Socotra, Yemen
Coordinates: 12.185806, 52.238333
Nearby Places
- Samhah Island 87.03 Km E (92°)
- Darsah uninhabited Island 113.06 Km E (93°)
- Shoab Beach 133.66 Km E (70°)
Abd al Kuri is a rocky island in the Guardafui Channel. As a part of the Socotra Archipelago of the Socotra Governorate of Yemen, it lies about 105 km southwest of Socotra. It is geographically closer to Somalia and consists of granite and diorite covered by limestone. There is a dispute between Yemen and Somalia’s government over the island’s sovereignty.
Geography
Much of Abd al Kuri is semi-desert with little vegetation. Two ranges of hills separated near the center occupy the entire length of the island.[7] The northern coast consists mostly of a sandy beach with a few rocky points, while the southern coast consists of steep cliffs. Its highest point, Mount Salih, reaches an altitude of over 700 meters (2,300 feet). Most of its inhabitants subsist on fishing.
Flora and fauna
Abd al Kuri has several endemic plant species and an endemic bird, the Abd al-Kuri sparrow, with an estimated population of fewer than 1,000.
Two species of lizards native to Abd al Kuri, Mesalina Kuri, and Pristurus abdelkuri are named for the island.
