliflora in eastern southern Yemen. Intermittent herb cover, commoner species including Dipterygium glaucum and Tribulus arabicus. Small, dense thickets of vegetation often encountered, particularly where Prosopis juliflora and Tamarix nilotica dominate. Percentage vegetation cover usually >30%, often much greater. Surface running water present at Wadi al-Masilah and Wadi Hajr (where apparently permanent). Altitude: 20-460 m. Land use: Sandy wadis often fringed by cultivation, generally comprising sorghum fields with occasional date palms. Some areas lightly grazed. Wadis mainly undisturbed. Sites: South of Dar al-Qudaymi (13°05'N 44°20'E); Wadi al-Khabt (13°03'N 44°30'E) (both below Jabal Iraf); Wadi Hajr (14°06'N 44°10'E) west of al-Mukalla; Wadi al-Masilah (15°04'N 51°08'E) in eastern southern Yemen. Breeding species with highest densities: Yellow-vented Bulbul, Black-crowned Finch Lark, African Collared Dove, Ruppell's Weaver, Arabian Babbler, Brown-necked Raven. This habitat had the greatest species diversity among lowland habitats. A total of 53 species were recorded including 33 breeders. Although this may, in part, reflect the number of kilometres surveyed, the structural complexity of the vegetation and the presence of running water at two sites were clearly significant. Four breeding species were found at their highest relative densities in sandy wadis: Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Little Swift, Nile Valley Sunbird and Brown-necked Raven. 20 species of passage migrants were recorded, the longest number in any single habitat. Barred Warblers were present in the highest density recorded for the species. Degraded Coastal Plain Relatively flat gravel plain with some small hillocks and sand dunes. Very sparse vegetation comprising grass tussocks, halophytes and patches of Zygophyllum simplex. Ground cover generally <2%, except for an area adjacent to a brackish creek which was fringed by Tamarix scrub and a few palms. 107 Peter Davidson | Sandgrouse 17 Altitude: 20-50 m. | Land use: Minimal cultivation (some Sorghum and fallow land), but much disturbance through the creation of foundations for residential development. Site: Al-Shihr, east of al-Mukalla. Breeding species with highest densities: Black-crowned Finch Lark, Great Grey Shrike, Nile Valley Sunbird, Graceful Prinia. Despite the disturbed nature of the habitat, 23 species were recorded, of which 17 were breeding. This habitat was poor for migrants with only six species recorded; of these Spotted Flycatcher occurred at its highest density in any habitat. Foothills (500-1,800 m) Juniper woodland Gently sloping rocky, species-rich plateau traversed by infrequent steep-sided wadis, dominated by Juniper woodland, dense in patches with occasional Acacia spp. and substantial trees (e.g. Ficus spp.); area interspersed with open grassland rich in herbs and patchy cultivation. Vegetation cover 60%-80%. Altitude: 1,350-1,500 m. Land use: Extensive low to medium intensity grazing with minimal browsing. Some cultivation (10%), primarily Sorghum, although many fallow fields. Some clearance for cultivation and lopping of Junipers for firewood. Site: Jabal Iraf (13°07'N 44°15'E) at the summit of the foothill escarpment of western southern Yemen. Breeding species with highest densities: Yellow-vented Bulbul, Laughing Dove, Arabian Waxbill, Long-billed Pipit, Graceful Prinia, Ruppell's Weaver, White-breasted White-eye, Arabian Serin. This habitat has an exceptionally complex structure and is highly restricted in range, occurring only on the Jabal Iraf plateau. It held an important bird community with four south-west Arabian endemics recorded during formal surveys: Arabian Serin occurred at its highest density in any habitat; Arabian Partridge and Arabian Waxbill (at the second highest recorded densities) and Golden-winged Grosbeak. Six other species were also found at their highest densities: Dark Chanting Goshawk and African Grey Hornbill (not encountered ~in most other habitats), Little Rock Thrush, Brown Woodland Warbler (both fairly common), Gambaga Dusky Flycatcher (found at very low densities, but absent from most other habitats), and Tristram's Grackle, which probably utilises the rocky cliff faces fringing the habitat more than the Juniper woodland 108 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra itself. At the time of study (21-23 March), the bird community was composed of over 80% breeding species. Of the five migrants noted only Blackcap was encountered commonly and at a very high density. This was presumably because the habitat affords both shelter and feeding opportunities, and is prominently positioned at the summit of a south-facing escarpment. Open Acacia woodland Gently sloping rocky plateau traversed by infrequent steep-sided wadis. Sparsely vegetated with some Acacia including A. tortilis and A. asak. Sparse ground cover of succulents and flowering herbs interspersed with open rocky areas. Vegetation cover 10%. Altitude: 1,200-1,350 m. Land use: Light grazing, perhaps with some lopping for firewood. Site: Jabal Iraf (13°07'N 44°15'E). Breeding species with highest densities: African Rock Bunting, Long-billed Pipit, Blackstart, Laughing Dove. Located adjacent to Juniper woodland, this habitat supported a similar number of breeding and passage migrant species, but there were some notable differences as may be seen by comparing the breeding species showing the highest densities. Five endemics were recorded during formal censusing, including Arabian Woodpecker and South Arabian Wheatear. Two species recorded at their highest densities in any habitat surveyed on the mainland of southern Yemen: African Rock Bunting and Long-billed Pipit. Arabian Warbler, Golden-winged Grosbeak and Arabian Serin also occurred but were not common. Surprisingly, only four migrants were recorded, all at low densities. This may reflect the relatively early survey dates (20-23 March). Uncultivated foothill wadis Stony wadis (bordered by steep rocky slopes) up to 5 km wide, some dissected by dry sandy channels. Vegetation dominated by Acacia with some Commiphora spp., Zizyphus spina-christi, and Tamarix in sandy areas. Rather sparse, though quite diverse ground flora, the most common species being Salvadora persica, the herbs Aerva javanica atid Dipterygium glaucum and the grass Panicum turgidum. Occasional patches of Pandanus scrub. Occasional standing water present with intermittent stretches of running water in some wadis. Typha beds in one large pool of standing water at Wadi Jahr. Altitude: 600-900 m. Land use: Mostly undisturbed although some areas influenced by light grazing. Habitat occasionally fringed by cultivation in more fertile areas with alluvial deposits. 109 Peter Davidson ; Sandgrouse 17 Sites: Wadi al-Jahr (13°58'N 46°23'E); Wadi Himarah (14°03'N 46°53'E); Wadi al-Jiz' c.40 km west of al-Ghaydah; Wadi Sh'hout (16°20'N 50°43'E); al-Sawm (16°08'N 49°18'E); Wadi Ardah, just west of al- Sawm; 5 km west of al-Qatn (15°50'N 48°25'E); Shabwah (15°23'N 47°01'E). Breeding species with highest densities: House Sparrow, Yellow-vented Bulbul, African Silverbill, Blackstart, Pau mue Dove, Rock Dove, Nile Valley Sunbird. The greatest observer effort occurred in this habitat, both in terms of kilometres walked and sites surveyed. It is perhaps not surprising, therefore, that the highest number of species was recorded on formal transects. A relatively high proportion (70%) were residents and included eight found at their highest densities in any habitat: Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse, Namaqua Dove, Little Green Bee-eater, Desert Lark, Blackstart, Scrub Warbler, African Silverbill and House Bunting. The three south-west Arabian endemics encountered (Arabian Partridge, Arabian Serin and Arabian Waxbill) were all scarce and found more commonly in other habitats. Four species, Hamerkop, Little Button Quail, Little Owl and Nubian Nightjar were not found in any other habitat during formal surveys. Passage migrants were recorded in very low numbers. Cultivated foothill wadis Intensively cultivated fertile wadis with agricultural terraces (many fallow) with a high human population density. Field margins marked by larger trees partic- ularly Acacia spp. including A. asak, some Zizyphus spina-christi and Ficus spp. Crops include sorghum and vegetables (e.g. onions). Adjacent hillsides sparsely vegetated, often with Euphorbia spp. including E. cactus and E. ammak. Surface running water present in some wadis, including one well vegetated with Tamarix sp. and bordered by cultivation. Altitude: 800-1,750 m. Land use: Almost exclusively sorghum cultivation but with much fallow land; other crops include onions. Sites: Wadi al-Sahi (two sites); Shawhat (13°14'N 44°02'E); al-Mihal, near Shawhat; Wadi Yashbum (14°20'N 46°59'E); al-Sawm (c. 16°08'N 49°18'E). As only encounter rates were recorded when surveying this habitat (see Methods), species densities have not been calculated so comparisons with other habitats are liable to be misleading. A similar habitat to uncultivated wadis in terms of total number of species recorded. Again, the proportion of south-west Arabian endemics was low - only four species. Of these, South Arabian Wheatear and Arabian Waxbill were found to be common. Although six species were found at their highest relative abundance in cultivated wadis, they include 110 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra three seldom encountered raptors (Tawny Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard and Lanner), Red-eyed Dove (rarely encountered, but with a widespread distri- bution), Black Kite, and Amethyst Starling. In addition, both Egyptian Vulture and Bruce's Green Pigeon occurred at their highest mainland relative abundance (but were found more commonly on Socotra). Of the 15 species of passage migrant recorded none was found to be particularly common. Some interesting comparisons can be made between the two foothill wadi habitats, which probably cover a larger area than any other vegetation/land-use type in the foothills. The presence of more fruiting and flowering trees in cultivated wadis presumably accounts for the higher relative abundance of species such as Bruce's Green Pigeon and possibly Orange-tufted Sunbird, whereas the less disturbed wadis provide a more suitable haven for Desert Larks compared to cultivated tracts. These two habitats are perhaps the most diverse in terms of plant and tree species structure and composition and variety of land-use activities which may account for the high numbers of species recorded. Drought deciduous woodland (The Mahrah) Extensively wooded limestone escarpment with overlying lateritic clay. Dense Commiphora habessinica/Anogeissus dhofarica/Acacia senegal woodland, with abundant Adenium obesum, forming c. 5 m high canopy with occasional Boscia arabica and Sterculia africana trees. Wadis and ravines often floristically richer, with managed groves of Tamarindis indica, Anogeissus spp., Acacia spp., date palms and occasional Ficus spp. (e.g. Ficus vasta and Ficus salicifolia). Rich shrub and herb understorey with abundant climbers such as Jasminium grandiflorum, Capparis cartilaginea and Cissus quadrangularis. Herb layer absent in some areas through over-grazing and drought. The entire region was extremely dry, apparently following a severe drought. Altitude: 300-700 m. Land use: Limited woodland management: trees harvested for fruits, pollarded for firewood, used as building material and browsed by camels. Also subject to extensive grazing by goats at or near ground level and more limited browsing by camels. Sites: Wadi Mararah (16°39'N 52°55'E); Shahrut, 20 km west of Wadi Mararah. Both sites are in the Mahrah in the extreme east of southern Yemen. Breeding species with highest densities: Shining Sunbird, White-breasted White- eye, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Orange-tufted Sunbird, Laughing Dove, Golden-winged Grosbeak, Blackstart, Black-crowned Tchagra. This is one of largest continuous tracts of woodland in southern Yemen, supporting eight species at their highest recorded densities in any habitat: Arabian Partridge, Arabian Warbler, African Paradise Flycatcher, Shining and Orange-tufted Sunbirds, White-breasted White-eye, Black-crowned Tchagra, 111 Peter Davidson Sandgrouse 17 Fan-tailed Raven and Golden-winged Grosbeak. It is of particular importance in southern Yemen for Arabian Partridge and Golden-winged Grosbeak, found to be common and very common respectively (based on the relative abundance index). The Mahrah in late April was surprisingly poor for migrants, only Spotted Flycatchers occurring in notable numbers. Intensively cultivated silt plain (Wadi Hadramawt) Fertile agricultural region comprising the alluvial plain of Wadi Hadramawt. Extensive areas comprised agricultural fields, many fringed with palm groves and occasional fruiting trees. Many fields fallow with leguminous herbs and grasses, and scattered Zizyphus spina-christi bushes, or under preparation for the cultivation of sorghum, onions, tomatoes and potatoes. One site (al-Gubbah Hotel gardens) was a managed urban garden. Much of the region intensively irrigated and fertilisers and other chemicals (e.g. pesticides) apparently in use. Altitude: 700-800 m. Land use: Intensive agriculture. Sites: Allin Wadi Hadramawt: 10 km south-west of Tarim; al-Gubbah Hotel gardens in Tarim; 2 km west of Sayun; 1 km east of al- Mudhur (15°49'N 48° 25'E). Breeding species with highest densities: Ruppell's Weaver, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Rock Dove, House Sparrow, Laughing Dove, Graceful Prinia, Black Bush Robin. This is the habitat most strongly influenced by man. Modern agricultural methods are used to exploit the fertile substrate. A very high proportion (89%) of the 27 species encountered during formal surveys were breeding, ten of these occurred at their highest recorded densities in any habitat: Rock Dove, Laughing Dove, Bruce's Green Pigeon, Grey-headed Kingfisher (scarce, and only found in this habitat), Yellow-vented Bulbul, Black Bush Robin, Graceful Prinia, House Sparrow, Rtippell's Weaver and the endemic Arabian Waxbill (the only endemic encountered in this habitat). In addition, it held relatively high densities of African Collared Dove, Bruce's Green Pigeon, Crested Lark, African Rock Martin and African Silverbill. Wadi Hadramawt provides a good example of a bird community adapting to change brought on by human activity. Although many of the species found are widespread, occurring in a variety of other habitats, Wadi Hadramawt is an important habitat simply because of the numbers of breeding birds it supports. However, it was poor for migrants, only Blackcap occurring in any numbers. - Highlands (>1,800 m) Highland plateux Undulating barren rocky plateaux (granitic in places) interspersed with shallow 112 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra flat wadis and cultivated outwash fans with scattered Acacia trees. Ground cover generally very light, excepting scattered agricultural areas, a few with irrigated fields. Altitude: 2,000 m. Land use: Undisturbed (barren, rocky) or cultivated ground. Some light grazing at periphery of cultivation. Sites: All in the southern highlands of previous North Yemen: al- Mardam (14°03'N 45°34'E); Am Daqigq, north-west of al-Mardam,; al- Khaw'ah, north-west of Am Dagigq. Breeding species with highest densities: House Sparrow, Crested Lark, Desert Lark, South Arabian Wheatear. This habitat is not widely represented in southern Yemen (where there is a relatively small proportion of ground above 1,800 m). It is most akin to the highlands of northern Yemen in land-use characteristics and bird communities. Two of the four species recorded at their highest densities of any habitat surveyed were south-west Arabian endemics: South Arabian Wheatear and Yemen Linnet. A relatively high proportion (33%) of the 43 species recorded were migrants, but all occurred at low densities. SOCOTRA Coastal plain (<100 m) A relatively flat, barren, sandy coastal plain traversed by dry wadis. Very sparsely vegetated except for scattered Adenium obesum, Zizyphus spina-christi, an unidentified dominant low scrubby tree in wadis and a large date palm plantation at Hakari wells road. Plains surrounding wadis typically unvegetated except for scattered clumps of halophytes on low dunes and some Tamarix sp. on higher dunes. Evidence of at least two substantial fires at Ras Diblih. Area apparently occasionally inundated by sea-water. Altitude: 40m. Land use: Extensive but very light grazing, some areas apparently - undisturbed. One large date palm plantation. Sites: Hakari wells road, 2 km west of Ras Diblih; wadi near Shibrhoh (12°22'N 53°48'E). Breeding species with highest densities: Black-crowned Finch Lark, Long-billed Pipit, Socotra Cisticola, Socotra Warbler, Laughing Dove, Great Grey Shrike. This was the least species-rich habitat on Socotra, only 13 species being recorded. However, this includes four of the six species endemic to the island: Socotra Warbler, Socotra Cisticola, Socotra Starling and Socotra Sparrow. In 113 Peter Davidson : Sandgrouse 17 addition, Forbes-Watson's Swift was only recorded in this habitat (during formal censusing), where it was abundant. Four species occured at their highest densities recorded in any habitat on Socotra: Black-crowned Finch Lark, Long- billed Pipit, Socotra Warbler, Socotra Cisticola. As with other habitats surveyed on Socotra, no migrants were recorded. Foothills (100-400 m) | Undulating rocky or gravel hills and plains. Well vegetated, primarily with an unidentified low shrubby tree (2-3 m high), Adenium obesum, various succulents and a small number of Frankincense Boswellia elongata trees in higher areas. Occasionally interspersed with patches of open, rather stony, grassland. Altitude: 100-200 m. Land use: Extensive light grazing and browsing. Sites: Shidadah (12°37'N 54°09'E); Di-Ishal (12°22'N 54°11'E). Breeding species with highest densities: Socotra Sparrow, Somali Starling, Laughing Dove, Egyptian Vulture, Long-billed Pipit, Great Grey Shrike, African Rock Bunting. Four endemic species were recorded in this habitat, three during formal surveys. Ten species were found at their highest densities recorded in any habitat on Socotra: Egyptian Vulture, Buzzard, Kestrel, Bruce's Green Pigeon, Socotra Sunbird, White-breasted White-eye, Somali Starling, Socotra Sparrow, Golden-winged Grosbeak and African Rock Bunting. Perhaps of greatest importance, Socotra Bunting (not encountered during formal surveys) was found only in this vegetation zone. Highlands (>450 m) Predominantly rocky slopes and elevated plateaux, well vegetated with numerous limestone outcrops. Plateaux grassy with areas of open woodland and scattered Dragon's Blood Trees Dracaena sp., and abundant Adenium obesum. Vegetation on higher slopes stunted (<1.5 m high), interspersed with patches of grassland and substantial stands of Box Buxus sp. scrub. Altitude: 470-1,100 m. Land use: Extensive light grazing with some browsing. Cave settlements still exist in the Socotran highlands. Sites: Hamadiroh Plateau (12°36'N 54°18'E); Jabal Jaaf a2 36'N 54°07'E). Both sites are in central eastern Socotra. Breeding species with highest densities: Laughing Dove, Socotra Sparrow, Somali Starling, Great Grey Shrike. The same species total (16) was found in this vegetation zone as in the foothills. 114 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra All were resident breeders including four endemic to the island, Socotra Warbler, Socotra Sunbird, Socotra Starling and Socotra Sparrow. The starling was found at a higher density here than in other habitats on Socotra. In addition, the highest densities of Laughing Dove, Great Grey Shrike and Somali Starling on Socotra were recorded. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Grateful thanks are due to Phil Atkinson (University of East Anglia) for generously allowing use of his computer for analysis, Dr Paul Dolman (University of East Anglia) for help with the data analysis, Dr Lennox Campbell (RSPB), Dr Colin Bibby (BirdLife International) and Duncan Brooks for comments on the draft paper, and Richard Porter and Rodney Martins for extensive discussion on the presentation of the results. Anthony Miller (Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh) provided invaluable information to help determine the habitat categories on which the analyses were based. REFERENCES Bibby, C. J., BURGESS, N. D. AND HILL, D. A. (1992) Bird Census Techniques. Academic Press. London. PORTER, R. F., MARTINS, R. P. AND STONE, F. (1996) The Ornithological Society of the Middle East survey of southern Yemen and Socotra, March-May 1993: an introduction. Sandgrouse 17: 5-14. RANDS, M., RANDS, G. AND PorTER, R. (1987) Birds in the Yemen Arab Republic: a report of the expedition of the Ornithological Society of the Middle East, October-December 1985. Cambridge. Peter Davidson, clo OSME, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK. 115 Peter Davidson Sandgrouse 17 Table 1: Summary of habitats covered, methods used and species recorded during censusing in southern Yemen and Socotra, spring 1993. TABLE 1: TIHAMAH AND THE COASTAL LOWLANDS ALTITUDINAL ZONE (<500m) Sub- Herba- Acacia Alluvial Sandy Degraded HABITAT TYPE Sabkha desert ceous woodiand coastal wadis coastal plain grassland plain plain Total transect length (km) i 9.5 38 13.5 23.4 44.2 11.25 No of sites censused 1 1 2 1 4 4 1 Census methods used ER T ii J T T& E.R. yf Total species recorded 1 19 We 12 32 53 23 Total breeding species 1 5 10 8 20 33 Wi Total migrant species 0 14 3 4 17 20 6 % breeding species 100 26.3 76.9 66.7 62.5- = . 62.3 73.9 Total endemic species 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 Tables 2 & 3 (pages 118-129): Relative abundance and density estimates for bird species recorded during formal censusing of different habitats in southern Yemen and Socotra, spring 1993. Table 2, breeding species; Table 3, passage migrants. Densities are the number of individuals per square kilometre. The relative abundance index is based on the following, arbitrarily defined categories: * ~~ <0A9/km scarce ** — 0.2-0.49/km uncommon #2%" --0).5-1.99/km common = 2-499) very common 5 KM abundant 116 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra Juniper wood- land 15.3 1 T+E.R. 29 24 5 82.8 3 FOOTHILLS HIGH- SOCOTRA (500-1,800m) LANDS Open Un- Culti- Mahrah Hadramawt Highland Coastal Foothills Highlands Acacia cultivated vated wood- (cultivated plateaux plain (100- (>450m) woodland wadis wadis land silt plain) >1,800m (<100m) 400m) 10 18.75 29 9 22.5 29.5 15.2 11 21 1 9 5 2 4 3 3 2 2 T Peek ER; i T+ER. TER. T+ ER. T T+E.R. 26 60 59 23 27 43 13 16 16 22 42 44 20 24 29 13 16 16 = 18 15 3 3 14 0 0 0 84.6 70 74.5 87 88.9 67.4 100 100 100 - 3 + 1 1 4 1 3 3 Abbreviations (for Tables 1, 2 & 3): i Bake Gale £/O:: n.d - transect census methods used encounter rate census methods used most contacts during transects were of individuals flying over which have been ignored when calculating densities; they have nevertheless been included in the tables for completeness. all contacts during transects were of individuals flying over, and are thus not included in the density analyses. not recorded during line transects; only during encounter rate walks (enabling a relative abundance calculation), hence absence of density estimate. 11Z Peter Davidson | Sandgrouse 17 TABLE 2: TIHAMAH AND THE COASTAL LOWLANDS ALTITUDINAL ZONE (<500m) Sub- Herba- Acacia Alluvial Sandy Degraded HABITAT TYPE Sabkha desert ceous woodland coastal wadis coastal plain _ grassland plain plain Total transect length (km) if 9.5 38 13.5 23.4 44.2 WES) No of sites censused 1 1 2 1 4 4 1 SPECIES Hamerkop Scopus umbretta | Black Kite oe ike Milvus migrans f/o flo f/o Egyptian Vulture < Neophron percnopterus : flo Dark Chanting Goshawk : Melierax metabates flo Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus Buzzard Buteo buteo Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 0.8 n.d. f/o Lanner Falco biarmicus Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides Arabian Partridge Alectoris melanocephala 0.61 Sand Partridge ie z sie Ammoperdix heyi 21.4 n.d. 6.7 Little Button Quail Turnix sylvatica Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii 2.8 n.d. Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus 3:3 2.2 7.1 (f) 2.2 (f) Rock Dove : Columba livia . n.d. a2 African Collared Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea 14.6 12.4 1.4 32 Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis 0.6 15.1 * kkk 118 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra FOOTHILLS HIGH- SOCOTRA (500-1,800m) LANDS Juniper Open Un- Culti: Mahrah Hadramawt Highland Coastal Foothills Highlands wood- Acacia cultivated vated wood- (cultivated plateaux plain (100- (>450m) land woodland wadis wadis land siltplain) >1,800m (<100m) 400m) 15.3 10 78.75 29 9 22.5 29.5 15:2 11 21 1 1 9 5 2 + 3 3 2 2 n.d. n.d. n.d. n.d flo 41.0(f) 17.0 (f) 4.4 3.3 n.d. n.d. f/o n.d. 3 0 1.3 n.d 15 1.7 0.8 n.d. flo flo flo 8.8 6.7 n.d. n.d eed 3 n.d n.d n.d. 3.9 n.d. 17 n.d. 274 n.d. 149.6 flo 15.4 n.d. 26.5 n.d. n.d 34 22.2 36.4 n.d. 41 126.3 15 25 128.3 206.3 119 Peter Davidson | Sandgrouse 17 TABLE 2 CONTINUED: TIHAMAH AND THE COASTAL LOWLANDS ALTITUDINAL ZONE (<500m) Sub- Herba- Acacia Alluvial Sandy Degraded HABITAT TYPE Sabkha desert ceous woodland coastal wadis coastal plain _ grassland plain plain Total transect length (km) if 9.5 38 13:5 23.4 44.2 11.25 No of sites censused 1 1 2 1 4 4 1 SPECIES Namaqua Dove ne Oena capensis . n.d. Bruce’s Green Pigeon Treron waalia Didric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius Little Owl Athene noctua Nubian Nightjar Caprimulgus nubicus Little Swift cone Apus affinis flo Forbes-Watson’s Swift Apus berliozi Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis flo Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis fe n.d. 1.3 Hoopoe Upupa epops 8.6 African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus Arabian Woodpecker Dendrocopos dorae Singing Bush Lark Mirafra cantillans Black-crowned Finch Lark Ze rate aise foie ey Eremopterix nigriceps f/o 222.6 42.9 42.6 29.7 Desert Lark ae : i Ammomanes deserti 19.6 1.4 el Hoopoe Lark wk keke kin ake wh * Alaemon alaudipes 14.8 34 1731 3.7 5:Om 7: 1.3 Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea Crested Lark sec aoe news = Galerida cristata 24.3 14.6 18.1 3.7 African Rock Martin hee Ptyonoprogne fuligula 1.1 (f) 120 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra FOOTHILLS _ (500-1,800m) Juniper Open Un- Culti- wood- Acacia cultivated vated wood- land woodland wadis_ wadis 1523 10 78.75 29 1 1 g 5 5.4 n.d 2.2 n.d. 0.4 0.1 n.d. 10 n.d. n.d. 2 n.d. n.d. oS n.d. Oi 1.9 28.2 n.d. 4.2 n.d. n.d. n.d. Mahrah Hadramawt Highland Coastal (cultivated plateaux land S) 2 n.d. silt plain 225 4 0.8 6.4 n.d. HIGH- LANDS >1,800m 29.5 3 plain <100m Ae 3 wank flo SOCOTRA Foothills Highlands (100- 400m 11 2 (>450m) 21 e 121 Peter Davidson Sandgrouse 17 TIHAMAH AND THE COASTAL LOWLANDS (<500m) Sub- Herba- Acacia Alluvial Sandy Degraded desert ceous woodland coastal wadis coastal plain grassland plain plain TABLE 2 CONTINUED: ALTITUDINAL ZONE HABITAT TYPE Sabkha Total transect length (km) No of sites censused SPECIES Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos Black Bush Robin Cercotrichas podobe Blackstart Cercomela melanura Red-breasted Wheatear Oenanthe bottae South Arabian Wheatear Oenanthe lugentoides Little Rock Thrush Monticola rufocinerea Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis Socotra Warbler Incana incana Socotra Cisticola Cisticola haesitata Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena Brown Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus umbrovirens Gambaga Flycatcher Muscicapa gambagae African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps Nile Valley Sunbird Anthreptes metallicus Shining Sunbird Nectarinia habessinica Orange-tufted Sunbird Nectarinia osea Socotra Sunbird Nectarinia balfouri 122 7 9.5 38 1 1 2 ak 7.6 13.5 1 6.7 23.4 44.2 4 4 n.d. n.d. 11.25 1 3.5 2.2 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra Juniper wood- land 15.3 ae 5.6 ku 6.1 Open: Acacia cultivated vated woodland wadis 18:15 10 6.7 8.6 3.3 FOOTHILLS (500-1,800m) Un- 9 10.6 ae 3.3 Culti- wadis 29 5 n.d. anes Mahrah wood- land 9 2 18.3 ue 10 10 wake 93.3 kkk 47.6 Hadramawt (cultivated silt plain) 22.5 4 kkkk 104.8 n.d. HIGH- LANDS Highland plateaux >1,800m 29.5 3 n.d. n.d. n.d. SOCOTRA Foothills Highlands (100- (>450m) 400m) 11 21 2 2 26.4 13.9 3.9 n.d. 12:2 6.6 123 Peter Davidson TABLE 2 CONTINUED: ALTITUDINAL ZONE HABITAT TYPE Sabkha Total transect length (km) 7 No of sites censused 1 SPECIES White-breasted White-eye Zosterops abyssinica Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus Tristram’s Starling Onychognathus tristramii Somali Starling Onychognathus blythii Socotra Starling Onychognathus frater Amethyst Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster House Sparrow Passer domesticus Socotra Sparrow Passer insularis Ruppell’s Weaver Ploceus galbula Arabian Waxbill Estrilda rufibarba Zebra Waxbill Amandava subflava African Silverbill Euodice cantans Arabian Serin Serinus rothschildi Golden-winged Grosbeak Rhynchostruthus socotranus Yemen Linnet Carduelis cannabina House Bunting Emberiza striolata African Rock Bunting Emberiza tahapisi 124 Sandgrouse 17 TIHAMAH AND THE COASTAL LOWLANDS Sub- desert plain 9.5 1 Herba- ceous grassland 38 2 flo flo (<500m) Acacia Alluvial woodland coastal plain 13:5 23.4 1 4 49 flo Sandy Degraded wadis coastal plain 44.2 125 4 1 1.4 3.8 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra Juniper wood- land 15.3 8.9 (f) x 3.3 Open FOOTHILLS (500-1,800m) Un- Culti- Acacia cultivated vated woodland’ wadis 10 ue 2.6 ak flo xk flo ak “102 78.75 9 wadis 29 HIGH- LANDS Mahrah Hadramawt Highland wood- land AS) 2 (cultivated plateaux silt plain) >1,800m 22.5 29.5 4 3 a7 1.5 flo flo n.d. 129.4 94.7 353.6 n.d. 31.9 22.2 n.d. 1.5 n.d. Coastal plain (<100m) 15:2 ae n.d. 20 kkk SOCOTRA Foothills Highlands (100- (>450m) 400m) 11 21 2 2 15.3 n.d 25.4 49.1 flo 198.3 66.4 23 232.4 178 2.6 19.4 1 125 Peter Davidson Sandgrouse 17 TABLE 3: TIHAMAH AND THE COASTAL LOWLANDS ALTITUDINAL ZONE (<500m) Sub- Herba- Acacia Alluvial Sandy Degraded HABITAT TYPE Sabkha desert ceous woodland coastal wadis coastal plain grassland plain plain Total transect length (km) 7 9.5 38 13.5 23.4 44.2 11.25 No of sites censused 1 1 2 1 4 4 1 SPECIES Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus | flo Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni flo Quail Coturnix coturnix Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Alpine Swift ge Apus melba flo Pallid Swift ag iy Apus pallidus flo flo Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops superciliosus flo f/o European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Roller Coracias garrulus n.d. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica flo Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 4.3 Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Tree Pipit 2 Anthus trivialis 3.3 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flo Rufous Bush Robin : . eke as e Cercotrichas galactotes 1.3 Cf 35 2.9 2.2 White-throated Robin . 5 lrania gutturalis Pf n.d. 126 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra FOOTHILLS HIGH- (500-1,800m) LANDS Juniper Open Un- Culti: Mahrah Hadramawt Highland Coastal Foothills Highlands wood- Acacia cultivated vated wood- (cultivated plateaux plain (100- (>450m) land woodland wadis wadis land silt plain) >1,800m (<100m) 400m) SOCOTRA 15.3 10 78.75 29 9 22.5 29.5 15.2 14 21 1 1 9 5 2 4 3 3 2 2 n.d. n.d. n.d. n.d. n.d. cd 0.5 n.d n.d. flo n.d. flo flo n.d flo “n.d. 4.4 flo 0.7 n.d. 127 Peter Davidson TABLE 3 CONTINUED: ALTITUDINAL ZONE HABITAT TYPE Sabkha Total transect length (km) 7 No of sites censused 1 SPECIES Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana 128 Sandgrouse 17 TIHAMAH AND THE COASTAL LOWLANDS (<500m) Sub- Herba- Acacia Alluvial Sandy Degraded desert ceous woodiand coastal wadis coastal plain grassland plain plain 9.5 38 13.5 23.4 44.2 11.25 1 2 1 4 4 1 8.9 19.1 - 0.3 4.3 2, n.d. 6.7 3.7 n.d. 33.2 n.d 11.3 2.2 2.2 4.1 7a fe, 2.2 5 8.9 n.d 3 Wei 0.6 41.4 2.2 20.8 15.6 1.6 n.d. 2.2 Ws. n.d Wee! 2.2 5:2 n.d. 12 6 3.8 0.4 Sandgrouse 17 Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra FOOTHILLS _ (500-1,800m) Juniper Open Un- Culti- wood- Acacia cultivated vated wood- land woodland wadis wadis 15.3 10 78.75 29 1 1 g 5 1.9 n.d. n.d. f/o n.d. 5.3 n.d. 24 ss n.d. n.d. 4.7 n.d. 131.8 3.6 0.3 n.d. 0.8 Pall n.d. Nel: 0.5 0:5 n.d. 0.3 0.9 n.d. land g 2 11.3 Mahrah Hadramawt (cultivated silt plain) 22:5 4 n.d. uk 8.9 HIGH- LANDS Highland Coastal SOCOTRA Foothills Highlands plateaux plain (100- (>450m) >1,800m (<100m) 400m) 29.5 Toe 11 21 3 3 2 2 x Zia n.d. 129 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 130-131 Ostrich Struthio camelus eggshell fragments in Yemen J. W. SPENCER ragments of Ostrich Struthio camelus eggshells were found on two occasions during the 1993 OSME survey: in the vicinity of Marib and, in association with human artefacts and other archaeological material, in the Ramlat al- Saba'tayn between Marib and Shabwa. Both sites are described in detail below. The Ostrich is known to have been widely distributed across the Arabian peninsula in the past, with records and sightings occurring up until the early decades of the twentieth century (Gallagher 1988; Walker 1981; Jennings 1986). Wilfred Thesiger reports the reminiscences of Bedu tribesmen in the Empty Quarter recalling the presence of Ostriches in the days of their grandfathers (Thesiger 1959). Whilst the eggshell fragments were clearly associated with signs of human activity at Ramlat al-Saba'tayn, at the Marib site they were far more abundant, scattered over a wider area and not obviously associated with any human artefacts. In neither case could their importation by human agency be completely discounted. Ostrich eggs can be transported long distances by hunter gatherers, both as food and in their use as water carriers (Van der Post & Taylor 1984). It does seem likely, given the evident antiquity of the Ramlat al- Saba'tayn fragments, that these at least are of the Arabian race of Ostrich S. c. syriacus. SITE DESCRIPTIONS Marib-Sana'a Road (15°31'N 45°16'E) Large numbers of fragments were found strewn amongst lava blocks and small lava bombs in the volcanic lava fields south-west of Marib, on the Marib-Sana'a road. The volcanic fields of nearby Marib are relatively recent and the lava flows in this area are known to have flowed over alluvial terraces formed behind the Marib dams. These flows are possibly as recent as post-600 BC when the dams were constructed, and the eggshell fragments certainly post-date the flows. Given the intensity of settlement in the area for much of the ancient period, it seems quite possible that the eggshells may have been carried and discarded by nomadic people travelling between settlements. — Ramlat al-Saba'tayn (Rub al-Khali) (15°55'N 46°46'E) A number of small fragments of Ostrich eggshell were found in an ablated hollow in extensive sand dunes in the area known as Ramlat al-Saba'tayn, some ten kilometres north-west of the two small, conspicuous hills known as Turbaq and ‘Arayn. The fragments were in clear association with an assortment of 130 Sandgrouse 17 Ostrich eggshell fragments in Yemen artefacts including chert arrowheads, obsidian points, stone knives and stone flakes. Also present was the partial headless skeleton of a gazelle (or just possibly a young ibex). Both the eggshell fragments and the artefacts rested on a grey, dusty soil horizon below the yellow siliceous sand, believed to be the surface of an ancient lake bed. The artefacts have been examined and tentatively dated to the early holocene, some 9,000 BP, during one of the more humid climatic periods in Arabia's history. The collection of artefacts probably represents a temporary, though possibly regularly used, camp site. Though the Ostrich eggshell fragments appeared to be contemporary and associated with the campsite, it is nevertheless possible that they arrived at the site at a later date. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Dr Martin Menzies of the Yemen Geological Research Group (Royal Holloway College, London) and Ms M. L. Inizian of the CNRS (Centre National des Recherches Scientifiques) in Paris, for their help in the preparation of this paper. REFERENCES GALLAGHER, M. D. (1988) The Ostrich in Oman. Sandgrouse 10: 97-101. WALKER, F. J. (1981) Notes of the birds of Dhofar, Oman. Sandgrouse 2: 50-85. JENNINGS, M. C. (1986) The distribution of the extinct Arabian Ostrich Struthio camelus syriacus. Rothschild, 1919. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 8:447-461. THESIGER, W. (1959) Arabian Sands. London. VAN DER Post, L. AND TAYLOR, J. (1984) Testament to the Bushmen. Viking, London. J. W. Spencer, 123 Greenham Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 7JE, UK. 131 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 132-133 The Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus in Yemen J. N. DYMOND he Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus occurs widely across sub-Saharan Africa north of the Equator, where its status and distribution is reasonably well understood. Knowledge of the species’ status in the Arabian peninsula, however, is poor. The species forms a super-species with Star-spotted Nightjar C. stellatus, which has a more restricted range: regular occurrence is apparently restricted to parts of Ethiopia and northern Kenya. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION IN AFRICA The species is resident in north-west Somalia, but elsewhere in Africa is apparently a rainy season breeding visitor to arid steppe habitats from southern Mauritania in the west to Ethiopia and north-west Kenya in the east. Some birds do breed farther south in the Guinea savanna zone and forest-edge habitats, with nesting data recorded in Liberia and southern Nigeria. With the exception of the Somali resident population, the species is thought to migrate southwards during October to December to wintering areas mainly in northern Zaire, Uganda, Kenya and northern Tanzania, perhaps also westwards towards the Gulf of Guinea. Northward return migration occurs mainly during April to June. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA In Saudi Arabia there are records from four half-degree squares, all in the south- west highlands where it is considered to be local, with all records in the period March to August (M. C. Jennings pers. comm.). They occur in barren habitats, either rocky outcrops and plateaux inland of the Asir mountains or in the foothills at the edge of the escarpment (Symens et al. 1992). In Yemen, prior to the OSME survey in 1993, there are a total of 11 records from the following collecting trips: August to October 1899, June 1907 and May 1934 (F. E. Warr in litt.) and one record of a female/immature found dead 13 km north of Ta'izz (1,200 m), 25 April 1985. The survey recorded up to three birds singing on the nights of 21 March and 22 March at Jabal Iraf (1,400 m), of which one was mist-netted; two at al-Sawm (820 m), 3 May, three seen/heard near al-Ghuraf, near Tarim (800 m), 3 May and five seen/heard at al-Qatn (780 m), 4 May. The last three sites are all in the Wadi Hadramawt region and suggest that there may be a good population of the species in that area. Present data suggest that Arabian birds are breeding summer visitors from Africa, though non-calling birds would be very hard to detect during the winter months. 132 Sandgrouse 17 The Plain Nightjar in Yemen YEMEN CAPTURE During the survey, one male bird was mist-netted during darkness, 22 March at Jabal Iraf. Under torchlight the bird was examined critically in the hand and its plumage features were compared directly with the description given in Fry et al. (1988). The sole slight discrepancy was that the captured bird did not show any pale or whitish patch in the centre of the throat; otherwise it matched perfectly. Biometric data of the trapped bird (lengths in mm, weight in grammes): Age Sex Wing Tail Maximum Billto Weight Primary tarsus feathers moult score Full-grown Male 167 116 20.6 Gs: 48.2 0 VOICE The song is a prolonged churr very similar to that of European Nightjar C. europaeus, though perhaps more directional and less ventriloquial. Song in Yemen commenced just prior to dusk and continued for spells of 20-60 seconds at intervals of 2-20 minutes. The intervals between churring increased during the evening, with song ceasing around 22.30 hours. The male that was caught at Jabal Iraf had earlier been observed singing from a perch on a side branch of a Juniper tree, about two metres from the ground. HABITAT AND CONSERVATION Jabal Iraf is an elevated plateau with scattered Acacia spp. and Euphorbia sp., grading at higher elevation into scrubby woodland dominated by Juniperus sp., with more densely vegetated shallow rocky gullies. The habitat at al-Sawm, al- Ghuraf and al-Qatn was bare or sparsely vegetated rocky hillsides with more vegetated wadi bottoms. Acacia scrub was extensive at al-Qatn. This species seems to need quite remote dry rocky hillsides with neighbouring vegetated areas of native woodland or agriculture. Therefore it would not appear to require any active conservation measures and is unlikely to be influenced by the activities of man. REFERENCES BROOKS, D. J., EVANS, M. I., MARTINS, R. P. AND PORTER, R. F. (1989) The Status of Birds in North Yemen and the Records of OSME Expedition in Autumn 1985. Sandgrouse 9: 4-66. Fry, C. H., KEITH, S. AND URBAN, E. K. (1988) The Birds of Africa. Vol. 3. Academic Press, London. JENNINGS, M. C. (1981) The Birds of Saudi Arabia: a Check-list. Whittlesford, Cambridge. MaRrrIINS, R. P. (1986) Spring Observations on the Birds of North Yemen. OSME Bulletin 17: 2-13. SYMENS, P., NEWTON, S. F., WINKLER, H. AND STAGG, A. J. (1992) Mountain Nightjar Caprimulgus poliocephalus in Arabia: identification, status and distribution. Sandgrouse 14: 81-92. J. N. Dymond, Burgadies, South Punds, Levenwick, Shetland ZE2 9HX, UK. 133 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 134-137 The Buteo population in Socotra R. P. MARTINS AND R. F. PORTER he systematic position of the highly isolated, resident, endemic population of buzzards on Socotra is unclear and requires further study. Ripley & Bond (1966) imply that the population may merit treatment as a sub-species but, because of the scarcity of available material, it is difficult to resolve this issue (Frost & Siegfried 1970). Past authors have variously linked its origins to the Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus or have included it under Mountain Buzzard B. oreophilus (e.g. Brown et al. 1982) although without supporting evidence. The taxonomic and evolutionery context in which the Socotra Buteo should be considered is helpfully informed by recent work on analogous non-migratory populations, such as that on the Cape Verde islands (Hazevoet 1995). This paper presents details of field observations made in Socotra during the OSME survey in April 1993, against the background of previous studies. DESCRIPTION Between 31 March and 7 April 1993, the survey made a total of 31 sightings, including several pairs, one accompanied by three flying juveniles and another which was attending a nest with young. Individuals seen closely were studied carefully and notes taken on shape, structure, plumage and moult. Photographs were taken including that depicted in Plate 23. The main field characters are shown in Figure 1. General points emerging from the observations are: a) Shape and structure differ noticably from migratory Buteo buteo vulpinus that migrates through Arabia; Socotran birds being broader-winged and shorter-tailed, with a proportionally shorter ‘arm’ and less pointed wing-tips, thus more closely resembling Buteo buteo buteo. In addition to the photograph presented here, another of a bird in flight is presented in Ripley & Bond (1966). b) Little plumage variation was noted between individuals, except for differences in the extent of streaking on the underparts (see Figure 2). Streaking generally extended well towards the rear-flanks, but was not obvious across the centre of the upper-breast, which appeared unmarked in most individuals. The main plumage characters of the Socotran birds were: Underparts: pale throughout with variable blackish-brown streaking on flanks extending to rear flanks, prominent brown carpal-patches, light brown mottling on underwing-coverts and extensive white undersides to most primaries forming a conspicuous pale patch recalling Long-legged Buzzard B. rufinus. Tail 134 Sandgrouse 17 The Buteo population in Socotra greyish or off-white, regularly and lightly barred throughout, with an inconspicuous narrow dark terminal-band. Upperparts and head: mainly mid-brown; upperside to tail appeared either greyish-white or gingery-brown, narrowly barred brown throughout excepting broader brown terminal-band; a small pale patch is formed by whitish bases to the inner-primaries. Head generally paler than rest of upperparts with an obvious off-white supercilium. Soft parts: bill and irides appeared dark; legs and feet yellow. Figure 1. Socotra Buteo from below showing the main field characters. Figure 2. Socotra Buteo showing variation in extent of markings on underbody, observed in April 1993. —— rt or ih oa MOULT The bird depicted in Plate 23 showing moult of the inner primaries, secondaries and tail is an adult photographed on 1 April. This does not conform to the moult sequence typical of B. b. buteo, which does not commence primary and tail moult until late April/early May (Cramp & Simmons 1980), or B. b. vulpinus which commences moult of both primaries and tail in early May. STATUS, DISTRIBUTION AND BREEDING The buzzards on Socotra appear to be widely distributed and not uncommon residents (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903, Ripley & Bond 1966 and survey observations). Breeding has been shown to occur in November, January (nest with one month old young, Clouet et al. 1994) and 'winter' (many pairs with young, Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Apparent breeding was also recorded by Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966), who observed a pair carrying sticks to a nest between 10 April and 13 May (dates deduced from itinerary quoted). During the 1993 survey a nest was discovered on 5 April on a rocky cliff, above a wadi at Di-Ishal (150 m), where adults were carrying food to an unknown number of unfledged young. A pair with three fledged young were seen nearby on the same date. These T35 R. P. Martins and R. F. Porter Sandgrouse 17 observations, supported by those of Forbes-Watson, demonstrate that the breeding season extends much later than the period as by Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) and Clouet et al. (1994). It would appear that the duration of breeding can extend from October to at least April (and possibly May), thus differing markedly from that of the migratory vulpinus. Indeed it would be important for Socotra Buteos to have completed their breeding before the onset of the monsoon winds which could hamper the ability to hunt. This difference in breeding seasons may constitute an additional isolating mechanism for the Socotra population. ACTIVITY Often soaring, either alone or with Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus. On several occasions seen standing erect on rocks or trees. SYSTEMATIC POSITION The existence of an apparently sedentary, insular population of buzzards over 2,600 km south of the southern limits of the range of B. b. vulpinus in northern Iran and over 1,700 km from the nearest population of the Mountain Buzzard B. oreophilus of Africa is zoo-geographically intriguing, considering the systematic link that has been made with these two species in the past. Past authors have been unable to form a clear opinion regarding the most appropriate and meaningful systematic treatment of buzzards on Socotra because only five specimens indisputably from the Socotran population (and not migrant vulpinus) are available for study (see Frost & Siegfried, 1970) and because the systematics of old world Buteo populations present a problem which is challenging in its complexity. Ripley and Bond (who did not visit Socotra) did not adopt any formal systematic treatment, simply listing the population as Buteo buteo sub-species? Similar difficulties are presented by sedentary buzzard populations in Macronesia - the Atlantic islands including the Cape Verdes. Such populations are apparently shorter-winged, more clearly resembling nominate B. b. buteo in structure than the highly migratory vulpinus and markedly less variable in plumage characters than trans-Eurasian Buteo populations. The suggestion that such populations could be derived from colonists originating from extensively distributed more northern migrant populations has been made in the past, despite a lack of supporting evidence. Discussion of the systematic position of any group of species or sub-species must reflect their respective evolutionary histories if it is to be meaningful. Ideas advanced by Naurois (1987) and comprehensively developed by Hazevoet (1995) to explain the origin of the Cape Verde Buzzard Buteo bannermani on the Cape Verdes may usefully inform discussion of the origins of the Socotran population. Naurois suggested that the Cape Verde and Socotran buzzard populations have comparable and analogous origins, perhaps representing relic derivatives of a now extinguished African population that existed during or 136 Sandgrouse 17 The Buteo population in Socotra before the Pleistocene. According to this hypothesis Eurasian Buzzard taxa would be derived from an ancestral 'proto-Buzzard' population, the range of which has presumably shifted north into Eurasia as climatic conditions ameliorated after the Pleistocene and as speciation progressed. Populations on the Cape Verdes and Socotra are perhaps therefore derived from early colonists from this, more ancient, population. If this is true, such populations are derived through an evolutionary history which is less related to that of Eurasian Buteo taxa than has been thought previously, representing a separate evolutionary lineage which has proceeded independently on these oceanic islands. Under the Phylogenetic species concept, such a population, if 'consistently diagnosable' from related forms according to morphological or other criteria, constitutes a ‘basal evolutionary unit’ and is therefore most appropriately treated as a species. As indicated above, this approach is adopted by Hazevoet who treats the Cape Verde populations as Buteo bannermani. It would seem appropriate to consider this same approach for the buzzards on Socotra. Further study of the ecology of the Socotran birds and detailed field and museum comparison with the Eurasian Buteo buteo and African B. oreophilus is therefore planned. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Weare most grateful to C. J. Hazevoet for helpful comments on the draft of this paper and to M. J. Everett for the illustrations in Figures 1 and 2 which were based on the authors' field sketches and photographs. REFERENCES BROWN, L. H., URBAN, E. K. AND NEWMAN, K. (1982) The Birds of Africa Vol. 2. Academic Press, London. CLouET, M., CANU, J. G. AND LIPINSKI, F. (1994) Sur la nidification de la Buse de Socotra. Alauda. Vol 62 No. 2: 144-145. CRAMP, S. AND SIMMONS, K. E. L. (1980) The Birds of the Western Palearctic Vol. 2. Oxford. DOWSETT, R. J. AND DOWSETT-LEMAIRE, F. (1993) Afrotropical avifaunas: annotated country checklists. Tauraco Research Report 5. Tauraco Press, Liege. Frost, P. G. H. AND SEIGFRIED, W. R. (1970) Notes on the plumage of Buzzards from Socotra. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 90: 136-142. HAZEVOET, C. J. (1995) The Birds of the Cape Verde Islands. B.O.U. check-list No. 13. B.O.U., Herts. Naurols, R. DE (1987) Les oiseaux de l'archipel du Cap Vert: peuplements, adaptations, endémisme. Bull. Soc. Zool. France 112: 307-326. OGILVIE-GRANT, W. R. AND ForRBES, H. O. (1903) Birds of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. In ForseEs, H. O. The natural history of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. Porter, London. RipLey, S. D. AND BOND, G. M. (1966) The Birds of Socotra and Abd-el-Kuri. Smithsonian Misc Coll. 151, 7. R. P. Martins, 6 Connaught Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3BP, UK. R. F. Porter, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ONA, UK. 137 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 138-141 Forbes-Watson's Swift Apus berliozt in Socotra R. F. PORTER, J. N. DYMOND AND R. P. MARTINS orbes-Watson's Swift forms a super-species with Pallid Swift A. pallidus, African Black Swift A. barbatus and Bradfield's Swift A. bradfieldi (Fry et al. 1988, Chantler & Driessens 1995). Two sub-species are recognised, nominate A. b. berliozi apparently breeding exclusively in Socotra and A. b. bensoni breeding in Somalia and wintering along the Kenyan coast (Chantler & Driessens 1995). There is some evidence to suggest the Socotran population is migratory. During the OSME survey of spring 1993 over 300 were recorded. DESCRIPTIONS The following descriptions are based upon observations made during the survey. For clarity of presentation descriptions in the field and in the hand are given separately. All references to primaries are numbered ascendantly. In the field: Typical Apus shape. Flight typical of the genus, with long, sweeping, tilting glides with limited or no wing-beats, interspersed by occasional short bursts of rapid wing-beats. Plumage colouration dark blackish-brown with distinct white chin and throat patch and less obvious white forehead; both these features were variable. Upperparts: crown and nape grey-brown, mantle, back and rump darker blackish-brown with pale fringes to tips of feathers sometimes visible at close range in good light. Upperside of tail much paler brown than upper body. Underparts: dark earth-brown, paler than mantle, back and rump. Undertail coverts, especially at sides, obviously pale. Pale fringes to feathers were not apparent in the field. Upperwing: dark brown with iridescent sheen, appearing oily, occasionally discernible on median and primary coverts; blackish outer primaries. Underwing: coverts brown, paler than underbody. Underwing: medium greyish-brown with paler, almost translucent, secondaries and inner primaries and darker outer primaries. In the hand: This description is based upon a single individual trapped (by flick-netting) at 1,450 m on Jabal Jaaf on 3 April. The bird is illustrated in Plates 25 and 26. Upperparts: forehead pale grey-brown with very fine whitish fringes. Crown, nape, mantle, back, rump and uppertail coverts grey-brown, also with very narrow pale fringes becoming more obvious on mantle and back and most prominent on rump and uppertail-coverts. Tail grey-brown with a bronzy- green sheen in some lights. Tips of uppertail coverts fell 8 mm short of tips of 138 Sandgrouse 17 Forbes-Watson’s Swift in Socotra central tail feathers. Underparts: chin and throat white with very fine, blackish shaft-streaks to feathers at sides of chin and throat (in malar area). Lores sooty-black. Rictal bristles prominent, short and black. White of throat extended to upper breast, level with carpal bend of closed wing, this colouration merging into earth- brown on breast. Lower breast, belly, flanks and undertail coverts earth-brown with prominent narrow whitish fringes to feathers. Tips of undertail-coverts fell 2 mm short of tips of central tail feathers. Upperwing: primaries and primary coverts dull earth-brown with bronzy-green sheen, most noticeable on five outer primaries. Secondaries and greater coverts as primaries but paler. Median and primary coverts slightly darker than greater coverts with an oily green sheen and very narrow pale fringes to inner and lesser median coverts. Pale fringes to leading row of lesser coverts, producing pale leading edge to inner wing. Underwing: coverts grey-brown, paler than base colour of underbody with broadest fringes (up to 2 mm in width) on greater coverts. Prominent silvery cast to underside of tertials and secondaries, diminishing towards inner primaries. Soft parts: bill black; iris dark chocolate-brown; legs and toes blackish, soles of feet pinkish grey, claws black. Measurements (length in millimetres, weight in grammes): Wing Head & bill Tail Tail cleft depth Weight 172 Cews 69.5 26.2 39.5 When compared with details of 18 male and 11 female A. bD. berliozi, for which details are given in Fry et al. (1988), these measurements suggest the trapped individual was a male. A detailed description of Forbes-Watson's Swift (Chantler & Driessens 1995) concurs with the characters of this bird. THE PROBLEM OF IDENTIFICATION There is no doubt that Forbes-Watson's Swift is difficult to identify. Examination of the species in the field and hand and subsequent comparison of skins at the BMNH with an extensive series of Apus apus pekenensis (the race of Common Swift that migrates through eastern Arabia) and Apus pallidus suggested the following to assist with identification: Differences from Apus a. pekenensis: pale fringes to feathers on upperparts larger, whiter throat oily sheen to secondary and median coverts on uppermine slightly paler overall colouration slight dark saddle effect on mantle 10th primary longest (9th longest in pekenensis) voice 139 R. F. Porter, J. N. Dymond and R. P. Martins Sandgrouse 17 Differences from Apus pallidus: less noticable saddle on mantle slightly darker plumage oily sheen to primaries and secondary and median upperwing coverts voice However, much caution is needed. A bird trapped on mainland Yemen, on 25 April (which was not seen in the hand by the authors) and identified as Pallid Swift was later considered to possibly have been Forbes-Watson's Swift upon examination of the slides. However there was insufficient detail in the photographs or measurements taken for a confident identification to be made. VOICE The call is a rather flat, screeching ‘schweee’, not as high-pitched or loud as that of A. apus. A trisyllabic ‘schweee-weee-eee’ was also noted. TAXONOMIC HISTORY The population of Apus swifts breeding on Socotra were first named Apus pallidus berliozi (Ripley 1965) after examination of birds collected by A. D. Forbes-Watson in 1964. Ripley treated this population as a race of pallidus based upon size, colouration and measurements which were judged to best fit this species. The history of the taxonomic treatment since then has been complicated. A useful account appears in Brooke (1969), who also examined the position of other closely related taxa in what is now regarded as the pallidus super-species. In this group Sibley & Monroe (1990) recognise pallidus (Pallid Swift), barbatus (African Black Swift), berliozi (Forbes-Watson's Swift), bradfieldi (Bradfield's Swift), as well as balstoni in Madagascar. Few other authors support Sibley & Monroe's specific recognition of balstoni and Chantler & Driessens (1995) do not treat it as specifically distinct. All agree that the pallidus super- species presents particular difficulties within Apus and, from a field identifi- cation perspective and from the limited information available to us, we concur with this view. It is now recognised that Forbes-Watson's Swift comprises two sub-species, A. b. berliozi (breeding in Socotra) and A. b. bensoni (breeding in Somalia). STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION The species was recorded throughout the survey (31 March - 7 April). Birds were often seen in pairs or groups of less than five, although on one occasion a loose flock of 45 was observed; in total about 300 were recorded and the species was judged to be fairly common and quite widely distributed. During the 1898- 9 (December to February) expedition to Socotra the only swifts observed were several on 12 December (Ogilvie Grant & Forbes 1903). Although these birds were not positively identified, assuming they were Forbes-Watson's Swift, this observation suggests that the species is rare or absent during winter. 140 Sandgrouse 17 Forbes-Watson’s Swift in Socotra HABITAT AND BREEDING Most common in the interior of the island e.g. in the Hajhir mountains around Jabal Jaaf, although small numbers were recorded over the coastal plains. No evidence of breeding was observed. Forbes-Watson collected 32 individuals, nearly all in breeding condition, 14 to 9 May 1964, and suggested the breeding season was largely complete by mid-May (Ripley 1965). He found the species most often in mountain areas above 600m and thought it bred in cracks in cliffs. No display was observed during the survey but Forbes-Watson in 1964 found that most birds in the flocks encountered were in pairs with the female leading the male (discovered by collecting). On a few occasions birds were seen to cling onto their partner and then drop with flexed wings to near the ground. In addition to much screaming, ‘whip-crack’ noises emanated from the pair, probably made by the wings. FOOD Birds were observed catching flying insects. Stomach contents examined by Forbes-Watson included beetles, flying ants and grasshoppers. He also saw them catching flying termites at sea level after rain (Ripley 1965). CONSERVATION AND INFLUENCE OF MAN The species is apparently neither threatened nor influenced by human activities. REFERENCES BROOKE, R. K. (1969) Apus berliozi Ripley, its races and siblings. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club. 89, 11-16. CHANTLER, P. AND DRIESSENS, G. (1995) Swifts: a guide to the swifts and treeswifts of the world. Pica Press, East Sussex. Fry, C. H., KEITH, S. AND URBAN, E. K. (1988) The Birds of Africa. Vol. 3. Academic Press, London. OcILviE-GRANT, W. R. AND Fores, H. O. (1903) Birds of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. In FORBES, H. O. The natural history of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. Porter, London. RIPLEY, S. D. (1965) Le Martinet Pale de Socotra. L’Oiseau et la Revue Francaise d’ornithologie. Vol. 35: 101-102. RIpLey, S. D. AND BOND, G. M. (1966) The Birds of Socotra and Abd-el-Kuri. Smithsonian Misc. Coll. 151, No. 7. SIBLEY, C. G. AND MonroE, 8. L. (1990) Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world. Yale University Press, New Haven. R. F. Porter, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ONA, UK. J. N. Dymond, Burgadies, South Punds, Levenwick, Shetland ZE2 9HX, UK. R. P. Martins, 6 Connaught Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3BP, UK. 141 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 142-144 The Socotra Warbler Incana incana J. N. DYMOND ormerly placed in the genus Cisticola, Socotra Warbler Incana incana, endemic to Socotra, has more recently been treated as a monospecific genus, though not by Sibley & Monroe (1990). Plumage and wing-formula show close similarities to Piping Cisticola (or Neddicky) C. fulvicapillus of eastern and southern Africa, but it is longer-billed and certain aspects of its behaviour and appearance recall some Sylvia warblers, notably Desert Warbler S. nana. The species has a reddish orbital-ring, a feature not present in any species of the genus Cisticola but often present in Sylvia. The observations of the OSME survey of spring 1993 are presented here. DESCRIPTION Sexes apparently alike. In general impression, a fairly small sandy warbler resembling both Desert Warbler and a Cisticola, but with a noticeably long, prominent bill. The tail is sometimes held slightly cocked. One of the individuals observed during the survey is illustrated in Plates 30 and 31. The following description applies to adults. Juvenile plumage is apparently undescribed. Plumage Crown and nape sandy-grey with a distinct rufous tinge. Upperparts uniform sandy-brown. Ear-coverts and sides of neck greyish-white. Upperside of tail slightly darker than upperparts with greyish tinge to central pair of tail feathers. Extensive white tips and blackish subterminal bands present on underside of tail feathers. Occasional narrow white tips present on upperside also, although these are absent from some birds having apparently been lost through wear. The prominence of these features is accentuated by the graduated tail structure. Excluding blackish centres to tertials and black alulas, general colouration of all coverts and flight-feathers on closed wing sandy-brown, concolorous with mantle. Entire underparts pure 'silky' white to greyish-white, excepting a greyish cast to rear flanks. Plumage soft and loose (from examination of skins). Soft Parts Bill: upper mandible dark grey; lower mandible straw-yellow or pinkish-yellow with a dark tip. Legs and feet orange-yellow or pink, faintly tinged orange. Irides reddish-brown or tawny-orange. Measurements Forbes-Watson collected 22 birds in 1964: wing-lengths were 49- 53 mm (mean 50.8) in 12 males and 46-51 mm (mean 48.5) in 10 females, with tail-lengths of 43-48 mm (mean 45.2) and 41-47 mm (mean 43.1) respectively; the weight range was 9-12 g (Ripley & Bond 1966). 142 Sandgrouse 17 The Socotra Warbler VOICE The quiet song is a slightly hesitant, unmusical trill or a spluttering series of identical notes lasting 1-1.5 seconds. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) considered the song similar to that of Stonechat Saxicola torquata, but not often heard. A harsh, chattering call-note was occasionally heard during the survey. This was described by Ogilvie-Forbes & Grant (1903) as a scolding “'chip, chip, chip, chip- it, chip-it, chip-it' which can be reproduced by striking a flint and steel together quickly.” STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION About 88 were recorded at ten sites during the survey at altitudes from sea-level to 800 m. The species was encountered at most well-vegetated sites visited. The more arid west of the island was not visited but in 1964 Forbes-Watson found the species in extensively vegetated plains at Kallansiya in the west and up to 1,400 m in the Haggier mountains (Ripley & Bond 1966). From December to February the species was common in almost all bushy areas on the island up to 1,100 m (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). HABITAT The species was found in three habitat types: (1) Dense tamarisk Tamarix with dwarf halophytic vegetation on coastal sand-dunes, at two sites on the southern coastal plain (Hakari wells and 2 km west of Ras Diblih) and just west of Fikhah on the north coast where tamarisk thickets and associated Croton socotranus/Jatropha unicostata shrubland is sustained by a freshwater spring emerging from windblown dunes at the base of cliffs. (2) Lowland hill slopes (near Rizeleh) and the sides of wadis at Wadi Ayhaft, near Shibrhoh and Wadi Shidahah supporting moderately dense cover. (3) Higher mountain slopes (e.g. on Jabal Jaaf at up to 800 m) in patchy climax woodland interspersed with dense low shrub cover. Balfour encountered the species on high grassy plains (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). BREEDING No evidence of breeding was observed in April. Ripley & Bond (1966) do not refer to breeding during the period March to June but Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) found a pair with three young on 7 January. At the end of January they observed many birds with nesting material and females about to lay eggs (deduced from collected birds). On 12 February they found a nest: a dome- shaped structure with a side entrance constructed from grass and lichen and situated in a bush one metre above the ground. 143 J. N. Dymond | Sandgrouse 17 ACTIVITY Unobtrusive, favouring lower levels in scrub but-not shy, responding well to ‘pishing’. Two were seen to make flights for distances of up to 200 m at a height of 1.5-2 m. It is unclear whether such activity was related to a territorial dispute, courtship or some other purpose. Foraging on the ground was observed, individuals often carrying the tail slightly raised at such times. CONSERVATION AND INFLUENCE OF MAN The Socotra Warbler, although endemic to Socotra, is not considered endangered. While it was not possible to conduct an accurate assessment of the population during the brief survey period, the species is widespread in suitable habitat, perhaps suggesting a total population exceeding 5,000 individuals. Although pressures from grazing and wood-cutting for firewood may be locally intense, such activities do not appear to effect the habitats typically used by this species. REFERENCES OGILVIE-GRANT, W. R. AND ForBES, H. O. (1903) Birds of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. In ForBES, H. O. The natural history of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. Porter, London. RIPLEY, S. D. AND BOND, G. M. (1966) The Birds of Socotra and Abd-el-Kuri. Smithsonian Misc. Coll. 151, 1-37. SIBLEY, C. G. AND MONROE, B. L. JR. (1990) Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World. Yale University Press, New Haven. ]. N. Dymond, Burgadies, South Punds, Levenwick, Shetland ZE2 9HX, UK. 144 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 145-147 The Socotra Cisticola Cisticola haesitata J. N. DYMOND AanpD R. F. PORTER ormerly considered to be an endemic sub-species of Fan-tailed Warbler (Zitting Cisticola) Cisticola juncidis by Ripley & Bond (1966), the Socotra Cisticola C. haesitata is treated by Sibley & Monroe (1990) as a full species - as indeed it was by Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903). Forbes-Watson found the species in only two localities during his expedition in 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1996), one close to sea-level and the other at an altitude of 870 m, and there were apparently no further observations until those by the OSME survey of spring 1993, the results of which are presented here. DESCRIPTION Socotran birds differ from populations of juncidis chiefly in the distinct greyish cast to the upperparts, notably the crown, nape, mantle and scapulars, which contrast with the distinctly rufous uppertail and uppertail-coverts. The fringes to the secondaries are pale grey rather than buff, as in juncidis. The supercilium of haesitata is perhaps less prominent and greyer (reducing the impression of the ‘pare-faced' appearance typical of juncidis) and the sides of the face lack the warm buffy tones of juncidis. The tail pattern and colouration, and entire colouration of the underparts show no obvious differences from juncidis. Soft Parts (from Ripley & Bond 1966): iris tawny; bill blackish with cutting edge of upper and lower mandible yellowish to pale yellowish-horn; feet pale flesh. Males have inside of mouth bluish-black while in females this is flesh-coloured. Measurements No birds were trapped, but Ripley & Bond (1966) give measurements for six birds caught in 1964: five males had a wing length of 45-50 mm (mean 47.6) and a female a wing length of 43 mm; weight 6-8 g. The species had the same wing-formula as juncidis. VOICE The characteristic song consists of an emphatic, loud ‘chip’ or 'chit' repeated monotonously during undulating display-flights over the breeding territory, but sometimes given from a prominent perch on a bush. The notes become shorter and quicker as the song progresses, a fact also noted by Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903). Some observers thought this note was slightly different from that of juncidis, being likened to two stones being clicked together, and this was borne out when a recording made near Socotra airport was compared with a recording made by K. Mild at Jericho, Palestine. The individual notes of the Socotra bird -are shorter and harsher, more metallic or drier, and the pause between notes is shorter. However, recordings of juncidis in various parts of its range show that the frequency of notes can vary (Cramp 1992). 145 J. N. Dymond and R. F. Porter | Sandgrouse 17 Another note, possibly an alarm call, delivered when perched before or after song-flight, was transcribed as ‘phut'. It has a spitting or spluttering quality and is audible at close range only. Forbes-Watson also mentions a quiet and subdued 'tititi...', uttered after alighting or at the end of a song delivered from a bush. (Ripley & Bond 1966). STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Survey records of 1993 and those of Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) and Forbes- Watson in 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966) do not suggest that the species is widespread. The survey found it fairly common at three sites: Ras Diblih, Hakari wells and the dunes west of the airport. Large areas of the island, including much coastal habitat, have never been visited by ornithologists and may be suitable for the species. However, in several apparently suitable areas it seemed to be absent, notably the coastal halophytic scrub near Ras Momi where the Socotra Warbler Incana incana was a common - indeed the only -— bird species. It is possible that the distributions of the cisticola and warbler are mutually exclusive, though, if so, the reasons are not clear. Forbes-Watson found an unspecified number of birds in light scrub below the foothills of Ras Hebak, some 2 km west of Hadibu, and he also found a family group of two adults and three juveniles on an upland meadow near Adho Dimellus, at an altitude of 870 m, on 16 and 17 April 1964. Our survey recorded the species on three dates at three sites: 11 birds were seen at Hakari wells on the southern coastal plain, 3 April, 10 were seen at Ras Diblih on the southern coastal plain, 4 April, and 15 were found on the northern coastal plain just west of Socotra airport, 6 April. At these localities it was the commonest passerine. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) found Socotra Cisticola only on the southern part of the Hadibu plain between the Hanetu river and base of the Haggier mountains. HABITAT All the survey observations were made in similar habitats: low sandy dunes and flats with sparse, dwarf halophytic vegetation and scattered tamarisk Tamarix sp., mostly on the dune hummocks. All sites were less than 5 m above sea-level. Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966) described the habitat of his upland observation as ‘short grass meadow with clumps and scattered bushes, with a stream flowing through’, and mentioned that the birds also 'foraged over the edge of this plateau where the bush was thicker’. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) found the species on stony ground covered with thick, bush-like grass 60 cm high, interspersed with larger bushes. BREEDING No evidence of breeding, other than song-flight, was observed during the survey but, as noted above, Forbes-Watson found a family group of two adults 146 Sandgrouse 17 The Socotra Cisticola and three juveniles; 16-17 April 1964. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) found no evidence of breeding in December and January. ACTIVITY At all sites where the species occurred it was readily encountered, even at mid- day, undertaking active song-flights and singing from exposed perches. This bird was very similar in its behaviour to C. juncidis. Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966) noted foraging in bushes, but at a lower level than Socotra Warbler and thought it doubtful that the two species compete. CONSERVATION AND THE INFLUENCE OF MAN With a total of some 36 birds at three sites the survey helped to establish the cisticola as a species threatened on a global scale, with a status classified as vulnerable (IUCN Category D). This is afforded to those species that have a world population of fewer than 1,000 mature individuals (Collar et al. 1994). Even though many potential sites for the species were not visited, it is our best judgement that the population would satisfy this criterion. Two other Socotran species, the Socotra Starling and Socotra Bunting, also fall into this category. The most urgent conservation requirement is a full survey of all coastal and lowland habitats to establish the full range (and population) of the species. These habitats are likely to be the most threatened if developments, including those to support tourism, start to take place on the island. It is essential that such developments avoid areas where this globally threatened bird occurs. REFERENCES COLLAR, N. J., CRosBy, M. J. AND STATTERSFIELD, A. J. (1994) Birds to Watch 2: The World List of Threatened Birds. BirdLife Conservation Series No. 4, BirdLife International, Cambridge. CRAMP, S. (ed.) (1992) The Birds of the Western Palearctic Vol. 6. Oxford University Press. OGILVIE-GRANT, W. R. AND Fores, H. O. (1903) Birds of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. In Forbes, H. O. The natural history of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. Porter, London. RIPLEY, S. D. AND BOND, G. M. (1966) The Birds of Socotra and Abd-el-Kuri. Smithsonian Misc. Coll. 151, No. 7. SIBLEY, C. G. AND MONROE, B. L. (1990) Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World. Yale University Press, New Haven. J]. N. Dymond, Burgadies, South Punds, Levenwick, Shetland ZE2 9HX, UK. R. F. Porter, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ONA, UK. 147 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 148-150 The Socotra Sunbird Nectarinia balfouri D. A. SHOWLER AnpD PETER DAVIDSON he Socotra Sunbird Nectarinia balfouri, previously Cyanomitra balfouri (Sclater and Hartlaub 1881) is endemic to Socotra. It is the most common of the endemic bird species, being widely distributed from sea-level to at least 1,370m (Ripley & Bond 1966). It is found in areas with a scattering of trees and bushes, but is most abundant in areas of more substantial vegetation. It is unusual but not unique amongst the Nectariniidae in that it exhibits no obvious sexual dimorphism. The observations made by the OSME survey of spring 1993 are presented here. DESCRIPTION The sexes are similar and usually inseparable in the field, except on occasions when males are singing and displaying their yellow pectoral-tufts. A relatively large, deep-chested, robust sunbird, with a stout bill and thick legs. An adult near a nest is shown in Plates 28 and 29. Plumage: crown dull brown (perhaps somewhat darker in presumed male) streaked greyish-white, extending through nape onto mantle. Ear-coverts darker than crown, streaked greyish-white. Lores sooty black, with this colouration extending around eye. Thin greyish-white supercilium extending behind eye to rear of ear-coverts. Narrow sooty black moustachial and striking white sub-moustachial stripe broadening markedly towards cheeks. Sooty black malar stripe bordering dark grey, somewhat mottled throat. Sooty biack centres to upper-breast feathers broadly fringed white, creating a scaly pattern recalling Cyprus Warbler Sylvia melanothorax. Rear-flanks pale greyish-brown. Belly and undertail-coverts white. Mantle brown to grey-brown. Coverts dull brown with paler, greyer tips to lesser and median coverts, fringes to greater coverts greyish-tan. Tertials dark grey-brown, fringed pale grey-brown. Secondaries dull brown with pale greyish-white fringes, some with an olive sheen, forming pale wing-panel. Primaries dark brown; primary-projection beyond tips of tertials, very short. Tail notched, blackish-brown with pale tips to two outer- feathers and white webs to outer tail-feathers. Soft parts: iris reddish-brown. Bill black, moderately decurved and thick-based around nostrils. Legs and feet black. Juvenile similar to adult but iris brown (not reddish-brown), lower mandible pale yellowish. Feet dark grey with pale soles (Ripley & Bond 1966). Measurements: Biometric data from one adult netted on Jabal Jaaf, 4 April 1993 is as follows: (lengths are in mm, weight in grammes): 148 Sandgrouse 17 The Socotra Sunbird Wing Tail Max.tarsus Billtofeathers Billandhead Weight 59.0 45.0 21:5 19.1 36.5 10.5 VOICE The frequently delivered call note is a squeaky, strident 'zii' or 'zee'. An apparent alarm or territorial dispute call is a repeated harsh, grating 'tchee-up' or 'tchee'. The song, which may either be delivered in short bursts or be of a longer duration, is usually delivered from a prominent perch. It comprises a series of quick jangling notes fairly typical of sunbirds. The Socotra Sunbird has also been noted by Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) to mimic the calls of other birds, especially that of Socotra Warbler Incana incana. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common and widespread in most areas with scattered trees. Not present on the bare limestone plateaux (Ripley & Bond 1966) and probably absent from the sparsely vegetated southern Noged plain. Occurs from sea-level up to at least 1,370m (Ripley & Bond 1966). HABITAT This species is most abundant in densely wooded areas, e.g. Wadi Ayhaft, where the dominant tree species include Rhus thyrsiflora, Buxus hildebrandtii, Carphalea obovata and Sterculia spp. (A. Miller pers. comm.) It is also common on more open, sparsely wooded rocky hillsides where Adenium obesum socotranum and Euphorbia arbuscula trees are often present. In some montane areas it occurs in box scrub. FOOD From stomach contents of collected birds and field observations by Forbes- Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966) it was noted that the diet consists predominantly of arthropods, mainly insects but also small spiders. Vegetable material is apparently also an important constituent of the diet and includes small fruit and seeds. Forbes-Watson also recorded an immature bird feeding on fruit from a Euphorbia bush, but did not see any visiting flowers. During the survey an observation of apparent nectar feeding was made, one bird visiting the flowers of Calotropis procera. Given the other information available, nectar is perhaps a less important constituent of the diet than might be expected, but this remains speculative and further information is needed. BREEDING Eggs undescribed. Nesting probably occurs from January to May and perhaps beyond. 149 D. A. Showler and Peter Davidson Sandgrouse 17 A nest examined, 30 March 1993 at Ras Hebak, was sited at a height of . approximately 2.5 m in a Euphorbia arbuscula tree, on a rocky hillslope at 100 m altitude. This nest contained three pulli approximately four days old. Two juveniles were observed on the Hamadiroh plateau, 31 March, indicating that eggs had been laid at the beginning of March, perhaps earlier. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) observed a family party, including two or three well-grown fledged young, 5 February, indicating a laying date in early January. Ogilvie- Grant & Forbes found a used nest from which the young had flown, 10 February. Forbes-Watson in 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966) found a nest with young as late as 1 May. The nest is dome-shaped, about 8cm high and 6cm wide, with a large oval entrance, usually concealed in the stems or branches of a tree. The entrance is 4- 6 cm high and 2-4 cm wide. The nest is constructed from fine, loosely woven grasses and cobwebs, which is extensively lined with woolly white plant material and possibly goat hair. During 11/: hours of observation at the nest, 30 March, five nest visits were noted. Adults were seen removing faecal sacs on two occasions. Both birds frequented an area within a radius of about 80 m from the nest. Calling was frequent, the male occasionally singing. ACTIVITY Most commonly seen singly or in pairs. Noisy territorial chases observed. Often actively foraged for food in trees and shrubs. CONSERVATION AND INFLUENCE OF MAN Overgrazing and browsing by introduced livestock may have diminished the extent of primary habitat available to this species, which is most common in more wooded localities. However, it persists in areas with fairly sparse vegetation, so there would appear to be no immediate threat to the species. REFERENCES OGILVIE-GRANT, W. R. AND ForBES, H. O. (1903) Birds of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. In FORBES, H. O. The natural history of Sokotra and 'Abd al-Kuri. Porter, London. RIPLEY, S. D. AND BOND, G. M. (1966) The Birds of Socotra and Abd-el-Kuri. Smithsonian Misc. Coll. 151, No. 7. SCLATER, P. L. AND HARTLAUB, G. (1881) On the birds collected in Socotra by Prof. I. B. Balfour. Proc. Zool. Soc. London: 165-175. D. A. Showler, clo OSME, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK. Peter Davidson, clo OSME, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK. 150 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 151-154 The Socotra Starling Onychognathus frater and Somali Starling O. blythi1 R. F. PORTER AND R. P. MARTINS wo resident species of starling occur on Socotra, the endemic Socotra Starling Onychognathus frater (also called Socotra Chestnut-winged Starling) and the Somali Starling Onychognathus blythti (also called Somali Chestnut- winged or Brown-winged Starling), which also occurs in northern Somalia, northern Ethiopia and Eritrea (Dowset & Forbes-Watson 1993; Hall & Moreau 1970). The Socotra Starling is local and uncommon and is, from a conservation perspective, most appropriately classified as 'vulnerable', while the Somali Starling is common and widespread throughout the island. Ripley & Bond (1966) suggest that as Socotra Starling is endemic to the island, it evolved from a common ancestor that arrived from the African mainland a considerable time before Somali Starling. During this time-period biological mechanisms would have developed in the pioneer species to prevent random mating with Somali Starling, when it colonised the island. The observations of the OSME survey of spring 1993 are presented here. DESCRIPTION Both species are large with fairly broad wings. Structurally, their relatively long necks, slim bodies and long tails combine to produce a rather attenuated appearance. The plumage of both species is predominantly glossy and iridescent blue-black, excepting pale chestnut, or dull orange primaries which are conspicuous in flight. The two species are illustrated in Plates 33 and 34. Socotra Starling Sexes alike. The smaller species, contrasting with its congener in having a much shorter, square-ended tail (although corners sometimes slightly rounded) and a longer, thinner bill with culmen slightly down-curved at the tip. Plumage: blue-black with iridescent bottle-green sheen to head, mantle and wing-coverts, although in certain light conditions shows a sooty-brown cast to entire plumage. Predominantly chestnut primaries not usually visible in closed wing. Juvenile similar.to adult but with slightly shorter tail, greyish-black bill and duller primaries. Soft parts: bill, legs and feet black; irides dark brown with a reddish tone. Somali Starling Sexes differ. Slightly larger than Socotra Starling with longer, narrower-based and markedly graduated tail and shorter, stouter bill-shape, recalling Magpie Pica pica. 151 R. F. Porter and R. P. Martins : _ Sandgrouse 17 Plumage: iridescent blue-black plumage of male similar to Socotra Starling, although more glossy. The chestnut in primaries also extends onto outer secondaries and is always visible as a thin panel on the closed wing (unlike in Socotra Starling). No difference between the two species in the richness, tone or extent of chestnut in the spread primaries was detectable in the field, but in skins the Socotra Starling is slightly darker. Adult female differs from male in uniform light grey head, chin, throat and upper-breast, forming a sharply defined pectoral band. At close range shows a diffuse whitish ring around eye. © Juveniles noticeably shorter-tailed and sooty brown (but with dull orange primaries). In 'young' females the head and neck is black as in the males. (Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes 1903). Soft parts: bill, legs and feet black; salon of irides not precisely noted but appeared dark. Measurements: Neither species was trapped, but the following measurements of birds caught in 1964 by Forbes-Watson are presented in Ripley & Bond (1966). All measurements are in millimetres. Socotra Starling (weight 100 g) Culmen from Wing Tail feathers Male Range 157-163 139-146 28-32 (N=7) Mean 15955 141.8 29:2 Female Range 148-156 127-136 27-29 (N=9) Mean 151c5 131.2 27.8 Somali Starling (weight 100 g) Culmen from Wing Tail feathers Male Range 165-175 172-190 23-25 (N=10) Mean T7AeC 177.0 24.3 Female Range 155-164 155-169 22-24 (N=7) Mean 1592 163.2 22.6 VOICE Both species are very vocal, the calls of Socotra Starling tending to be louder. At times Somali Starling was exceptionally vocal, especially when flying in flocks. Socotra Starling: the most frequent call was a pure, far-carrying whistle ‘tyooo’ (or ‘pseeeoo’ or ‘psoo’) recalling the calls of Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria or Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula to the ears of some observers. A harsh ‘scraich’ alarm note was also heard. 152 Sandgrouse 17 The Socotra Starling & Somali Starling Somali Starling: the most frequent call, often delivered in flight, was a musical high-pitched ‘tleep’ (or ‘chuit’). Other calls included a soft ‘chee-wee’ or ‘chwee’ and a harsh alarm note similar to that of Socotra Starling. Oglivie-Grant & Forbes (1903) transcribe the call note as ‘chee-chee-chee-che-whoup’. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Both species appear widespread and resident on Socotra, occurring up to 1,100 m with Somali Starling, the more common (by 13:1 from survey observations). HABITAT Both species occur throughout the island, usually where trees are present, though these may only be isolated groups on otherwise open plains or rocky hillsides. Trees are apparently more important for Socotra Starling, which was most common in the wooded habitats at Wadi Ayhaft. However, the species was also seen in gardens in the town of Hadibu. The presence of water did not appear to influence the distribution of either species. | FOOD Socotra Starling was seen feeding on Zizyphus berries, the fruit of a Ficus sp., small red berries probably from a Dragon's Blood Tree Dracaena cinnabari (also fed to accompanying juveniles) and the white pea-like seeds from an uniden- tified legume which were obtained by splitting pods open. A pair feeding actively on Ficus consumed two fruits per minute during a five minute period. Forbes-Watson observed the species feeding on insects, and grasshoppers have been found in stomach contents (Ripley & Bond 1966). Somali Starling was seen feeding on fruit-bearing trees. Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) recorded the species feeding on a variety of fruits, especially figs and the berry of Dragon's Blood Tree, grasshoppers and other insects. Beetles and large black seeds have been recorded in stomach contents (Ripley & Bond 1966). Unlike Socotra Starling, the species often appears remarkably closely associated with cattle, often foraging on them, presumably for ticks or other parasites. The highly mobile and flocking habits of the species and the frequency of its occurrence in areas lacking substantial cover perhaps suggest greater adaptability to man-managed environments. The foraging behaviour of Socotra Starling is methodical, recalling the behaviour of a thrush Turdus sp. Birds in groups of up to five individuals were observed feeding within the canopy (or leaf-cover) of trees for up to 20 minutes. BREEDING In the first week of April 1993 many Socotra Starlings were feeding fledglings or recently-fledged young. Several nests were located in natural cavities in the roof and walls of a limestone cave at 550 m on rocky slopes above the Hamadiroh plateau. Nests, which were only partially visible, were untidy, recalling those of Starling Sturnus vulgaris in construction, containing much grass and small sticks. 153 R. F. Porter and R. P. Martins _ Sandgrouse 17 Two pairs were giving alarm calls. These observations suggest that the species may be a colonial breeder. No evidence of breeding of Somali Starling was recorded in April, and Forbes-Watson did not mention nesting activity in spring 1964 (Ripley & Bond 1966). Furthermore, Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) suggest the breeding season was over by December. The breeding season of the two starlings would therefore seem to be quite separate. ACTIVITY Both species were encountered in pairs and small groups, Somali Starling not infrequently in flocks of at least 20 individuals. The flight of this species often appeared buoyant and masterful, but is also direct and undulating when covering substantial distances: brief bursts of wing-beats are interspersed by long glides and occasional abrupt changes in direction. The Socotra Starling is shyer, more closely associated with trees and seldom forages on the ground, a fact also noted by Forbes-Watson (Ripley & Bond 1966); but Ogilvie-Grant & Forbes (1903) found the Socotra Starling to be the tamer species. No evidence of competition between the two species was observed. CONSERVATION AND INFLUENCE BY MAN The endemic Socotra Starling merits the category ‘vulnerable’ when considering its world status. This category is applied to those species where less than 1,000 mature individuals exist (Collar et al. 1994). During the survey, 41 individuals were counted, including an unknown number of juveniles. Though many potential sites where the species could occur were not visited, the judgement made during the survey was that the population satisfies this criterion. There is apparently no threat to nesting sites, but woodland with fruit-bearing trees must be preserved for the population to persist. Conversely, the Somali Starling is a common species which has undoubtedly benefited from pastoralism. REFERENCES COLLAR, N. J., CRosBy, M. J. AND STATTERSFIELD, A. J. (1994) Birds to Watch 2: The World List of Threatened Birds. BirdLife Conservation Series No. 4. BirdLife International, Cambridge. DOowsETT, R. J. AND FORBES-WATSON, A. D. (1993) Checklist of the Birds of the Afro-tropical and Malagasy Regions. Tauraco Press. Liege, Belgium. HALL, B. P. AND MoREAU, R. E. (1970) An Atlas of Speciation in African Passerine Birds. British Museum (Nat Hist), London. OGILVIE-GRANT, W. R. AND Forses, H. O. (1903) Birds of Sokotra and 'Abd al-Kuri. In ForBES, H. O. The natural history of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. Porter, London. RIPLEY, S. D. AND BOND, G. M. (1966) The Birds of Socotra and Abd-el-Kuri. Smithsonion Misc. Coll. 151, No.7. R. F. Porter, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ONA, UK. R. P. Martins, 6 Connaught Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3BP, UK. 154 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 155-157 The Socotra Bunting Emberiza socotrana K. M. MORTON he Socotra Bunting Emberiza socotrana is one of two resident bunting species on Socotra (the other being African Rock Bunting E. tahapisi of the supposed endemic sub-species insularis). The 1993 OSME survey (30 March to 6 April) recorded only two individuals at one site, indicating that this is apparently the rarest Socotran endemic. The survey observations are presented here. DESCRIPTION The following description relates to the species in general but is substantially informed by a female seen by all observers. The bird is shown in Plate 35. Sexes similar, although females are generally duller, as are first-year birds (Byers et. al. 1995). A small bunting with markedly pale underparts, brown upperparts with uniform rich russet coverts (i.e. lacking the pale fringes typical of many Emberiza species) and a complex black-and-white head pattern. Size, shape and structure recall Rustic Bunting E. rustica, while general plumage pattern most closely resembles Cape Bunting E. capensis, which is extensively distributed through (mainly southern) Africa. Head: very thin almost white central crown-stripe, often indistinct, originating on the crown or forehead and extending to junction of crown and nape. Broad white supercilium, broadening substantially behind eye, extending down side of nape behind ear-coverts; distinct black eye-stripe broadening behind the eye and curving down behind ear-coverts; black moustachial and white sub- moustachial stripe bordering lower edge of ear-coverts, the former meeting eye- stripe and thus forming part of a complete black surround to ear-coverts; thin black malar-stripe broadening slightly at sides of throat; ear-coverts brownish buff. Upperparts: mantle and scapulars warm brown with moderately distinct darker brown streaking on mantle; lower mantle and uppertail-coverts greyer, merging with extensive unstreaked whitish upper rump and lower mantle/back (prominent in flight). Lesser, median and greater coverts uniform rich chestnut brown, excepting paler, greyish fringes and blackish subterminal spots on three innermost greater coverts; alula dark and distinct; secondaries dark brown with pale fringes to outer webs; primaries dark brown to black with thin pale tips; four primary tips visible in primary projection; tertials brownish black with broad fulvous fringes; tail dark brown to black with pale fringes to entire length _of feathers, but lacking white outer webs to the outer pairs of tail feathers typical of many Emberiza species. 155 K. M. Morton 7 | Sandgrouse 17 Underparts: chin, throat and upper breast creamy buff with pinkish or rufous wash extending across upper breast as indistinct streaking; rest of underparts uniform creamy white. Soft parts: legs and feet pale flesh; upper mandible dark, lower mandible yellowish-buff with blackish tip. Irides brown; indistinct whitish orbital ring. VOICE No vocalisations were heard during the survey. Forbes-Watson noted the call as a high thin whistle (sometimes repeated two or three times) followed by a soft gurgle. This he expressed as 'tseep.......guruguruguru' (Ripley & Bond 1966). Ogilvie- Grant and Forbes (1903) described the song as a ringing and metallic whistled ‘hue-he, hu-hey', recalling Golden-winged Grosbeak Rhynchostruthus socotranus. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Endemic to Socotra. In 1964 Forbes-Watson found the species to be less common than E. tahapisi. He also noted a preference for higher altitudes than those typically frequented by tahapisi, a factor which perhaps limits the species distribution. However, Forbes-Watson also recorded non-breeding flocks at low altitudes. The survey encountered only two individuals at a single site, although coverage of high altitude locations was rather limited. HABITAT The two individuals observed frequented a grassy boulder-strewn plateau with scattered patches of low shrubs at about 500 metres. The birds were loosely associated with a small flock of E. tahapisi. Forbes-Watson, comparing the habitat of socotrana with that typically frequented by tahapisi, recorded that the species preferred open hillsides, whereas tahapisi favoured rocky gullies and dry water-courses. He found socotrana feeding within ‘thickets’ but did not observe such behaviour in tahapisi. Forbes-Watson did not record socotrana and tahapisi together at any time during 15 weeks. FOOD Forbes-Watson noted the stomach contents of 17 birds collected in 1964 as small seeds and grit. BREEDING No breeding activity was observed. Forbes-Watson did not record any information on breeding when on Socotra from early March to mid-June. This period is apparently late in, or after, the breeding season, as Forbes heard birds singing on 6th and 15th February (and before the first date). There is no other information on the breeding biology of this species and the nest and eggs remain undescribed. 156 Sandgrouse 17 The Socotra Bunting ACTIVITY Forbes-Watson recorded that the species perches more readily than tahapisi, is more approachable and less prone to long escape flights when flushed. CONSERVATION AND INFLUENCE OF MAN With only two birds recorded, the very limited survey observations concur with the view that this is a threatened species with a vulnerable status (IUCN Category D). This status is defined by the existence of less than 1,000 mature individuals (Collar et. al. 1994). Although many areas potentially suitable for the species were not visited, it seems likely that it satisfies this criterion. Further work is needed to establish a full understanding of the distribution and population of this species. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my thanks to Guy Kirwan and Rod Martins for helpful comments on the description and for information contained in Byers et al. (1995) when still in press. REFERENCES RIpLey, S. D. AND BOND, G. M. (1966) The Birds of Socotra and Abd-el-Kuri Smithsonian Misc. Coll. 151, No. 7. COLLAR, N. J., CrosBy, M. J. AND STATTERSFIELD, A. J. (1994) Birds to Watch 2: The World List of Threatened Birds. BirdLife Conservation Series No. 4. BirdLife International, Cambridge. OGILVIE-GRANT, W. R. AND ForsES, H. O. (1903) Birds of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. In FORBES, H. O. The natural history of Sokotra and ‘Abd al-Kuri. Porter, London. BYERS, C., OLSSON, U. AND CURSON, J. (1995) Buntings and Sparrows: a guide to the buntings and North American sparrows. Pica Press, East Sussex. K. M. Morton, 31 Braehead Avenue, Edinburgh EM4 6QN, UK. 157 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 158-164 Biometric data of birds in southern Yemen — and Socotra, spring 1993 J. N. DYMOND |B ie the OSME survey of southern Yemen and Socotra in spring 1993, mist netting was undertaken on 12 dates at six sites in southern Yemen and three sites on Socotra. Biometric data were collected for 114 individuals of 30 species. The purpose of this paper is to present this data. Biometric data for an additional six species are presented in separate papers in this issue of Sandgrouse. In the following tables EURING age codes are used as follows : 3 = hatched during year of capture (i.e. 1993); 4 = hatched before year of capture but exact year unknown; 5 = hatched during previous calendar year (i.e. 1992). All measurements are given in millimetres or grammes. Fat scores on a 0-5 scale are given for migrant passerines; 'n/r' denotes ‘not recorded’ and * indicates suspended moult. Primaries are numbered ascendantly. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos One first-winter bird west of Fikhah (north coast of Socotra), 2 April. Age Wing Weight 5 117.0 65.5 Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Two individuals of the small, endemic sub-species socotrae at Wadi Ayhaft (Socotra), 5 April. One of nominate senegalensis at Wadi Mararah (extreme eastern Yemen), 28 April. Primary moult Age Sex Wing Weight score socotrae 4 2 126.0 66.5 29 socotrae 4 2 128.0 67.0 44. senegalensis 4 ? 141.0 91.8 ny i African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis One at Wadi Habban (Yemen), 27 March. Bill to base of Max. ? Age Sex Wing culmen tarsus Tail Weight 4 fem? 141.0 16.1 34.7 — 63.5 63.5 Primaries ist’ * 2nd’ “3rd; 4th. Sth oth: 7th eth -23 -4 L L =5 13 -19°5 --27:5 Slight emargination was present on 2nd, 3rd and 4th primaries. 158 Sandgrouse 17 Biometric data of birds in southern Yemen and Socotra Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus One at Jabal Iraf (Yemen), 22 March. See Dymond (1996). Forbes-Watson's Swift Apus berliozi One at Jabal Jaaf (Socotra), 3 April. See Porter, et al. (1996). Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos Eighteen at three sites in Yemen: Jabal Iraf, 22 March, Wadi Himarah, 8 April and Wadi Mararah, 28, 29 April. Age Wing Weight Primary moult score 4(all) 88-100 (mean 93.4) =. 28.9-35.8 (mean 32.2) 0 (all) Wing measurements match those given in Cramp (1988), but weights are markedly lower than a series from Israel, 35-46 (mean 44, sample 56). Black Bush Robin Cercotrichas podobe One at Wadi al Khabt (Yemen), 24 March and one at Wadi Himarah (Yemen), 8 April. Arabian breeders are sub-species melanoptera. Primary Head = Max. moult Brood Age Sex Wing +bill tarsus Tail Weight score patch L 2 89.0 39.4 30.7 104.0 220 0 full a ? 89.0 38.9 30.7. 104.5 22.) 0 full Blackstart Cercomela melanura Two at Wadi Mararah (Yemen), 28 April. Primary Head = Max. moult Brood Age Sex Wing +bill tarsus Tail Weight —— score patch 4 male 82.0 36.1 27:14. 60.5 17.0 0 none 4 fem» 76.0 o7a1 24.6 54.0 15:1 0 full Sexed in the hand by cloacal examination: Cramp (1988) gives wing lengths of 81-86 for males and 76-82 for females. Little Rock Thrush Monticola rufocinerea Three at Jabal Iraf (Yemen), 22 March. Arabian breeders are sub-species sclateri. Primary 3 Head Max. moult Brood Age Sex Wing +bill tarsus Tail Weight score patch 4 2 85.0 43.2 28,2: , 59.0 25.0 0 none 4 ¢ 84.0 42.7 29.0 60.5 25.0 (0 small a ? 85.0 41.5 28.2 58.0 24.4 0 small 159 J. N. Dymond Sandgrouse 17 Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis One at Wadi Himarah (Yemen), 8 April. Primary Head = Max. moult Brood Age Sex Wing +bill tarsus Tail Weight score’ patch a 2 47.0 26.8 1977 260.5 6.8 0 n/r Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena One at Wadi Habban (Yemen), 27 March. Primary Head Max. | moult Brood Age Sex Wing +bill tarsus Tail Weight score patch 4 male 71.0 35.7 244 69.5 14.3 0 slight Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria One at Wadi Himarah (Yemen), 8 April. Primary Head = =Max. - moult Brood Age Sex Wing +bill tarsus Tail Weight score patch & ? 91.0 37.5 QT OO 29:9 0 4, With a fat score of 4 it is not surprising that this bird's weight was toward the upper end of the range given in Cramp (1992) for March-April (21.0-34.2); onward migration was clearly imminent. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Ten at three sites in Yemen: Jabal Iraf, 22 March, Wadi al Khabt, 24 March and Wadi Himarah, 8 April. Weights varied from 15.4 to 21.4 g and five individuals had fat deposits, with scores of 1, 3,3, 4 & 4. Brown Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus umbrovirens Five at Jabal Iraf (Yemen), 22-23 March. Bill Primary Head to Max. moult Brood Age Sex Wing +bill skull tarsus Tail Weight score patch 4. 2 SOO 29:0 127655 208 40.5 6.8 0 n/r 4 ? 54.0 28.4 7520.8 44.0 8.1 0 n/r 4. ? 54:00 27.8 12s 20 43.0 es: 0 n/r 4 male 58.0 28.6 126 e216 45.0 8.1 0 n/r 4 2 54.0 28.3 123 eee 42.5 Mes) 0 n/r The male was in full song adjacent to the net. Wing formulae (primaries numbered ascendantly) were as follows: 160 Sandgrouse 17 Biometric data of birds in southern Yemen and Socotra Primaries Ist 2nd 3rd 4th Sth 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th Emargination A pe+11 -8 Bir. Ty ide) Lie A 4 5 6 3rd 6th B peri Ze 47.0 12.0 0 n/r 4 fem. 64.0 36.1 18.8 41.0 10.0 0 n/r 4 fem. 64.0 37.0 17.6. 41.5 9.5 0 n/r Orange -tufted Sunbird Nectarinia osea Two at Wadi Mararah (Yemen), 28 29 April. Primary Head = Max. moult _ Brood Age Sex Wing +bill tarsus Tail Weight score patch 4 male 54.0 32.6 IZA = 137-0 72. 0 n/r 4 male 54.0 33.3 L7-6O38.5 5.1 0 n/r Socotra Sunbird Nectarinia balfouri One at Jabal Jaaf (Socotra), 4 April. See Showler & Davidson (1996). White-breasted White-eye Zosterops abyssinica Fifteen, twelve in Yemen (at Jabal Iraf, 22-23 March and at Wadi Mararah, 28-29 April) and three at Jabal Jaaf, Socotra, 4 April. Yemen birds are sub-species arabs; those on Socotra are the endemic sub-species socotrana. Z.a.arabs (Yemen) (n = 12) Head Max. Age Wing +bill tarsus Tail Weight A(all) 55-59 27.1-28.9 19.1-20.1 37-44 8.5-10.4 mean 57.0 28.2 19.5 40.4 9.6 Z. a. socotrana (Socotra) Primary Head Max. moult Age Wing +bill tarsus Tail Weight score 5 52.0 28.5 20.2 42.0 10.8 14 4 58.0 29.4 20.0 44.0 10.7 0 4 57.0 28.3 19.2 lost 12.0 0 162 Sandgrouse 17 Biometric data of birds in southern Yemen and Socotra Socotra Sparrow Passer insularis Twelve (eight adults and four juveniles: at least two considered to have fledged recently - probably early in 1993) on Socotra, one near Fikhah, 2 April; all others at Wadi Ayhaft, 5 April. Two of the females had brood patches. | Primary Head Max. moult Wing +bill tarsus Tail Weight score Unknown sex, age 3(5);n =3 73-77 = 33.6-34.5 23.7-25.1 51.5-58.5 23.9-28.0 0 mean 75 34.1 24.3 55.3 25.7 Male, age 4;n =4 79-79: 33.5-35.8 23.7-25.5 53.5-61.0° 25.0-29.2 “5-19 mean 77 34.8 24.6 58.6 27.9 Male, age 5;n=1 74.0 35.0 21.0 57.0 pia) 0 Female, age 4;n =4 72-76 34.1-36.0 23.6-24.1 58.0-60.5 26.0-29.1 0-23 mean 74.7 34.8 23.6 59.2 ZA Riippell's Weaver Ploceus galbula Ten in Yemen: five at Jabal Iraf, 22 23 March, one at Wadi al Khabt, 24 March and four at Wadi Himarah, 8 April. Age Sex Sample Wing Weight = male 3 75-77 24.3-26.8 mean 76.3 29.5 5 male 1 68.0 20.7 = fem. 5 71-75 21.6-27.0 mean 73.2 23.4 SiS) fem. 1 72.0 23.0 Arabian Waxbill Estrilda rufibarba One on Jabal Iraf (Yemen), 22 March. Primary Head Max. moult Age Sex Wing +bill tarsus Tail Weight score “~ ? 47.0 22:2 16.2 48.5 8.5 0 Brood patch full 163 J. N. Dymond : Sandgrouse 17 Arabian Serin Serinus rothschildi One at Jabal Iraf (Yemen), 22 March. Primary Head Bill Max. moult Brood Age Sex Wing +bill depth tarsus Tail Weight score patch + 2 +66.0 26.3 72 17.6 54.0 14.0 0 full Golden-winged Grosbeak Rhynchostruthus socotranus Four, two at Wadi Ayhaft (Socotra), 5 April and two at Wadi Mararah (Yemen), 28, 29 April. Socotran birds are nominate socotranus; those in Yemen are percivali. . R. s. percivali (Yemen) Bill Primary Head depthat Max. moult Age Sex Wing +bill base tarsus Tail Weight score <. 2 85.0 33.2 Tic 22-0 56.3 2916 13 4 male 89.0 36.3 12.855" (22:5 61.0 33.4 12 R. s. socotrana (Socotra) Bill Head depthat Max. Age Sex Wing _ +bill base tarsus Tail Weight 4 2 91.0 Slop 12.1 20.9 52.0 29:07% 4 & 93.0 329 TED e222 51.0 29.5 * this bird appeared to be in suspended moult: primaries 3,4,5 and 7 fresh; secondary 5 fresh; innermost tertials and greater coverts fresh. African Rock Bunting Emberiza tahapisi Three at Wadi Mararah (Yemen), 28 29 April. Primary Head Max. moult Brood Age Sex Wing +bill tarsus’ — Tail Weight score patch 4. ? 72.0 253, 17.6 58.0 13.2 30* n/t Mie 68.0 24.5 18.0 52.0 12:2 0 m/s, 4 2 69.0 26.1 19.3 53.0 11.6 0 n/r REFERENCES CRAMP, S. (ed.) (1988, 1992) The Birds of the Western Palearctic: Vols. 5 & 6. Oxford. DYMOND, J. N. (1996) The Plain Nightjar in Yemen. Sandgrouse 17: 132-133. PORTER, R. F., DYMOND, J. N. AND MARTINS, R. P. (1996) Forbes-Watson's Swift in Socotra. Sandgrouse 17: 138-141. SHOWLER, D. A. AND DAVIDSON, P. (1996) The Socotra Sunbird. Sandgrouse 17: 148-150 J. N. Dymond, Burgadies, South Punds, Levenwick, Shetland ZE2 9HX, UK. 164 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 165-169 Mammal observations in Yemen* and Socotra, spring 1993 | D. A. SHOWLER ammal records collected by the OSME survey during the period 16 March to 10 May 1993 are presented below. On occasions eight small mammal live-traps (baited) were set in the environs of overnight camps but trapping success was limited. A total of 20 species, 14 terrestrial mammal species and six cetacean species, were recorded. TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS Ethiopian Hedgehog Paraechinus aethiopicus 1 4 May, al-Qatn, 15°50'N 48°25'E, 780 m. One spot-lighted after dark, moving quickly across dry sandy/stony terrain. Curled into a typical hedgehog ‘ball’ when approached. 2 6 May, 3 km west of Shabwah, 15°23'N 47°01'E, 800 m. One long dead in dry wadi. Distribution and comments: In Arabia it is widespread throughout the arid deserts and steppes, known in Yemen from near Aden and the Hadramawt. The two records above are from this latter region. House Shrew Suncus murinus 1 16 April, Bajil, 15°04'N 43°17'E, 250 m. One foraging after dark amongst household rubbish alongside buildings. Distribution and comments: In Arabia previously recorded in vicinity of sea ports and in Yemen only from Aden and Hodeidah. The survey record is of interest as the locality is approximately 50 km inland, to the east of Hodeidah, from which it was doubtless imported. Trident Leaf-nosed Bat Asellia tridens 1 4 May, 5 km west of Tarim, 16°03'N 48°57'E, 830 m. A dead road casualty. The skull of this specimen is now in the Harrison Zoological Museum, Kent. Distribution and comments: Widespread in Arabia but virtually absent from deserts of the interior. In Yemen previously recorded from Zabid, Lahej, Aden, Nuqub and al-Qatn. Note: Many bats were seen throughout the survey (including Socotra) which could not be identified. Hamadryas or Sacred Baboon Papio hamadryas arabicus 1 18 March, observed near Ibb, 14°05'N 43°10'E, 2,000 m. _2 23 March, Jabal Iraf, 13°07'N 44°15'E, 1,450 m. 70 on escarpment ridge, very warty as apparently shot by locals to discourage crop damage. 3 28 March, Yashbum/Wadi Habban, 14°20'N 46°59'E, 1,200 m. 56 (including 10 * NB. this paper includes records from the entire Republic of Yemen and not just southern Yemen 165 D. A. Showler | Sandgrouse 17 small juveniles) on steep rocky slope. 4 16 April, Wadi Shabdh, 15°11'N 43°25'E, 300 m. 12-high up on rocky hillside. Distribution and comments: Locally distributed in hills and mountains up to 2,000 m in south-west Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Also occurs in north-east Africa, Somalia, Sudan and Ethiopia. : Red Fox Vulpes vulpes arabica 13 observations from sea-level to 2,900 m. Most sightings reflect its previously known range but the record from Wadi al-Masilah, 15°14'N 51°08’'E, is a significant, but not unexpected, extension in south-east Yemen. Distribution and comments: Common and widespread in Arabia, although absent from much of the Rub’ al-Khali. Riippell's Sand Fox Vulpes rueppelli sabaea 1 28 March, Yashbum/Wadi Habban. One at dawn along stony wadi bed with dense patches of Salvadora persica scrub. 2 29 March, Wadi Hajr, 14°06'N 48°42'E, 30 m. One at dawn. 3 26 April, Ras Fartak hills, 15°52'N 51°57'E, 600 m. One at dawn on rocky slope. Distribution and comments: Widespread in Arabia but absent from most of western Saudi Arabia. The two previous Yemen records are from locations approximately 16°N and 45°-48°E. The three survey records extend the known range in Yemen to the south and east. Hyrax Procavia capensis jayakari 1 23 March, c. 10 km north-west of Jabal Iraf, 13°09'N 44°12'E, 1,000 m. One seen. 2 23 March, Jabal Iraf. One seen on escarpment ridge. 3 29 April, Wadi Mararah, 16°39'N 52°55'E, 360 m. One seen, one heard. 4 9 May, Kawkaban, 15°31'N 43°52'E, 2,800 m. One seen. Distribution and comments: This sub-species is found in mountainous areas in the west Yemen highlands, Dhofar, southern Oman and western Saudi Arabia. All survey records fall within the known range. P. capensis also occurs north to Syria and in north-east and east Africa southwards to Kenya. Cape Hare Lepus capensis 17 records from sea-level to 2,400 m, the most easterly observation being at Wadi Sh'hout, 16°20'N 50°43'E, where a three-quarter grown leveret was observed, on 1 May. Almost all other records were from western Yemen in the highlands and the coastal Tihamah plain. Distribution and comments: In Yemen this species has been recorded mainly from the western highlands and the Tihamah but is also known from Dhofar. The survey record from Wadi Sh'hout lies within a large area from which there are no previous records of this species, presumably due to the paucity of naturalists visiting this region. Occurs throughout most of Arabia and is also widespread throughout North Africa, Asia Minor and eastwards to the Indian sub-continent. 166 Sandgrouse 17 Mammal observations in Yemen and Socotra Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrix indica 1 7 May, Marib dam, 15°28'N 45°20'E, 1,150 m. One quill found in marshy area behind dam. Distribution and comments: Scattered records mostly from the periphery of the peninsula but very few records from Yemen. This species occurs eastwards to the Indian sub-continent. Rock Rat Praomys fumatus 1 18 March, Najd Lah Mar, 13°51'N 44°11'E, 1,850 m. Desiccated corpse found. Distribution and comments: Endemic to uplands of south-west Saudi Arabia and north-west Yemen. The record falls within the known range. Egyptian Spiny Mouse Acomys cahirinus 1 29 April, Shahrut hills west of Damqawt, 16°40'N 52°50'E, 680 m. Two spot- lighted soon after dark running along branches (up to 3 m high) of Acacia totilis. One on ground was seen eating large black ants. A male was caught in a live- trap positioned on a horizontal bough 40 cm above ground; the following measurements were noted: snout-vent 100 mm, tail length 105 mm. Distribution and comments: Widespread in Arabia and Yemen although few records from the east. Recorded from Omani Dhofar, therefore the survey record from the Mahrah is not unexpected. Golden Spiny Mouse Acomys russatus 1 27 April, 2 km east of al-Fatk, 16°31'N 52°43'E, 40 m. Two observed at 12.00 hours foraging in rock crevices and on boulder scree; very active and fast- moving. Distribution and comments: Known from Sinai, a few scattered localities in Saudi Arabia, Omani Dhofar and Bayhan in south-west Yemen. The survey record is the first for the Mahrah region. Cheesman's Gerbil Gerbillus cheesmani 1 23 March, Wadi al-Khabt, 13°04'N 44°24'E, 460 m. Six plus spot-lighted after dark. 2 16 April, al-Qutay’, 14°53'N 43°13'E, 200 m. One road casualty; over 50 Gerbillus spot-lighted from vehicle at night were assumed to be of this species. Distribution and comments: Widespread in Arabia, though absent from much of the desert interior. Widespread in west and central Yemen eastwards to the Hadramawt. The survey records fall within the known range. King Jird Meriones rex Numerous records of this usually diurnal, burrowing rodent in the west Yemen highlands. At one locality some burrows appeared to be utilised by Red- breasted Wheatears Oenanthe bottae as nest sites and there appeared to be a close association between these two species. Distribution and comments: Endemic to south-west Arabia. In Yemen it is 167 D. A. Showler | _ Sandgrouse 17 considered common in the south-west highlands. The survey records are within the known range. Arabian Gazelle Gazella gazella cora Local tribespeople in the Ras al-'Arah area (approximately 100 km west of Aden) reported having seen gazelle in the foothills to the north in recent months. These were perhaps Arabian (Mountain) Gazelle, a species that may now be | close to extinction in Yemen. Nubian Ibex Capra ibex A local hunter claimed to have shot about 70 ibex in the last year or so in the general vicinity of the hills north of Ras Fartak, south-east Yemen. In the Hadramawt area ibex skulls with horns or just the horns themselves are traditionally placed on the corners of house roofs to ward off evil spirits. This practice is unfortunately still common and could lead to the extinction of this species in Yemen. : CETACEANS Sperm Whale Physter catodon 1 2 April, two observed breaching during a pelagic transect north of Ras Momi, Socotra, 12°04'N 54°20’E. Distribution and comments: Mating and calving areas include the Arabian Sea region of the Indian Ocean around the Arabian Peninsula. Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Sousa chinensis Six sightings, mostly of small groups (up to 20 individuals), swimming close inshore. There appeared to be an easterly movement of these dolphins along the coast. The most westerly observation was off Aden, 12°48'N 45°02'E, and the most easterly was off Wadi Mararah, 16°35'N 52°50'E. Distribution and comments: Widely distributed in inshore waters of the Indian Ocean, including along the south Arabian coastline. Short-finned Pilot Whale Globicephala macrorhynchus 1 2 April, during a pelagic transect off Ras Momi, Socotra. A pod of at least 20 individuals was assumed to be of this species. The Long-finned Pilot Whale G. malaena tends to occur in more temperate waters but cannot be ruled out. Distribution and comments: Occurs in the Indian Ocean from Gulf of Aden eastwards to Sri Lanka and south to South Africa and Australia. The survey record is therefore within the known range. Spinner Dolphin Stenella longirostris 1 31 March, offshore west of Hadibu, Socotra, 12°22'N 53°58' E. At least 40 leaping out of the water and twisting, approximately 400 m offshore. Distribution and comments: A common species, occurring in Arabian waters of the southern Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. 168 Sandgrouse 17 Mammal observations in Yemen and Socotra Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus 1 24 March, Aden Beach, 12°48'N 45°03'E, one dead on beach. 2 29 March, al-Mukalla, 14°35'N 49°15'E. School of 10 or more, 100 m offshore. 3 30 March, al-Mukalla. School of 23 or more, 100 m offshore. 4 2 April, during a pelagic transect off Ras Momi, Socotra. Schoo! of at least 30. 5 22 April, 10 km east of al-Mukalla, 14°35'N 49°17'E. Two together, 500 m offshore. Distribution and comments: A common species in Arabian waters, both offshore and close to the coast. Bryde's/Fin/Sei Whale Balenoptera sp. 1 23 April, during a pelagic transect off Sayhut, 15°14'N 51°17'E. One seen from boat 5 km offshore. Breached fully above water, landing on back. A vertical spout was briefly observed. It was not seen well enough to identify, but was clearly very large. Distribution and comments: The Fin Whale B. physalus is considered rare in the northern half of the Indian Ocean. The Sei Whale B. borealis apparently has a similar distribution, but its latitudinal movements are thought to be less extensive. Bryde's Whale B. edeni is resident in the tropical to cool temperate Indian Ocean. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many thanks to Dr Martin Perrow, ECON, University of East Anglia, Norwich, for the loan of several small mammal live-traps over the period of the survey and to Dr David L. Harrison, Harrison Zoological Museum, Sevenoaks, Kent, for his identification of the hipposiderid bat found near Tarim. BIBLIOGRAPHY EAST, R. (1992) Conservation Status of Antelopes in Asia and the Middle East, Part 1. Species 19: 23-25. EVANS, M., IN RANDS, M., RANDS, G. AND PORTER, R. (1987) Birds in the Yemen Arab Republic: report of the OSME Expedition October-December 1985. OSME, Sandy. EVANS, P. G. H. (1987) The Natural History of Whales and Dolphins. Christopher Helm, London. GASPERETTI, J., HARRISON, D. L. AND BUTTIKER, W. (1985) The Carnivora of Arabia. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 7: 397-438. GEFFEN, E., HEFNER, R., MACDONALD, D. W. AND UCKO, M. (1993) Biotope and Distribution of Blanford's Fox. Oryx 27, no. 2: 104-108. HARRISON, D. L. (1991) The Mammals of Arabia, 2nd ed. London. NADER, I. A. (1990) Checklist of the Mammals of Arabia. Fauna of Saudi Arabia, 2. D. A. Showler, clo OSME, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK. 169 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 170-180 Reptile observations in Yemen’, spring 1993 D. A. SHOWLER emen has a rich reptilian fauna comprising about 80 terrestrial species (excluding those occurring on the Socotra archipelago), five species of marine turtle and one sea-snake. Many of the terrestrial species are endemic to the Arabian peninsula and arid regions immediately to the north. Several species are endemic within this region to southern Arabia which encompasses the highlands of south-west Saudi Arabia, Yemen northwards to the southern edge of the Rub’ al-Khali and the Mahrah region of eastern Yemen and Dhofar, Oman. | The terrestrial reptile fauna of Yemen may be broadly summarised as follows: (numbers in parentheses refer to the number of species endemic to the Arabian peninsula/number of species endemic to southern Arabia i.e. Yemen, south- west Saudi Arabia and Dhofar.) Testudinidae: Tortoises: 1 species (0/0) Pelomedusidae: Side-necked terrapins: 1 species (0/0) Agamidae: Agamid lizards: 9 species (7/3) Chamaeleonidae: Chameleons: 3 species (2/2) Gekkonidae: Geckos: 25 species (15/8) Lacertidae: Lacertid lizards: 11 species (9/6) Scincidae: Skinks: 7 Species (4/0) Varanidae: Monitors: 3 species (1/1) Trogonophidae: Amphisbaenians: 1 species (1/1) Serpentes: Snakes: 20 (up to 28) species (7/4) During the OSME survey of spring 1993 a total of 42 species of reptile was recorded: one terrapin, three marine turtles, six agamid lizards, two chameleons, 15 geckos, four lacertid lizards, five skinks, one monitor and five species of snake. Details are presented below. Species endemic or near-endemic to Arabia are indicated with a single asterisk; those endemic to Yemen are indicated with two asterisks. ORDER CHELONIA Terrapins, marine turtles and tortoises One species of freshwater terrapin Pelomedusa subrufa occurs in Yemen. The status of the tortoise Geochelone sulcata, an African species, is uncertain in Yemen. Five species of marine turtle: Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, Lepidochelys olivacea and Dermochelys coriacea have been recorded around the Yemeni coast and C. mydas is known to breed. *N.B. this paper includes records from the entire Republic of Yemen and not just southern Yemen. 170 Sandgrouse 17 Reptile observations in Yemen Family Pelomedusidae Side-necked terrapins Helmeted Terrapin Pelomedusa subrufa 1 19 March, Ta’ izz lagoons, 13°34'N 44°01'E, 1,150 m. Two, one basking on floating mat of dead vegetation, another resting just below water surface with only the nostrils protruding. 2 27 March, Wadi al-Jahr, 13°58' N 46°23' E, 600 m. Two basking on boulders in flowing wadi. Distribution and comments: In Arabia, this species is confined to the extreme south-west in south-west Saudi Arabia and western Yemen. The survey record from Wadi al-Jahr may represent an eastward range extension in Yemen. P. subrufa also occurs over much of sub-Saharan Africa and in Madagascar. This species is able to aestivate in drought conditions. Family Cheloniidae Marine turtles Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta gigas 1 16 April, al-Mukha (Red Sea Coast), 13°18'N 43°15'E. At least four adults observed close inshore, some holding their heads vertically above the water surface for several seconds. 2 23 April, Sayhut, 15°14'N 51°17'E. At least four offshore, with several more in vicinity and along the coast to the east. Distribution and comments: This species is widely distributed in tropical and sub-tropical waters in the Indian Ocean (and also the Mediterranean, Pacific and Atlantic). There are some major nesting beaches on islands off the Arabian coast. Green Turtle Chelonia mydas japonica Encountered frequently from al-Mukha on the Red Sea coast eastwards along the southern Yemen coastline almost to the Omani border. In the vicinity of al- Fatk, 16°31'N 52°42'E, approximately 400 recent nests, probably of this species, were counted on beaches. Distribution and comments: Widespread in tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Indian Ocean (and also the Mediterranean, Pacific and Atlantic). Known to nest on the southern Yemen coast in significant numbers. Hawksbill Turtle Eretomochelys imbricata bissa 1 16 April, al-Mukha. Small dead specimen on beach, carapace 30 cm; cause of death not apparent. 2 22 April, al-Hami, 14°49'N 49°50'E. At least two 50 m offshore. 3 23 April, Sayhut. Two close inshore. Distribution and comments: Widespread in tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Indian Ocean (and also in the Pacific and Atlantic). D. A. Showler | Sandgrouse 17 ORDER SQUAMATA Lizards and snakes Sub-order Sauria Lizards : About 58 species of lizard and 1 amphisbaenian have been recorded on mainland Yemen although the taxonomic status of some is uncertain. During the survey 33 species were recorded. Two species whose identification was not positively ascertained are indicated with a question mark. Family Agamidae Agamid lizards *Pseudotrapelus adramitanus Recorded at many localities in the west Yemen highlands but in many cases individuals were not differentiated from P. yemenensis. Also observed at Wadi Mararah (the Mahrah), 16°39'N 52°55’'E, 360 m. Distribution and comments: Endemic to western and southern Arabia from Taif (Saudi Arabia) to Aden (Yemen) and east to Dhofar (Oman). Usually occurs below 2,000 m. *Yemen Agama Pseudotrapelus yemenensis Several observations in the vicinity of Sana'a and also at the Central Highland Research Station near Dhamar, at an altitude of 2,400 m. Distribution and comments: Endemic to the highlands of western Yemen and south-west Saudi Arabia where it usually occurs above 2,000 m. Pseudotrapelus sinaitus 119 April, four observed at Wadi Harim near Am Nabiyah, approximately 12°48'N 43°41'E, 100 m. 2 20 April, Ras al-'Arah, 12°40'N 43°53'E, 50 m. One observed lying flat on stony ground in 'camouflage posture’. When handled, head colouration turned from a buffy-brown to blue. 3 1-2 May, numerous observations on the desert crossing between al-Ghaydah 16°13'N 52°11'E westwards to the vicinity of Fughmah 16°10'N 49°27'E, up to 875 m. Distribution and comments: Widespread in Arabia (absent from the Rub’ al- Khali) north to Palestine and Jordan, also Egypt and south-east Libya. During the survey this species was observed from almost the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula near Wadi Harim eastwards to al-Ghaydah. Probably widespread throughout the country in the lowlands below 1,000 m. In sandy desert areas restricted to localities with at least some outcrops of rock and scattered boulders, providing look-out points and refuges. *Arabian Toad-headed Agama Phrynocephalus arabicus 15 May, al-Mudhur, 15°49'N 48°25'E, 790 m. Two observed in abandoned fallow sandy fields with some patches of low xerophytic vegetation. 2 6 May, 10 km north-west of ‘Arayn and Turbaq hills, 15°44'N 46°36'E, 1,000 m. Three, including one tail-signaling male, on mobile sand dunes with fresh growth of feather-grass Stipa sp. 72 Sandgrouse 17 Reptile observations in Yemen Distribution and comments: Endemic to the Arabian peninsula where it is widespread except in the west. The survey record from al-Mudhur is close to the type locality on the Plateau of the Hadramawt. *Small-grain or Desert Spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyx aegyptius microlepis 1 2 May, 230 km W of al-Ghaydah, 790 m. One taking refuge in burrow on almost flat limestone rubble in hamada desert with very sparse vegetation cover, mostly of low mats of xerophytic shrubs but with a few small Acacia trees. (Uromastyx sp. was seen retreating down its burrow on 1 May 61-84 km west of al-Ghaydah, 16°13'N 51°35'E. The habitat would suggest that this was U. aegyptius microlepis). Distribution and comments: This species is widespread in Arabia north to Jordan and Iraq and east to Iran. The tail of Uromastyx is used for fat storage; they are sometimes caught and eaten as a traditional delicacy by local people. **Yemen Spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyx benti 1 24 April, Ras ‘Uqab (12 km east of Sayhut), 15°15'N 51°20'E. One basking on rock about 50 m from shoreline. 2 30 April, Shahrut (west of Damqawt), 16°33'N 52°46'E, 10 m. One basking on large boulder pile; took refuge in rock crevice when approached. 3 2 May, 5 km east of Fughmah, 16°10'N 49°27'E, 70 m. Piece of desiccated tail found among rocks on edge of steep-sided rocky wadi. 4 3 May, al-Ghurfah, 15°50'N 48°45'E, 780 m. One immature 'wedged' in crevice in boulder in rocky wadi bed. Distribution and comments: Known only from eastern Yemen. Survey records suggest that this species inhabits very rocky arid areas in both coastal and inland localities. Family Chamaeleonidae Chameleons *Arabian Chameleon Chamaeleo arabicus 1 25 April, Saqr, 15°32'N 51°56'E, 5 m. One in scrub in irrigated agricultural strip along the coast with Sorghum fields and small date palm Phoenix dactylifera groves. 2 28 April, Wadi Mararah. Desiccated head found. Distribution and comments: Endemic to southern Yemen and Dhofar. The survey record from.Saqr is from a new but not unexpected locality. *Yemen or Duméril's Chameleon Chamaeleo calyptratus calyptratus 1 9 March, Ta’ izz lagoons. One male climbing into dense cover. Distribution and comments: Endemic to the south-west Arabia. The sub- species C. c. calyptratus is restricted to west Yemen; the survey record falls within the known range. 173 D. A. Showler | | Sandgrouse 17 Family Gekkonidae Geckos | *Bunopus spatularus spatularus 1 27 March, Yashbum/Wadi Habban, 14°19.63'N 46°59.04'E, 1,200 m. One spot- lighted at night (21.00 hrs) on bare rocks in dry wadi bed. Distribution and comments: Endemic to Arabia where known from Yemen, Oman, UAE and central Saudi Arabia. Bunopus tuberculatus 15 May, 3 km west of Shabwah, 15°23'N 47°01'E, 800 m. One spot-lighted at night (20.00 hrs) on loose sand/gravel substrate with small scattered hummocks of xerophytic vegetation and occasional Acacia trees. Distribution and comments: Widespread in Arabia north to Syria and east to Pakistan. Yellow-bellied House Gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis 1 16 April, Bajil, 15°04'N 43°17'E, 250 m. One on house wall at night. Distribution and comments: In Arabia found mainly in coastal areas. It also occurs in coastal north-east Africa and east to northern India. Considered a house gecko in the western part of range. Hemidactylus turcicus Identified from photographs taken in the vicinity of Sana'a. Distribution and comments: Widespread in peripheral Arabia east to Pakistan, in coastal areas fringing the Mediterranean and Red Sea and north- east Africa south to Somalia. Hemidactylus yerburit 1 27 April, Wadi Mararah. Two at night on boulders by small flowing stream with some marginal herbaceous vegetation. Distribution and comments: Occurs in southern Arabia from south-western Saudi Arabia (‘Asir) and Yemen east to southern Oman, also Somalia. **Collared Semaphore Gecko Pristurus collaris Recorded at 10 localities, the most westerly at al-Shihr, 14°46'N 49°36'E to as far east as 10 km west of Wadi Mararah, at altitudes from just above sea-level up to 760 m in the hills inland from Qishn 15°25'N 51°41'E. Distribution and comments: A Yemen endemic previously known from Bal Haf to Ras Fartak and inland to the Hadramawt. The survey record from near Wadi Mararah extends the known range, being about 150 km north-east of Ras Fartak. This species appeared abundant in these localities and was observed to be both diurnal and nocturnal. | Semaphore Gecko Pristurus crucifer 1 20 April, Ras al-'Arah. Several observed running across gravel substrate with 174 Sandgrouse 17 Reptile observations in Yemen sparse vegetation cover of low xerophytic plants in Acacia savanna. Sympatric with P. ornithocephalus and the mainly arboreal P. flavipunctatus. Distribution and comments: In Arabia restricted to the west and south-west coasts of Yemen. Elsewhere occurs in Somalia and extreme northern Kenya. The survey record falls within known range. Semaphore Gecko Pristurus flavipunctatus 1 22 March, Jabal Iraf, 13°07.02'N 44°15.31'E, 1,400 m. Two seen on a Juniperus sp. trunk in open Juniper woodland with some Acacia and other tree species. 2 20 April, Ras al-'Arah. Two in the small branches of an Acacia 2 m from the ground and one at the base of a small Acacia tree in Acacia savanna with a gravel/stone substrate. Distribution and comments: In Arabia occurs in the coastal Tihamah of south-west Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Also occurs in north-east Africa. The survey records fall within known range. Unlike most other Semaprierc geckos, this is usually an arboreal species. *Small Semaphore Gecko Pristurus minimus 1 26 April, al-Faydami plain, 16°25'N 52°28'E, 10 m. At least 10 at dusk on loose sand and especially among or near to small hummocks of woody, xerophytic vegetation. Distribution and comments: The first record for Yemen. Also known from Oman and recently recorded in south-west Saudi Arabia. **Bird-headed Semaphore Gecko Pristurus ornithocephalus 1 28 March, Bir 'Ali, 14°0.50'N 48°19.50'E, 20 m. One on basaltic rocks approxi- mately 300 m from coastline. 'Played dead' for almost one minute when caught and handled (such behaviour may be stress induced) before swiftly running off. 2 29 March, Wadi Hajr, 14°05.66'N 44°41.33'E. One on an arid plain with both sandy and rocky areas and scattered tussocks of xerophytic vegetation. 3 19 April, Ras al-'Arah. One female at dusk (18.15 hrs) on a gravel plain in Acacia savanna. Distribution and comments: Endemic to coastal south-west Yemen. The survey records fall within the known range. Common Semaphore Gecko Pristurus rupestris Recorded through the west Yemen highlands at altitudes up to 2,400 m near Dhamar 14°39'N 44°21'E, down to 600 m at Wadi al-Jahr. The most easterly record was from Yashbum/Wadi Habban. Distribution and comments: Found around the periphery of Arabia and in Djibouti, northern Somalia and Ethiopia and coastal Iran, possibly also in Pakistan. A common species of rocky areas in the Yemen highlands. Ptyodactylus hasselquistii Recorded at nine localities from Jabal Iraf in the west and al-Ghurfah (15 km 175 D. A. Showler | | Sandgrouse 17 south-east of Tarim) in the east; from 600 m to 2,000 m. Often heard calling at dusk. Distribution and comments: Widespread in ree probably north to Palestine, Syria and Iraq and south-west Iran; also in North Africa. A common species in rocky areas; also observed on the walls of buildings (at Tarim). *Stenodactylus doriae Recorded at up to seven localities; along the coast between Wadi Hajr eastwards to Saqr and inland to Wadi Sh'hout 16°20'N 50°43'E and Shabwah 15°23'N 47°01'E, at altitudes from just above sea-level to 800 m. Distribution and comments: Widespread in Arabia east to south-west Iran. All survey observations were in areas of loose sand except at Wadi Sh'hout where the substrate was compacted limestone dust. At this locality a positive identification was not made and the species observed could have been S. doriae, S. slevini or S. leptocosymbotes. *Stenodactylus yemenensis 1 Wadi al-Khabt (Tihamah), 13°03.47'N 44°23.80'E, 460 m. One spot-lighted at night walking across bare, loose sand. Distribution and comments: Endemic to south-west Arabia, occurring in coastal western Yemen and south-western Saudi Arabia. *Tropiocolotes scorteccii 1 24 April, hills inland from Ras Sharwayn, 15°24'N 51°35'E, 700 m. One under a loose rock on the summit of a bare hill covered in fragmented slabs of limestone. Distribution and comments: Known only from the Hadramawt region and Dhofar. This is a remarkably tiny species, not exceeding 40 mm in length (from snout to vent). Family Lacertidae Lacertid lizards **Yemen Spiny-footed Lizard Acanthodactylus arabicus Observed at several localities from Wadi al-Khabt, 13°04.62'N 44°21.85'E, in the west, eastwards to al-Shihr, 14°44'N 49°35'E, at altitudes from just above sea- level to 460 m. Distribution and comments: Endemic to the Red Sea coast of western Yemen eastwards along the south coast to Qishn. Immatures have a bright green tail which is constantly wriggled when at rest, this is perhaps a distraction display to potential predators. | Spiny-footed Lizard Acanthodactylus boskianus 1 8 April, Wadi Himarah, 14°03'N 46°53'E, 625 m. 2 27 April, al-Faydami plain, 16°25'N 52°28'E, 10 m. 3 3 May, al-Sawm, 16°08'N 49°14'E, 800 m. One caught, length: snout-vent = 79 176 Sandgrouse 17 Reptile observations in Yemen mm, tail = 165 mm; 10 ventrals, 26 dorsals (12 large dorsals, 7 smaller laterals on either flank). 4 4 May, Sayun, 15°56'N 48°50'E, 830 m. 5 5 May, al-Mudhur (Hadramawt). Distribution and comments: Widespread in Arabia north to south-east Turkey; also in North Africa. Survey observations suggest this is a common and widespread species at low to moderate altitudes. It inhabits sandy/gravelly areas with at least some vegetation, sometimes occurring in cultivated fields with sparse crop cover. Undoubtedly encountered at more localities than indicated above but possible confusion with A. felicis/yemenicus could not be eliminated on many occasions. *Spiny-footed Lizard Acanthodactylus opheodurus 1 5 May, al-Mudhur (Hadramawt). At least ten immatures and three adults. Distribution and comments: Widespread in Arabia north to Palestine, Jordan and Iraq. Immatures of this species are characterised by a reddish tail,which as with A. arabicus is almost constantly wriggled when at rest. *Mesalina adramitana ? 1 2 May, 250 km west of al-Ghaydah, 16°15'N 51°08'E, 670 m. Three Mesalina lizards observed on the ground in areas of palmetto (dwarf fan palm) were probably this species. Distribution and comments: Known from eastern Yemen, Oman, UAE, Qatar and south-east Saudi Arabia. The type locality is in the Hadramawt and the survey record falls within the known range. Family Scincidae Skinks Ocellated Skink Chalcides ocellatus 1 29 March, Wadi Hajr. One in Acacia undergrowth; retreated down burrow when disturbed. 2 7 April, Wadi Hajr (4 km north of road), 14°07'N 48°42'E, 30 m. One on an embankment alongside an irrigation ditch and Sorghum field; retreated down burrow when disturbed. Distribution and comments: Occurs in North Africa, parts of Mediterranean Europe and Asia Minor east to Pakistan. In Arabia found mainly at coastal localities, especially in cultivated areas where the ground is often damp. This was the habitat at Wadi Hajr. Skink Mabuya brevicollis 1 28-29 April, Wadi Mararah. Several amongst leaf-litter in dry scrub and one basking on a rock at 07.00 hrs. Distribution and comments: Occurs in north-east Africa and peripheral Arabia from Taif (Saudi Arabia) to Dhofar, eastern UAE and coastal Pakistan. 177 D. A. Showler | Sandgrouse 17 *Skink Mabuya tessellata 1 23 March, Jabal Iraf. Two skinks approximately 15-20 cm in total length with bronzy-buff dorsum, slightly more rufous tail and dark line running from nostril through eye, ending above forelimb, observed on boulders. A positive identifi- cation was not made but it was probably this species. 2 2 May, 5 km east of Fughmah, 16°10'N 49°27'E, 670 m. One immature found dead under rock. Distribution and comments: Endemic to southern Arabia, occurring in Yemen, Dhofar and northern Oman. *Sand Skink Scincus mitranus 1 28 March, Wadi Hajr. Desiccated head and left forefoot found on sand dune. 2 29 March, Wadi Hajr. Desiccated body (with tail missing) found on sand dune. Distribution and comments: Widespread in south and east Saudi Arabia, eastern Yemen, Oman and the Gulf States. *Sand Skink Scincus scincus? 1 22 April, Wadi al-Masilah, 15°14'N 51°08'E, approximately 50 m. One moving across loose sand. An attempt to catch it caused it to dive rapidly beneath the surface of the sand. It could not be re-located. Pale buff dorsum, orange flanks and an apparent rounded snout were noted. A positive identification was not made. Distribution and comments: S. scincus occurs throughout most of the Arabian Peninsular and in Iraq and south-west Iran. In Yemen the sub-species S. s. conirostris is known from the Hadramawt. Family Varanidae Monitor lizards Desert Monitor Varanus griseus 1 20 April, near Qa'wah, 12°42'N 44°25'E, 50 m. One immature approximately 60cm in length running off swiftly across sand and taking refuge in a burrow when disturbed. 2 22 April, Wadi al-Masilah. One on sand dunes with scattered stands of Calotropis procera. 3 1 May, 61 km west of al-Ghaydah, 16°13'N 51°35'E, 260 m. One adult observed retreating down a burrow when approached. 45 May, 2 km east of al-Mudhur (Hadramawt). One immature in habitat consisting of flat, sandy, dry fields with scattered low xerophytic shrubs. 5 6 May, 10 km south-west of wadi at Shabwah, 15°22'N 47°E, 800 m. One adult running rapidly across sand dunes. Distribution and comments: Widespread in Arabia; also occurs in north Africa and south-west Asia. In Yemen they are sometimes caught locally by Bedu tribes-people for food. All localities were arid, fairly flat, sandy and sparsely vegetated. 178 Sandgrouse 17 Reptile observations in Yemen Sub-order Serpentes Snakes Twenty-eight species of snake have been recorded on mainland Yemen (plus one species of sea-snake). However, the validity of the occurrence of seven of these needs confirmation as specimens may have been wrongly identified or localities where they were collected may be erroneous. During the survey five species were identified. Several other snakes were also observed but poor views prevented a positive identification being made. Family Colubridae Typical snakes Jan's Desert Racer, Jan's Cliff Racer Coluber rhodorachis rhodorachis 1 26 March, Wadi al-Jahr. One immature found trapped in an empty oil drum sunk into the ground (presumably an old fire-place/oven). Range and comments: Widespread in Arabia in montane rocky areas. Also occurs from Libya east to Pakistan and northern India. A diurnal or crepuscular species; very fast moving. *Thomas's Snake Coluber thomasi 1 28 April, Wadi Mararah. One at about mid-day in a small Acacia nilotica approximately 4 m in height where it sought refuge in a hollow in the trunk. Range and comments: Endemic to the coastal plains and mountains of the Dhofar (in Yemen and Oman). The record falls within the known range but is only the second for Yemen. Little is known about this diurnal micro- colubrid and there are very few records. Sand Snake, Tree Snake Psammophis schokari schokari 1 14 April, al-Mahwit, 15°33'N 43°36'E, 700 m. One dead by path (killed by local villagers) near valley bottom. 2 29 April, base of Wadi Mararah. One observed crossing road. Range and comments: A widespread species in Arabia also occurring throughout North Africa east to north-west India. The survey record from Wadi Mararah represents a substantial (although not unexpected) eastward extension to the known range in Yemen. It has a mildly toxic bite. Cat Snake Telescopus dhara dhara 1 22 March, Jabal Iraf, 1,400 m. One spot-lighted at night on the ground in open Juniperus-dominated woodland. Range and comments: Widespread in the Arabian peninsula but distributed mostly in the montane periphery north to about 29°N. Occurs throughout most of Yemen. A separate sub-species T. d. obtusus occurs throughout much of north and north-east Africa. A nocturnal, back- ak Pas snake with mildly toxic venom. 179 D. A. Showler | _ Sandgrouse 17 Family Viperidae Vipers *Saw-scaled Viper, Carpet Viper Echis coloratus 1 28 March, Bir 'Ali. A single dark individual, found in a small burial chamber within basaltic rock at the archaeological site of Qama, approximately 200 m from coastline. 2 1 May, Wadi Sh'hout, 16°20'N 50°43'E, 800 m. One spot-lighted at night (20.30 hrs) side-winding across loose sand. Range and comments: Occurs outside Arabia only in north-east Egypt. The survey record from Wadi Sh'hout represents an unexpected easterly range extension in Yemen. Moves almost entirely by side-winding; extremely venomous. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many thanks to Dr E. N. Arnold (British Museum, Natural History) for confirming the identification of some species from slides and to Peter W. Hopkins (Estacion Biologica de Dofnana) for useful information on reference sources. BIBLIOGRAPHY ARNOLD, E. N. (1986) New Species of Semaphore Gecko (Pristurus: Gekkonidae) from Arabia and Socotra. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 8: 352-377. ARNOLD, E. N. (1986) A Key and Annotated Checklist to the Lizards and Amphisbaenians of Arabia. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 8: 385-435. ARNOLD, E. N. (1993) Historical changes in the ecology and behaviour of semaphore geckos (Pristurus: Gekkonidae) and their relatives. J. Zool., London 229: 353-384. GALLAGHER, M. (1990) Snakes of the Arabian Gulf and Oman, 2nd ed. Mazoon Printing Press, Oman. GASPERETTI, J. (1988) Snakes of Arabia. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 9: 169-399. GROOMBRIDGE, B. (1983) World Checklist of Threatened Amphibians and Reptiles, 3rd ed. Nature Conservancy Council, London. HELLENIUS, D. AND GASPERETTI, J. (1984) The Chameleons of Saudi Arabia. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 6: 513-526. LEVITON, A. E., ANDERSON, S. C., ADLER, K. AND MINTON, A. (1992) Handbook to Middle East Reptiles and Amphibians. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, Ohio, USA. D. A. Showler, clo OSME, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK. 180 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 181-184 Amphibian observations in Yemen’, spring 1993 | D. A. SHOWLER he amphibian fauna of the Arabian peninsula comprises nine anuran (frog and toad) species. Six of these, Bufo arabicus, Bufo dhufarensis, Bufo hadramautinus, Bufo scorteccii, Bufo tihamicus and Euphlyctis ehrenbergti are endemic to Arabia and occur in Yemen. The other three species, Bufo viridis, Rana ridibunda and Hyla savignyi are essentially Palearctic. The latter is the only one known to occur in Yemen, where it is restricted to the western highlands. During the OSME survey of spring 1993 five species of amphibian, including four endemic to Arabia (indicated below with an asterisk), were observed. As there is little information on the distribution and habitats of these species, details from each site are given. | *Arabian Toad Bufo arabicus 1 17 March, Kawkaban, 15°31'N 43°52'E, 2,500 m. Approximately 200 newly hatched Bufo tadpoles still retaining external gills were observed in a shallow drying pool. These were assumed to be B. arabicus but a positive identification was not made. 2 22 March, Jabal Iraf, 13°07.02'N 44°15.31'E, 1,400 m. Four spot-lighted at night (22.00hrs) in a livestock watering pool, where Bufo dhufarensis was also present. 3 26 March, Wadi al-Jahr, 13°58.20'N 46°23.50'E, 600 m. Over 200 calling at night in flowing water of wadi bed with Euphlyctis ehrenbergii. 4 28 March, Yashbum/Wadi Habban, 13°58.20'N 46°23.50'E, 600 m. At least 300 fully grown tadpoles in slow flowing sections of a stream. Approximately 25% had developed hindlimbs and some had forelimbs. Ten recently metamor- phosed toadlets were found. 5 9 April, al-Mardam, 14°03'N 45°34’E, 2,000 m. One male in sandy area with Lavendula and Tamarix scrub, close to small arable fields. 6 13 April, lush wadi E of al-Mahwit, 15°33'N 43°36'E, 750 m. One male in permanent pool amongst emergent Juncus. Found in association with E. ehrenbergii and Hyla savignyi. 7 15 April, Salah al-Din, 14°40'N 44°12'E, 2,000 m. Two pairs in amplexus, at least 30 others calling from flooded gat Catha edulis field in late-morning during heavy rain. Found in association with H. savignyi. Distribution and comments: B. arabicus is endemic to Arabia south of 28°N with many populations in the ‘Asir of south-west Saudi Arabia and the Yemen highlands. This species occupies a wide range of habitats, although it is generally most common in areas with some annual precipitation providing breeding pools. B. arabicus will aestivate, sometimes for up to two years or more during drought. The seven survey records fall within the known range, *N.B. this paper includes records from the entire Republic of Yemen and not just southern Yemen. 181 D. A. Showler | 3 Sandgrouse 17 except the locality at Yashbum which represents a slight easterly range extension and is perhaps the most easterly known site in Yemen. *Dhofar Toad Bufo dhufarensis 1 22 March, Jabal Iraf. Two spot-lighted at night (22.00hrs) in a permanent livestock watering pool (approximately 5 m x 5 m, 0.6 m deep) on a steep hillside in association with B. arabicus. No aquatic vegetation was present; numerous large water-scorpions (Fam: Nepidae) were noted. The pool was semi-man-made, part of one side being built-up with rocks and concrete. One female toad was observed rapidly walking up an almost vertical rock face and entering a fissure used as a daytime refuge. Surrounding vegetation consisted of low open Juniperus and Acacia woodland with a herbaceous understorey. 2 28 March, Wadi Hajr, 14°41.33'N 48°41.33'E, 30 m. Over 20 spot-lighted at night (19.00hrs), amongst boulders in water of flowing wadi, in association with E. ehrenbergii. Habitat in the surrounding area comprised sand dunes with dense stands of introduced Prosopis juliflora with Tamarix nilotica and Salvadora persica scrub. 3. 7 April, Wadi Himarah, 14°03'N 46°53'E, 625 m. 30 males calling after dark (20.00hrs), from a temporary shallow pool (max. depth 30 cm) in a sand hollow filled with floodwater. Calls were audible up to a distance of at least 1 km. During daylight hours almost all toads retreated to daytime refuges, either burrows in the sand or in nearby Tamarix/Palmetto scrub. The surrounding terrain consisted of gently undulating bare sand and gravel with sparsely distributed cushions of xerophytic vegetation. 4 3 May, Tarim (grounds of al-Gubbah Hotel), 16°03'N 49°00'E, 790 m. Four at night in well-irrigated hotel gardens and one inside the hotel itself. 5 4 May,5 km west of Tarim, 16°03'N 48°57'E, 830 m. 15 or more calling at mid- morning from a pool created by a recent wadi flood. Most were hidden in dense marginal vegetation of Juncus and various grasses. The call was a rapidly repeated guttural croaking 'chur-chur-chur...' 6 4 May, 5 km east of Sayun, 15°56'N 48°50'E, 830 m. One under a date palm Phoenix dactylifera log at the edge of a small onion field, with numerous other small, dry arable fields with scattered date palms in the vicinity. Distribution and comments: B. dhufarensis is endemic to the Arabian peninsula south of 27°N and has a wide altitudinal range, occurring from just above sea-level to at least 1,900 m. It inhabits arid environments and aestivates during periods of drought, often emerging for only short periods to breed after rain. The six survey records fall within the known geographical range but most are from new localities in Yemen. *Tihamah Toad Bufo tihamicus i 1 23 March, Wadi al-Khabt, 13°03.47'N 44°23.80'E, 460 m. One spot-lighted at night (21.00hrs) moving rapidly across bare, loose sand. This individual actively buried itself by shuffling backwards and downwards into the substrate. The surrounding habitat was a plain of gently undulating sand with approximately 182 Sandgrouse 17 Amphibian observations in Yemen 20% vegetation cover, comprising patches of Tamarix nilotica, Salvadora persica and Lycium shorei scrub interspersed with smaller xerophytes including Tribulus arabicus, Heliotropium sp., Euphorbia sp. and spiny grasses. Occasional Acacia and Zizyphus spina-christi trees were also present. Distribution and comments: B. tihamicus is endemic to south-west Arabia. The species is distributed along the coastal littoral from 20°N south along the Tihamah coastal plain to the southern tip of the Arabian peninsula and eastwards to the vicinity of Aden. The survey record lies within the known range but represents a new upper limit to the altitudinal range. Previously the highest known locality was at al-Sukhnah (14°47'N 43°26'E) in north-west Yemen, where the holotype was collected at an altitude of 350 m. Savigny's Tree Frog Hyla savignyi 1 13-14 April, in lush wadi east of al-Mahwit. Two calling (13.00-14.00hrs), 13 April during intermittent rain. One seen, 14 April in a well-vegetated water- filled ditch in association with B. arabicus and E. ehrenbergii. Habitat well vegetated with permanent flowing water and several still pools. Aquatic vegetation included Potamogeton pussillus and P. nodosus and much emergent Juncus and other marginal herbaceous vegetation. Trees provided partial shade. 2 15 April, Salal al-Din, 14°40'N 44°12'E, 2,000 m. Three or more calling from flooded qat Catha edulis field in the late morning during heavy rain. Found in association with B. arabicus. Distribution and comments: H. savignyi is considered to be a Palearctic relict species occurring in south-west Arabia from about 22°N south to 14°N in the Yemen highlands. In Arabia it has a fairly restricted distribution, usually above 1,400 m in relatively well-vegetated areas with permanent or semi- permanent water. The two survey records are new localities for the species in the vicinity of previously recorded sites. The first represents a slight westward extension and the second a southward extension to the known range in Yemen. Elsewhere, it occurs in Syria, southern Turkey, western and northern Iran, southern Armenia and Azerbaijan. *Ehrenberg's Frog Euphlyctis ehrenbergit 1 19 March, Ta’ izz sewage lagoons, 13°34'N 44°01'E, 1,150 m. Two in water- filled ditch in Juncus-dominated rough grazing meadow. 2 19 March, Ta’ izz marsh, 13°34'N 44°01'E, 1,150 m. Over 10 in pool under date palms P. dactylifera, 10 in well (water-level approximately 3 m below ground surface), one in another well in a wet, cattle-grazed meadow. 3 26 March, Wadi al-Jahr. Over 50 spot-lighted at night in a flowing wadi; calling intermittently and in association with B. arabicus. 4 28 March, Wadi Hajr (1 km north of road), 14°05.66'N 48°41.33'E, 30 m. Five or more spot-lighted at night amongst boulders in a flowing wadi. 5 7 April, Wadi Hajr (4 km north of road), 14°07'N 48°42'E, 30 m. Ten in slow- flowing irrigation ditches in an area of small arable fields. 183 D. A. Showler | ; Sandgrouse 17 6 13 April, lush wadi E of al-Mahwit. Five in small pools in association with B. } arabicus and H. savignyi. (For habitat see H. savignyi locality (1) above). 7 22 April, Wadi al-Masilah, 15°14'N 51°08'E, 95 m. Three adults in flowing wadi. 8 3 May, al-Sawm, 16°08'N 49°18'E, 800 m. Ten in flowing wadi. 9 3 May, west of al-Sawm, approximately 16°08'N 49°14'E, 800 m. One observed in pool and at least two calling. 10 6 May, Marib Dam, 15°28'N 45°20'E, approximately 1,150 m. Large numbers calling, one recently metamorphosed froglet and one tadpole with hind limbs in marsh habitat behind dam with dense stands of Phragmites australis, Typha sp. and Juncus spp. Distribution and comments: E. ehrenbergii is endemic to south-west Arabia, with an introduced population in the vicinity of Riyadh, central Saudi Arabia. It has a wide altitudinal range and is most common around permanent water although it is capable of aestivating for periods of about two years during drought. The record from close to the mouth of Wadi al-Masilah represents an eastward range extension, although it is known from about 150 km to the north-west in the same wadi system. BIBLIOGRAPHY BALLETTO, E., CHERCHI, M. A. AND GASPERETTI, J. (1985) Amphibians of the Arabian Peninsula. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 7: 318-392. LEVITON, A. E., ANDERSON, S. C., ADLER, K. AND MINTON, A. (1992) Handbook to Middle East Amphibians and Reptiles. Thomas-Shore Inc. Dexter, Michigan, USA. D. A. Showler, clo OSME, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK. 184 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 185-187 Reptile observations in Socotra, spring 1993 D. A. SHOWLER Goo is perhaps best known to naturalists for the high degree of endemism exhibited by the flora of the island, however it also supports many endemic reptiles. It is probable that the reptile fauna of Socotra has changed substantially over historical time. In the account of Ptolemy's 2nd century AD voyage in the Arabian Sea, 'Periplus of the Erythrean Sea', it was noted that rivers flowed on Socotra and at this time there were numerous crocodiles, many snakes and large lizards. Rivers on Socotra are now largely, or completely, ephemeral and only three species of snake (excluding one or two species of worm snake) and no large lizards or crocodiles occur. It is likely that the larger reptiles underwent a decline, as is mirrored by many insular populations, following the introduction of mammalian predators (such as the Civet Cat Viverra civetta) and the larger species may also have been hunted by humans. In 1899 Forbes observed natives from the nearby island of ‘Abd al-Kuri trading lizards for rice and this may have been a more widespread practice in earlier times. Of the 13 genera or so of reptiles surviving on Socotra, virtually nothing is known about their ecology or the effects on their populations of continuing degradation of habitat resulting from overgrazing, collection of wood for fuel and the increasing aridity of the island. During the OSME survey of Socotra, from 30 March to 6 April, 10 species of terrestrial reptile (including eight endemics indicated below by an asterisk) and two species of marine turtle were observed. Socotra Chameleon *Chameleo monachus One seen in woodland at Wadi Ayhaft, one of the best-vegetated areas on the island. It may be that this species is restricted to areas with good vegetation cover with patches of soft substrate suitable for egg-laying. If this is so, it may be confined to relatively few localities and would be vulnerable to further destruction of natural woodland. However, the numerous small date palm Phoenix dactylifera plantations and scrubland on the island might support this species. More field work is required to assess its status. Gecko Hemidactylus homoeolepis Three observations from sea-level to 850 m ina variety of habitats. One seen at dusk was remarkably well camouflaged against the bark of a Dragon's Blood Tree Dracaena cinnabari. Also found in southern Yemen and Oman. Yellow-bellied House Gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis _ Observed twice on house walls in Hadibu at night. Widespread, occurring in Egypt south to Somalia and eastwards through Arabia to eastern India. 185 D. A. Showler } 7 Sandgrouse 17 Socotra Leaf-toed Gecko *Phyllodactylus trachyrhinus One observation at night at an altitude of 200 m. Spot-lighted on a granitic boulder at the edge of a dry, gravel-bottomed wadi with small date palms and xerophytic shrubs nearby. This endemic gecko is extremely poorly known. Slender Semaphore Gecko *Pristurus insignis Several individuals observed on rocks at two localities between 200-350 m. It is known to occur at higher altitudes, generally being considered a montane species. This diurnal gecko is a long-legged, actively foraging species. Two individuals were infested with trombiculid mite larvae; such mites are also frequently found on mainland species of Pristurus. Socotra Semaphore Gecko *Pristurus socotranus A widespread and abundant species in rocky areas and occasionally seen on tree trunks. Observed up to 850 m. Mostly diurnal, aithough one was observed to be active at night. Foraging strategy is perhaps more passive (more inclined to ‘sit and wait') than that adopted by P. insignis. One individual was seen to eat many small black ants. Several were found to host trombiculid mite larvae. Socotra Lizard *Mesalina balfouri Observed just above sea-level at Erhina lagoon on a gently undulating sand and gravel substrate with low xerophytic vegetation, and in markedly different habitat at 460 m, on rocks in a cattle-grazed pasture on the Hamadiroh plateau. Adults superficially resemble Lacerta vivipera, whilst juveniles have a pair of bold cream-yellow, dorso-lateral stripes along each flank. Socotra Skink *Mabuya socotranus Widespread and fairly common. Observed at altitudes from 40 to 500 m in rocky terrain with patches of dense vegetation. Socotra Whip Snake *Coluber socotrae One observed taking refuge under a boulder in a wadi bed with a few small pools of standing water and some scrub cover, at an altitude of 100 m. The site, just to the south of the Hadibu plain, is in the vicinity of the type locality. Old records are from the lowlands of the north and west. Also known from Hakari islet and The Brothers (al-Ikhwan). Socotra Orange Snake *Ditypophis vivax One observed at dusk at 460 m on the Hamadiroh plateau. Despite being harmless (there are probably no poisonous snakes on Socotra) this small snake, and undoubtedly C. socotrae, is killed by local people. This is probably because local mythology holds that snakes suckle cattle and goats for milk, thereby poisoning the animals. 186 Sandgrouse 17 Reptile observations in Socotra Cheloniidae Numerous Green Turtles Chelonia mydas and several Hawksbill Turtles Eretmochelys imbricata were seen offshore. Five or six carapaces were noted on the beaches of the south coast, perhaps resulting from turtles being killed for food. The nesting status of turtles on the island is unknown. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I thank Dr E. N. Arnold (British Museum, Natural History) for advice and assistance in reptile identification. BIBLIOGRAPHY ARNOLD, E. N. (1986) New Species of Semaphore Gecko (Pristurus: Gekkonidae) from Arabia and Socotra. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 8: 352-377. ARNOLD, E. N. (1986) A Key and Annotated Checklist to the Lizards and Amphisbaenians of Arabia. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 8: 385-435. BOULENGER, G. As. (1903) Natural History of Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri. Bull. Lpool. Mus. Reptilia: 75-104, pls 8-11. DOE, B., WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY SERJEANT, R. B., RADCLIFFE-SMITH, A. AND GUICHARD, K. M. (1992) Socotra Island of Tranquility. IMMEL Publishing Ltd, London. KINGDON, J. (1990) Island Africa. Collins, London. PARKER, H. W. (1949) The Snakes of Somaliland and the Sokotra Islands. Zoologische Verhandelingen 6. Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, Leiden, Netherlands. D. A. Showler, clo OSME, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK. 187 Sandgrouse (1996) 17: 188 Odonata observations in Yemen’, spring 1993 C. G. BRADSHAW C)5 of the secondary objectives of the OSME survey of southern Yemen was to collect data on the non-ornithological elements of the Yemen fauna. During the second half of the survey from 13 April to 9 May, casual observations were made on Odonata. Opportunities to study Odonata were few, but significant numbers of dragonflies and damselflies were recorded at four sites: Wadi Mararah, 29 April; Mar'ayt springs, 1 May; Tarim, 4 May; and Marib Dam, 7 May, the last site in northern Yemen. Wherever possible Odonata were trapped using a sweep net and photographs were taken of all those caught. Firm identifications were made of eleven species at two sites: Wadi Mararah and Marib Dam. Many dragonflies at each site evaded attempts to catch them, and therefore had to rernain unidentified. The following species were recorded: Ischnura elegans Common at Marib Dam Erythromma najas Small numbers at Wadi Mararah and Marib Dam Anax imperator Several were seen at Marib Dam Orthetrum cancellatum Small numbers at Marib Dam Orthetrum brunneum Fairly common at Wadi Mararah Crocothemis erythraea Small numbers at Marib Dam Diplacodes lefebvrii Fairly common at Marib Dam Brachythemis leucosticta Recorded at Marib Dam Trithemis annulata Recorded at Marib Dam in small numbers Trithemis arteriosa Recorded at Wadi Mararah Trithemis kirbyt Small numbers at Wadi Mararah Despite the limited amount of time available to study Odonata during the survey, it is clear that both Wadi Mararah, and in particular Marib Dam, are important sites in Yemen. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to thank Jill Silsby for assistance with some of the identifications. BIBLIOGRAPHY ASKEW, R. R. (1988) The Dragonflies of Europe. Colchester. D'AGUILAR, J., DOMMANGET J. L. AND PRECHAC, R. (1985) A Field Guide to the Dragonflies of Britain, Europe & North Africa. London. C. G. Bradshaw, 6 Collet Walk, Parkwood, Gillingham, Kent ME8 9LQ, UK. *N.B. this paper includes records from both northern and southern Yemen 188 NOTES SC eo tot tt te Rt tet tt nn tot i tty tet art NO. TES. NOTES NOV ROEVS GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS The Editorial Committee of Sandgrouse will consider for publication original papers that contribute to the body of knowledge on the birds of the Middle East — their distribution, breeding biology, behaviour, identification, conservation, etc. The Middle East for this pur- pose includes Turkey, Cyprus, and Libya in the west to Afghanistan and the Palearctic fringe of Pakistan in the east, the southern shores of the Black and Caspian Seas in the north, and the Arabian peninsula and the Palearctic limits in Sudan and Ethiopia in the south. 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Any artwork, photographs, and disks will be returned as soon as possible after publication. Submissions should be sent to: Sandgrouse Editor, OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, UK. SANDGROUSE | Volume 17 f Contents 102 130 132 134 138 142 145 148 Ikayik ISS 158 165 170 181 185 188 The Ornithological Society of the Middle East's survey of southern Yemen and Socotra, March-May 1993: an introduction R. F. PORTER, R. P. MARTINS AND FRANCINE STONE Some aspects of southern Yemen: an introduction for field ornithologists and conservationists R. P. MARTINS The status of non-passerines in southern Yemen and the records of the OSME survey in spring 1993 R. F. PORTER, R. P. MARTINS, K. D. SHAW AND UFFE SORENSEN The status of passerines in southern Yemen and the records of the OSME survey in spring 1993 R. P. MartINs, C. G. BRADSHAW, ALAN BROWN, G. M. KIRWAN AND R. F. PORTER An introduction to Socotra and its birds R. F. PORTER AND FRANCINE STONE Taxonomic treatment of endemic taxa in Socotra R. P. MARTINS The status of birds in Socotra and 'Abd Al-Kuri and the records of the OSME survey in spring 1993 G. M. KiRWAN, R. P. MARTINS, K. M. MORTON AND D. A. SHOWLER Habitats and bird communities in southern Yemen and Socotra PETER DAVIDSON Ostrich Struthio camelus eggshell fragments in Yemen J. W. SPENCER The Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus in Yemen J. N. DYMOND The Buteo population in Socotra R. P. MARTINS AND R. F. PORTER Forbes-Watson's Swift Apus berliozi in Socotra R. F. PORTER, J. N. DYMOND AND R. P. MARTINS The Socotra Warbler Incana incana J. N. DYMOND The Socotra Cisticola Cisticola haesitata J. N. DYMOND AND R. F. PORTER The Socotra Sunbird Nectarinia balfouri D. A. SHOWLER AND PETER DAVIDSON The Socotra Starling Onychognathus frater and Somali Starling O. blythii R. F. PORTER AND R. P. MARTINS The Socotra Bunting Emberiza socotrana K. M. MoRTON Biometric data of birds in southern Yemen and Socotra, spring 1993 J. N. DYMOND Mammal observations in Yemen and Socotra, spring 1993 D. A. SHOWLER Reptile observations in Yemen, spring 1993 D. A. SHOWLER Amphibian observations in Yemen, spring 1993 D. A. SHOWLER Reptile observations in Socotra, spring 1993 D. A. SHOWLER Odonata observations in Yemen, spring 1993 C. G. BRADSHAW ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST OSME clo THE LODGE, SANDY, BEDEORDSHIRE SG19 2DL, UK