Lake Barombi Mbo

Last updated
Lake Barombi Mbo
Manengouba-Tombel.jpg
Satellite photo from NASA. Barombi Mbo is the largest circular lake, just above center.
Cameroon physical map.svg
Red pog.svg
Lake Barombi Mbo
Africa relief location map.jpg
Red pog.svg
Lake Barombi Mbo
Coordinates 4°39′41″N9°24′9″E / 4.66139°N 9.40250°E / 4.66139; 9.40250
Type Volcanic crater lake
Primary outflows Mungo River
Basin  countriesCameroon
Max. length2.15 km (1.34 mi) (diameter) [1]
Surface area5 km2 (1.9 sq mi) [2]
or
7 km2 (2.7 sq mi) [3] [4]
Average depth69 m (226 ft) [2]
Max. depth111 m (364 ft) [2]
Surface elevation300 m (980 ft) [2]
Official nameBarombi Mbo Crater Lake
Designated8 October 2006
Reference no.1643 [5]
Bakundu Forest Reserve, Lake Barombi Bakundu Forest Reserve, Lake Barombi.jpg
Bakundu Forest Reserve, Lake Barombi

Lake Barombi Mbo or Barombi-ma-Mbu is a lake near Kumba in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. It is located in the Cameroon volcanic chain, and is the largest volcanic lake in this region. [2] It is one of the oldest radiocarbon-dated lakes in Africa, [6] with the youngest lava flow in it being about one million years old. [1] On old colonial maps the area was known as Elefanten Sea (Elephant Lake), but the elephants living in the area were extirpated due to ivory trading. [7]

Contents

Biology

Sarotherodon linnellii (London Zoo)1.jpg
Stomatepia pindu - Lac Barombi Mbo - Aqua porte doree Paris 14.JPG
Sarotherodon linnellii (above) and Stomatepia pindu (below), two of the many cichlid species found only in Lake Barombi Mbo

Until now, 15 species of fishes have been recorded from the lake. [2] Among others, this includes Labeobarbus batesii , a member of the Fundulopanchax mirabilis group, and the endemic catfish Clarias maclareni . Perhaps most noteworthy are the 11 species of cichlids that are endemic to the lake ( Konia spp., Stomatepia spp., Myaka myaka , Pungu maclareni , Sarotherodon caroli , S. linnellii , S. lohbergeri , and S. steinbachi ). [8] These cichlids are commonly recognized as a prime example of sympatric speciation, [8] but studies indicate that they were not the result of a single founding event. [9] The lake is strongly stratified with essentially no oxygen deeper than 40 m (130 ft), meaning that fish are restricted to the upper parts closer to the surface. [1] However, one of the cichlid species, Konia dikume , has an unusually high level of hemoglobin in its blood, allowing it to briefly enter low-oxygen water to feed on glassworms (Chaoborus). Other cichlid species in the lake include both generalist and specialist feeders. A highly unusual specialist is Pungu maclareni , which mainly feeds on the endemic sponge Corvospongilla thysi . [1] [10] All the Barombi Mbo cichlids are mouth brooders. [10] In addition to the sponge, the lake is home to an endemic species of Caridina shrimp. [2]

All the endemic fish are seriously threatened by pollution and sedimentation from human activities. They are potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), [3] [4] [11] although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas. [12] Commercial fishing is forbidden in the lake. [3] [4] [11] Nevertheless, extensive subsistence fishing has caused declines in the Barombi Mbo cichlids, but it is shifting to more sustainable practices. [10]

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Etia nguti</i> Species of fish

Etia nguti is a species of cichlid fish endemic to Cameroon in Central Africa where it is only known from the Nguti River, a tributary of the Cross-Manyu River. This species can reach up to 13.3 centimetres (5.2 in) in standard length. It is the only member of its genus and tribe.

<i>Clarias maclareni</i> Species of fish

Clarias maclareni is a critically endangered species of catfish in the family Clariidae. It is endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. It is currently threatened because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities, and potentially also by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos). It is known to grow to 36 centimetres (14 in) TL. Large individuals feed mainly on other fishes (especially cichlids), while smaller individuals mainly feed on insects.

The dikume is a critically endangered species of fish in the family Cichlidae. It is endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Konye</span> Species of fish

The konye (Konia eisentrauti) is a critically endangered species of fish in the family Cichlidae. It is endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo, a crater lake in western Cameroon. It is threatened because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities, and potentially also by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos). This species can reach a length of 9.3 centimetres (3.7 in) TL.

<i>Myaka</i> Species of fish

The myaka (Myaka myaka) is a critically endangered species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. It prefers open, deeper waters where it feeds on phytoplankton and small insects, only venturing into shallower waters to spawn. This species can reach a length of 6.7 centimetres (2.6 in) SL. It is currently the only known species in the genus Myaka, but it is very close to Sarotherodon. The myaka is threatened because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities. It is potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas. Konia, Pungu and Stomatepia are three other equally threatened genera of cichlids that also are endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo.

<i>Pungu</i> Species of fish

The pungu is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in Cameroon where it prefers shallow waters of about 1 to 3 metres in depth. It feeds on invertebrates, sponges, diatoms and macrophytes. This species can reach a length of 10 centimetres (3.9 in) SL. It is currently the only known member of its genus, nested within the Sarotherodon. The pungu is threatened because of pollution and sedimentation from human activities. Konia, Myaka and Stomatepia are three other equally threatened genera of cichlids that also are endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo. The specific name of this fish honours the Fisheries Development Officer of Nigeria, P.I.R. MacLaren, who used his position to collect specimens of fishes, including the type of this species. The genus name honors common name of this fish used by the Barombi people ("pungu").

The fissi (Sarotherodon caroli) is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. This species can reach a length of 18.6 centimetres (7.3 in) SL. It is threatened because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities. It is potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas.

The leka keppe (Sarotherodon lohbergeri) or keppi, is a species of cichlid essentially endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon, but additionally two juveniles have been found in the Kumba Stream (Kake River), a tributary of the lake's outlet. This species reaches a length of 16.2 centimetres (6.4 in) SL. It is threatened because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities. It is potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas.

The kululu (Sarotherodon steinbachi) e.g. Vikululu - Nikululu - Akululu - Bokululu - Hekululu is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. This species can reach a length of 11.3 centimetres (4.4 in) SL. It is threatened because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities. It is potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nsess</span> Species of fish

The nsess (Stomatepia mariae) is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. It can also be found in the aquarium trade. It is critically endangered because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities. It is potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas.

<i>Stomatepia</i> Genus of fishes

Stomatepia is a genus of cichlids endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. Although generally recognized as distinct, the genus is very close to Sarotherodon. The Stomatepia species are all recognized as critically endangered by the IUCN because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities. They are potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas. Konia, Myaka and Pungu are three other equally threatened genera of cichlids that also are endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pindu</span> Species of fish

The pindu is a critically endangered species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon.

<i>Coptodon deckerti</i> Species of fish

Coptodon deckerti is a critically endangered species of fish in the cichlid family, endemic to Lake Ejagham in western Cameroon. It is threatened by pollution and sedimentation from human activities, and potentially also by emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although Ejagham is too shallow to contain very high amounts of this gas. A species of catfish from the genus Parauchenoglanis has recently been introduced to the lake, and this probably presents a serious threat to the endemic cichlids.

<i>Coptodon kottae</i> Species of fish

Coptodon kottae is an endangered species of fish in the cichlid family, Cichlidae. It is endemic to Lake Barombi-ba-Kotto and the smaller nearby Lake Mboandong in the Southwest Region of Cameroon.

Stomatepia mongo, the mongo, is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. It can reach a length of 10.3 centimetres (4.1 in) SL. This species is seriously threatened by pollution and sedimentation due to human activities. It is potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas. Even compared to other cichlids that are endemic Lake Barombi Mbo, Stomatepia mongo is a very rare species.

Konia is a small genus of critically endangered cichlids endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. Although generally recognized as distinct, the genus is very close to Sarotherodon. The Konia species are threatened because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities. They are potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas. Myaka, Pungu and Stomatepia are three other equally threatened genera of cichlids that also are endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo.

<i>Sarotherodon linnellii</i> Species of fish

Sarotherodon linnellii, sometimes known as the unga, blackfin tilapia or blackbelly tilapia, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Barombi Mbo in western Cameroon. This species reaches a length of 18.5 centimetres (7.3 in) SL. It is critically endangered because of pollution and sedimentation due to human activities. It is potentially also threatened by large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the lake's bottom (compare Lake Nyos), although studies indicate that Barombo Mbo lacks excess amounts of this gas.

Lake Bermin is a small lake in the volcanic chain in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. It is a volcanic lake with a diameter of about 700 m (2,300 ft) and a crater rim that rises to a height of about 46 m (150 ft). This highly isolated lake is roughly circular in shape, lacks an inflow, but has an outflow into the Cross River system.

Lake Ejagham is a small lake near Eyumodjock in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Unlike many other lakes in the region, it is not a volcanic lake, but is likely a solution basin formed by groundwater during the last Ice Age. This highly isolated lake is roughly oval in shape, lacks an inflow, but has an outflow into the Munaya River. The outflow is impassable to most fishes because of a waterfall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Barombi Koto</span> Volcanic crater lake in Cameroon

Lake Barombi Koto, also known as Lake Barombi Kotto or Lake Barombi-ba-Kotto, is a small lake in the volcanic chain in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. It is a volcanic lake with a diameter of about 1.2 km (0.75 mi). There is a small island in the middle, which is densely inhabited by the Barombi, a tribe of fishers. The Tung Nsuia and Tung Nsuria streams, each about 1–2 m wide and 0.3 m deep near their mouth, are the only inflows into the lake, and they dry out in dry season.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Thieme, M.L.; R. Abell; N. Burgess; B. Lehner; E. Dinerstein; and D. Olson (2005). Freshwater Ecoregions of Africa and Madagascar: A Conservation Assessment, pp. 58–60. Island Press. ISBN   1-55963-365-4
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Freshwater Ecoregions of the World (2008). Western Equatorial Crater Lakes. Archived 5 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  3. 1 2 3 Moelants, T. (2010). "Stomatepia mongo". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2010: e.T20865A9233664. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T20865A9233664.en . Retrieved 25 December 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 Moelants, T. (2010). "Konia dikume". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2010: e.T11054A3248087. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T11054A3248087.en . Retrieved 25 December 2017.
  5. ↑ "Barombi Mbo Crater Lake". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  6. ↑ Battarbee, Richard W.; Gasse, Françoise; Stickley, Catherine E. (6 November 2007). Past climate variability through Europe and Africa. Springer. ISBN   978-1-4020-2121-3. Archived from the original on 2023-12-09. Retrieved 2023-03-17.
  7. ↑ "Elephants and Their Interactions with People and Vegetation in the Waza-Logone Region, Cameroon, Part I Introduction and General Background, 1.1 The Problem, pg 3" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2010-05-30.
  8. 1 2 Schliewen, U.K., Tautz, D., and Pääbo, S. (1994). Sympatric speciation suggested by monophyly of crater lake cichlids. Nature 368(6472): 629–632.
  9. ↑ Martin; Cutler; Friel; Touokong; Coop; and Wainwright (2015). Complex histories of repeated gene flow in Cameroon crater lake cichlids cast doubt on one of the clearest examples of sympatric speciation. Evolution 69-6: 1406–1422. doi : 10.1111/evo.12674
  10. 1 2 3 Steeves, G. (2010). Insight on Barombi Mbo, Cameroon Archived 2018-01-31 at the Wayback Machine . Cichlid-forum Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  11. 1 2 Moelants, T. (2010). "Konia eisentrauti". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2010: e.T11055A3248338. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T11055A3248338.en . Retrieved 25 December 2017.
  12. ↑ Freeth, S.J.; C.O. Ofoegbu; and K.M. Onuoha (1992). Natural Hazards in West and Central Africa, pp. 50–51. ISBN   978-3-663-05239-5
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.