Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)
The Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) is a large, marine bird found along the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and Socotra Island, with populations extending to Oman and the UAE. Adult cormorants have glossy black plumage with a greenish-blue sheen, a hooked bill for catching fish, and long wings adapted for powerful dives. They are social birds, nesting in large colonies on remote islands during the breeding season. Their populations face serious threats from habitat destruction, oil spills, overfishing, and human disturbance, leading to a significant decline. Conservation programs are key to protecting this species, which plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by controlling fish populations. These birds are also a symbol of the fragile coastal environments they inhabit.