Lake Oku

Lake Oku
Type Crater lake
Basin countries Cameroon
Surface elevation 2,219 metres (7,280 ft)

Lake Oku is a crater lake on the Bamenda Plateau in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. It is located at 2,219 metres (7,280 ft) on Mount Oku, and is completely surrounded by cloud forest.[1]

The lake lies in an explosion crater formed in the last phase of development of the Oku Massif, a large volcanic field with a diameter of about 100 kilometres (62 mi). Mount Oku is a stratovolcano that rises to 3,011 metres (9,879 ft).[2] The lake is the subject of many myths among the local people.[3]

The lake is the only known habitat of the Lake Oku Clawed Frog.[1] The surrounding Kilum-Ijim Forest is a nature reserve, set up by BirdLife International, and home to many rare species.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Lake Oku Clawed Frog (Xenopus longipes". EDGE. Retrieved 2011-02-06.
  2. Alan Robert Woolley (2001). "OKU". Alkaline rocks and carbonatites of the world, Part 3. Geological Society. p. 35. ISBN 1-86239-083-5.
  3. Pierre Fandio, Mongi Madini (2007). Figures de l'histoire et imaginaire au Cameroun. Editions L'Harmattan. p. 36. ISBN 2-296-03838-7.
  4. "Lake Oku (Boyo Division, NW Region)". Cameroon Tourist. Retrieved 2011-02-06.

Coordinates: 6°11′34″N 10°27′14″E / 6.19278°N 10.45389°E