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A view of the Hala Coast from the top of Dikevkev Gorge on the Homhil Mountains.
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A view of the Hala Coast from the top of Dikevkev Gorge on the Homhil Mountains.
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The tidal lagoon at Qaryah with date palms in the distance. Dates form an important part of the Socotran diet. The soil and climate are not suitable for other forms of agriculture.
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The tidal lagoon at Qaryah with date palms in the distance. Dates form an important part of the Socotran diet. The soil and climate are not suitable for other forms of agriculture.
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The brightly-coloured catch of fishermen at Sekra,a fishing village on Socotra's north coast. The island's coastal population depends almost entirely on fishing as its principal source of livelihood with shark,kingfish and tuna being the most important commercial species. Reef fish and lobsters also represent a significant source of income.
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Arerher dunes,Hala Coast. During the monsoon season,which lasts for four months from late May until late September each year,desiccating winds gust to 75mph and blow fine sand from beautiful unspoilt beaches into nearby escarpments and hills.
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Arerher dunes,Hala Coast. During the monsoon season,which lasts for four months from late May until late September each year,desiccating winds gust to 75mph and blow fine sand from beautiful unspoilt beaches into nearby escarpments and hills.
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Arerher dunes,Hala Coast. During the monsoon season,which lasts for four months from late May until late September each year,desiccating winds gust to 75mph and blow fine sand from beautiful unspoiled beaches into nearby escarpments and hills.
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An old man fishes from rocks on Apallhen Beach,which is an important turtle breeding ground in the north of the island.
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Children enjoy a boat race in a lagoon at Qalansiah,an important fishing village in the northwest of Socotra Island.
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An old wooden sailing boat,known as a dhow,at Qalansiah,an important fishing village in the northwest of Socotra Island. An Egyptian vulture perches on the prow.
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The waterfront at Qalansiah,an important fishing village in the northwest of Socotra Island.
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The waterfront at Qalansiah,an important fishing village in the northwest of Socotra Island. The gulls are migrants from Siberia.
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The waterfront at Qalansiah,an important fishing village in the northwest of Socotra Island.
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The old mosque at Mahferhin,a fishing village in the southeast of Socotra Island.
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A young man at Mahferhin,a fishing village in the southeast of Socotra Island.
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A fisherman at Mahferhin,a fishing village in the southeast of Socotra Island.
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A fisherman at Mahferhin,a fishing village in the southeast of Socotra Island.
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The Zaheg Dunes near the southern shores of Socotra Island. The Shaab Escarpment is visible in the distance.
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The Zaheg Dunes near the southern shores of Socotra Island. The Shaab Escarpment is visible in the distance.
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The Zaheg Dunes near the southern shores of Socotra Island. The Shaab Escarpment is visible in the distance.
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Sunset in the Dixam area of the Haghir Mountains against the silhouette of a Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaene cannabari).
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A comfortable rock shelter dwelling of a pastoral Bedu man in the Haghir Mountains. Caves and overhanging rocks are used extensively by pastoralists who make up the majority population of the island’s interior. Families will often own a conventional stone house in the lowlands too.
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A spacious rock shelter dwelling of a pastoral Bedu family in the Haghir Mountains. Caves and overhanging rock are used extensively by pastoralists who make up the majority population of the island’s interior. Families will often own a conventional stone house in the lowlands too.
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A Cucumber tree (Dendrosicyos soctrana) grows in rocky soil on the island’s northern coast,near Hadibo. This strange endemic species with its swollen trunk and cucumber-like fruit is one of the island’s most bizarre botanical curiosities.
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A boy rides home after school on a donkey in the Homhil Mountains.
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An attractively dressed Muslim girl in the foothills of the Homhill Mountains.
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An old woman works her family's well in the foothills of the Homhil Mountains. All Socotrans are now Muslims,which was not the case in years gone by. Only in the past ten years have most women taken to wearing the burka.
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A woman at Arerhen Quaryah,a coastal fishing village,has smeared saffron on her skin to lighten it. The island's proximity to the ancient direct sea routes from the Red Sea to India and to East Africa is reflected in the diverse origins of its 45,000-50,000 population. Many Socotrans living along the coast are of mixed Arab and African descent.
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The stark beauty of the landscape near Dileesa,looking inland towards the Haghir Mountains,which rise steeply from the coastal plains to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. The majority of the land is suitable only for pastoralism.
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The minaret of Dileesa Mosque in the late afternoon. Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) perch either end of the crescent on top of the minaret. The population of Egyptian vultures on Socotra is greater than areas of similar size elsewhere in the world. The birds have adapted to scavenging,keeping the fishing villages free of biodegradable waste.
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Beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue sea in the Ditwah Protected Area, near Qalansiah in the northwest of Socotra Island.
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Mountains drop in steep, almost vertical, escarpments to the sea in the Ditwah Protected Area, near Qalansiah in the northwest of Socotra Island.
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Mountains drop in steep, almost vertical, escarpments to the sea in the Ditwah Protected Area, near Qalansiah in the northwest of Socotra Island.
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Dragons Blood Trees are endemic to Socotra Island and flourish above 3,000 feet.Men harvest the bright red resin of the Dragons blood Tree every three to four years. Once known as Indian Cinnabar, its used as a natural dye.
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A Socotran Desert Rose in flower on a rocky outcrop in the Haghir Mountains. Although Desert roses are widespread in Arabia and Africa, the Socotran sub species is larger and has a more swollen trunk than those found elsewhere
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The intricate branch structure of an umbrella-shaped Dragons Blood Tree in the Dixam area of the Haghir Mountains.These spectacular trees are endemic to Socotra Island and flourish above 3,000 feet.The bright red resin of the Dragon's blood Tree is harvested every three to four years and exported as a natural dye.
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Umbrella shaped Dragons Blood Trees are endemic to Socotra Island and flourish above 3,000 feet.Their closest relative is found the other side of the African continent in the Canary Islands.The bright red resin of the Dragon's blood Tree is harvested every three to four years and exported as a natural dye.
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The top of the Diharo wadi in the Dixam area of the Haghir Mountains.The highest peaks are visible in the distance.The islands mountainous terrain attracts rain. For much of the year, these mountains are lost in cloud and mist resulting in lush vegetation and the growth of a variety of extraordinary endemic botanical species
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Endemic Dragons Blood Trees grow among Socotran Desert Roses in the Homhil Mountains.The closest relative of the Dragons Blood Tree is found the other side of the African continent in the Canary Islands.The bright red resin of the Dragon's blood Tree is harvested every three to four years and exported as a natural dye.
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Endemic Dragons Blood Trees grow among Socotran Desert Roses in the Homhil Mountains.The closest relative of the Dragons Blood Tree is found the other side of the African continent in the Canary Islands.The bright red resin of the Dragon's blood Tree is harvested every three to four years and exported as a natural dye.
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Socotran Frankincense trees one of seven endemic species found on the island flourish in the Homhil Mountains.Since the quality of frankincense on the island is inferior to that harvested in mainland Africa and in the Arabian Peninsula, it is not exported.
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Socotran Frankincense trees one of seven endemic species found on the island flourish in the Homhil Mountains.Since the quality of frankincense on the island is inferior to that harvested in mainland Africa and in the Arabian Peninsula, it is not exported.
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A fisherman near Di Hamri with his weighted throwing net, which he will use in shallow water to catch bait for line fishing.The islands coastal population depends almost entirely on fishing as its principal source of livelihood with shark, kingfish and tuna being the most important commercial species.
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At dawn, a fisherman near Di Hamri uses his throwing net in shallow water to catch bait for line fishing from a boat later in the day.The islands coastal population depends almost entirely on fishing as its principal source of livelihood with shark, kingfish and tuna being the most important commercial species.
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Socotra Island is about 87 miles long and between 25 and 31 miles wide, covering an area of 1,400 square miles.Socotran Desert Roses thriving on limestone rock along the Hala Coast are larger and exhibit more swollen trunks than the species that grow on the African mainland.
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Many caves and underground cave systems can be found in the limestone plateau that extends across most of Socotra Island. This is the entrance to Dagam Cave in the Nogeed area, close to the southern shores of the island.
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Many caves and underground cave systems can be found in the limestone plateau that extends across most of Socotra Island. Stalactites hang from the entrance to Dagam Cave in the Nogeed area with the southern shores of the island visible in the distance.
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Dragons Blood Trees are endemic to Socotra Island and flourish above 3,000 feet.Men harvest the bright red resin of the Dragons blood Tree every three to four years. Once known as Indian Cinnabar, its used as a natural dye.
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Dragons Blood Trees are endemic to Socotra Island and flourish above 3,000 feet.Men harvest the bright red resin of the Dragons blood Tree every three to four years. Once known as Indian Cinnabar, its used as a natural dye.
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Numerous Socotran Desert Roses grow alongside Socotran Aloes on a rocky outcrop in the Haghir Mountains. Although Desert roses are widespread in Arabia and Africa, the Socotran sub species is larger and has a more swollen trunk than those found elsewhere.
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A Cucumber tree grows in limestone rock in the Dixam area of the Haghir Mountains. This strange endemic species with its swollen trunk and cucumber-like fruit is one of the islands most bizarre botanical curiosities.
Con derechos protegidos
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Socotra Island is about 87 miles long and between 25 and 31 miles wide, covering an area of 1,400 square miles. Socotran Desert Roses thriving here on limestone rock in the Haghir Mountains are larger and exhibit more swollen trunks than the species that grow on mainland Africa.
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Umbrella shaped Dragons Blood Trees grow in limestone cliffs on the steep sides of the Diharo Wadi in the Dixam area of the Haghir Mountains.These spectacular trees are endemic to Socotra Island and flourish above 3,000 feet..
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Socotra Island is about 87 miles long and between 25 and 31 miles wide, covering an area of 1,400 square miles.It lies in the Arabian Sea, 180 miles south of the Arabian Peninsula and 120 miles due east of mainland Africa where the nearest point is Cape Guardafui in Somalia. The spectacular peaks of the Haghir Mountains, rising almost 5,000 feet from the coastal plains, are dramatic at sunset.
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Socotra Island is about 87 miles long and between 25 and 31 miles wide, covering an area of 1,400 square miles.It lies in the Arabian Sea, 180 miles south of the Arabian Peninsula and 120 miles due east of mainland Africa where the nearest point is Cape Guardafui in Somalia. The spectacular peaks of the Haghir Mountains, rising almost 5,000 feet from the coastal plains, are dramatic at sunset.
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Most houses on Socotra are built of stone with flat roofs. The design has been adapted to suit the islands harsh climate.Situated in the monsoon belt, the desiccating winds that sweep the island for four months from late May until late September gust to 75mph and preclude the use of pitched roofs.
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Yemen, Socotra, Sha'ab, Qalansiah. The stunning beach at Qalansiah.
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Oman, Salalah. A young woman paddles off the coast near Salalah.
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Oman, Duqm. A tourist watches the sun set, camping at the coast, south of Duqm.
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Oman, Duqm. A young lady stands at the edge of a precarious cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, near Duqm.
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Oman, Duqm. A young lady stands at the edge of a precarious cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, near Duqm.
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Perched on the edge of the Tabal Kawkaban (9,350 feet) is the ancient stone town of Kawkaban,which served as a mountain fortress for the residents of Shibam,living at the foot of the mountain,over 1,000 feet below.Inaccessible from most sides,the stout door of the town's only gate is still closed and locked each night.
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Perched on the edge of the Tabal Kawkaban (9,350 feet) is the ancient stone town of Kawkaban,which served as a mountain fortress for the residents of Shibam,living at the foot of the mountain,over 1,000 feet below. Inaccessible from most sides,the stout door of the town’s only gate is still closed and locked each night.
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Shibam is an ancient town in the governorate of Al-Mahwit. It was built at the foot of the Tabal Kawkaban,a large flat-topped mountain where the town’s residents took refuge in times of conflict. The steep 1,100-foot ascent to the summit starts just behind the town. This old mosque is said to have been built on the site of a Himyarite temple between 845 and 1004 AD.
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Shibam is an ancient town in the governorate of Al-Mahwit. It was built at the foot of the Tabal Kawkaban,a large flat-topped mountain where the town's residents took refuge in times of conflict. The steep 1,100-foot ascent to the summit starts just behind the town.Many storeyed houses are built into the mountainside. A fortress is visible on the summit.
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Shibam is an ancient town in the governorate of Al-Mahwit. It was built at the foot of the Tabal Kawkaban,a large flat-topped mountain where the town's residents took refuge in times of conflict. The steep 1,100-foot ascent to the summit starts just behind the town.Many storeyed houses are built into the mountainside. A fortress is visible on the summit.
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This finely decorated brick minaret is a part of Shibam's most impressive mosque. Shibam is an ancient town in the governorate of Al-Mahwit. It was built at the foot of the Tabal Kawkaban,a large flat-topped mountain where the town's residents took refuge in times of conflict. The steep 1,100-foot ascent to the summit starts just behind the town.
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The ancient town of Thilla is one of Yemen's best-preserved highland towns. A massive perimeter wall surrounds its storeyed stone houses and paved streets. Thilla is sited at the foot of a high mountain whose fortress was used as a secure refuge in times of conflict. The fortress is visible on top of the flat-topped massif with a turret on the left side of it.
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The ancient town of Thilla is one of Yemen's best-preserved highland towns. A massive perimeter wall surrounds its storeyed stone houses and paved streets. Thilla is sited at the foot of a high mountain whose fortress was used as a secure refuge in times of conflict. A turret of the fortress is visible on the left side of the flat-topped massif.
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Surrounded by a massive 20 to 30-foot high wall,old Sana'a is one of the world's oldest inhabited cities. The suq or central market is located in a labyrinth of streets and alleyways in the centre of the old city. A large variety of merchandise is offered for sale yet sectors specialising in specific commodities make shopping comparatively easy.
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Thilla is a rare example of a well preserved Yemeni highland town of local stone houses and paved streets surrounded by a massive stone perimeter wall. Sited at the foot of a high mountain, the inhabitants of this ancient town took refuge in a fortress on the mountaintop in times of conflict.
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A Yemeni trader at his market stall in the old Suq.The suq or central market is located in a labyrinth of streets and alleyways in the centre of the old city. A large variety of merchandise is offered for sale yet sectors specialising in specific commodities make shopping comparatively easy.
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A Yemeni trader at his spice stall in the market of old Sana a. Surrounded by a massive 20 to 30 foot high wall, old Sana a is one of the worlds oldest inhabited cities.The suq or central market is located in a labyrinth of streets and alleyways in the centre of the old city.
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Surrounded by a massive 20 to 30 foot high wall, old Sana a is one of the worlds oldest inhabited cities.The suq or central market is located in a labyrinth of streets and alleyways in the centre of the old city. Every male Yemeni wears a jambiya, a curved dagger, on a finely decorated belt.It is always worn in front of the body with the tip of the sheath pointing to the right.
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