{{Short description|Plateau in Socotra, Yemen}} {{Infobox landform | name = Diksam Plateau | type = Plateau | image = Dixam plateau (6407168437).jpg | caption = | map_image = | pushpin_map = Yemen | pushpin_relief = 1 | coordinates = {{coord|12|28|1|N|54|0|4|E|type:landform|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | area = | part_of = {{flag|Yemen}} | elevation = {{convert|700|m|sp=us}} | location = Socotra | native_name = {{native name|ar|دِكْسَم|parensize=90%}} }} The '''Diksam Plateau''' or '''Dixam Plateau''' ({{langx|ar|دِكْسَم}}) is a limestone plateau in Socotra, Yemen. The ''Firmihin forest'', located east of the ''Dirhur canyon'' within the plateau, has the highest concentration of Dragon's Blood Trees on the entire island.<ref>[https://socotra.info/dixam.html The Diksam Plateau] Retrieved 4 March 2023.</ref>
==Description== thumb|left|Plateau with canyon thumb|left|Firmihin forest The Diksam Plateau is an extensive area located near the geographic center of Socotra between the Hajhir Mountains and the southern coastal plain. Situated about 700 m above sea level, the plateau is home to herdsmen, named ''Bedouin'',<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210410141213/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/socotra Where the Weird Things Are] Retrieved 4 March 2023.</ref> who move from one site to another with their herds. They live in a high number of tiny villages scattered across the plateau, reflecting extensive pastoralism, on which their inhabitants are dependent.<ref>{{cite journal |first1=Serge D. |last1=Elie |title=Pastoralism in Soqotra: external entanglements and communal mutations |journal=Pastoralism |date=October 2014 |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages= |doi=10.1186/s13570-014-0016-3 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2014Pasto...4...16E }}</ref>
Wadi ''Dirhu'' or ''Daerh'' is a north–south running gorge dropping 700 m vertically from the plateau to the valley floor. The wadi is home of large stands of ''Adenium obesum'' and ''Dendrosicyos socotranus''.<ref>[https://www.destimap.com/index.php?act=attraction&a=Wadi-Dirhur-Canyon%2C-Socotra-Island%2C-Yemen Wadi Dirhur Canyon] Retrieved 4 March 2023.</ref>
The largest and most extensive population of Dragon's Blood Trees of Socotra is shaping the landscape character of ''Rokeb di Firmihin'' in the east of the plateau. The spot covers an area of 540 ha exposed to the southwestern monsoon and rains. The population suffers from regeneration and is therefore considered an endangered species.<ref>{{cite journal |first1=Radim |last1=Adolt |title=Field Survey of Dracaena Cinnabari Populations in Firmihin, Socotra Island: Methodology and Preliminary Results |journal=Journal of Landscape Ecology |date=2013 |volume=6 |issue=3|pages= 7–34|doi=10.2478/jlecol-2014-0001 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
==See also== * Geography of Socotra
==References== <references />
Category:Socotra Category:Plateaus of Yemen