A quantitative classification of chorotypes for the Socotra Archipelago’s non-endemic plants

The Socotra Archipelago's non-endemic plant flora is structured by distinct chorotypes, with the Xeric Tropical-Subtropical type dominating (13.8%), followed by Paleoarabian-Somali-Masai (10.1%) and Temperate-Subtropical Belt (9.2%). This study used ensemble modeling and clustering to classify species distributions globally and regionally, revealing a biogeographic hinge along the Red Sea-Gulf of Aden rim. Vegetation types showed varying chorological signatures, with endemic-rich woodlands and shrublands exhibiting high specialization while grasslands and halophytic communities displayed more mixed affinities. The research highlights arid corridors and monsoon-related refugia as key drivers of Socotra's flora, bridging classical chorology with quantitative vegetation analysis.

La Montagna, D., Fanelli, G., De Sanctis, M., Farcomeni, A., Maděra, P., Malatesta, L., Van Damme, K., & Attorre, F. (2026). A quantitative classification of chorotypes for the Socotra Archipelago’s non-endemic plants. Vegetation Classification and Survey, 7, 49–63. https://doi.org/10.3897/vcs.176349