Lake Barombi Mbo
The Barombi Mbo (formerly also Elefantensee ) is a crater in the Sud-Ouest region of Cameroon. He was back in 1912 measured by the German geographer Kurt haters. With a diameter of 2.5 km, it is the largest crater lake West of Cameroon. It is located at about 280 meters above sea level between the Rumpi and the Bakossi Mountains. Its maximum depth is 111 meters. The lake is fed only by rainwater and has a drain at the south end leading into the Mungo River system. At the outflow of a small dam was built, so the sooner typical water level fluctuations of about one meter missing today. Its banks are steep and wooded. There are rocky and sandy areas as well as places that are dominated by accumulation of fallen leaves and fallen trees in the water. To a depth of four meters, the lake is overgrown with water plants. Below 40 meters, the lake is free of oxygen. The underwater visibility is very good and is about ten meters .. The water quality is considered very good and has been with a slight preparation of drinking water quality. The urban water supply of Kumba is fed by the lake. The lake is located in the settlement area of the people of Oroko.
On the shore of the lake is only a small village, as the waters of the lake are considered to be bewitched and is just 2.5 miles from Kumba away. The lake is used only by the residents of a nearby village Barombi - fishing. Overfishing, cutting down of banks and the entry of chemicals from agriculture endanger the flora and fauna of the lake.
Fauna
The lake has a total of 15 species of fish, crabs of the genus Caridina, Macrobrachium and Potamon and sponges of the genus Corvospongilla. Of the eleven fish species are cichlids. All are endemic, that is, they only live here. Three cichlid species belonging to the genus Sarotherodon, including the phytoplankton filter feeder Sarotherodon linnellii and Sarotherodon lohbergeri that eats mainly filamentous algae and diatoms, Wurzelfüßer, rotifers and detritus, which he receives with the seaweed and chews Sarotherodon steinbachi, the sand. The others belong to agencies specializing in different habitats and diets, endemic genera Myaka ( plankton feeders ), Konia ( mosquito larvae -eating deep-water dwellers), Pungu ( sponge- eating shallow water dwellers) and Stomatepia ( predators ). All cichlids are mouth brooders. They are probably caused by sympatric speciation of one or only a few previous species. The tilapia Sarotherodon galilaeus comes in the surrounding river systems remains widespread and is a possible Vorgängerart. In addition to the cichlids of the lake is home to two catfish species ( Clarias ), a barbel ( Barbus batesi ) and a Killifish ( Aphyosemion oeseri ).
History
At times the German colony of Cameroon the Barombi Mbo was also called Elefantensee. At that time, lakeside still frequently encountered elephants, which were rare but already soon after 1900. 1888, the German explorer and colonialist Eugen Zintgraff near the lake the Barombistation. From here, expeditions were sent into the hinterland of Cameroon.
From the German author Eginhard of Barfus originated in 1896 published young adult novel On Elefantensee in which the lake is at the center of an adventure story.