Dragon’s Blood Tree (<em>Dracaena cinnabari</em>): A Cenozoic Relict

The Dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) woodland is one of the oldest surviving endangered forest communities on Earth. This unique endemic species of Dragon’s blood tree is famous since antiquity for its bright red resin “Dragon’s blood” and umbrella-shaped canopy. They are almost extinct everywhere except present as small habitats in Socotra Archipelago (Yemen), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the last two decades, there has been a significant decline in Dragon’s blood tree population in the archipelago, posing a threat to its existence. We attempt to review the status of Dragon’s blood tree population in Socotra Archipelago, factors affecting its survival, and the status of conservation efforts propose recommendations to preserve this flagship species