Unwavering Feel of Lake Oku, Its Historic Clawed Frog and Myths

Besides being the only known habitat of the critically endangered Xenopus longipes (Lake Oku Clawed Frog) which is exclusively aquatic, and Phrynobatrachus njiomock (the Puddle Frog), Lake Oku is obsessed with rare plants and incredible dragonflies, aquatic invertebrates and bizarre stories that greatly fascinate tourists and researchers.

Located some close to 20 kilometers away from Elak-Oku in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, this extraordinary crater lake, which finds itself within the Kilum-Ijim Plant Life Sanctuary plays host to aquatic snails, water scorpions,  African Black Duck (Anas sparsa). and dragon flies amongst others of high interest to researchers and lovers of nature.

Then  the aesthetically appealing surrounding forest with rare trees like the Dovyalis cameroonensis, Prunus Africana and critically endangered Oxyanthus okuensis that invigorate the environment also serving as a perching point for the Preuss’ Guenon monkeys (Cercopithecus preussi), and smaller mammals like shrews, mice, rats, bats and genet cats and forest birds such as Bannerman’s Touraco.

A little walk from the lake to the surrounding forest will uncover thrilling chameleons and reptiles like lizards, and the harmless snake, Bothrolycus ater.

Besides its biodiversity, the surrounding villages have mythical and inspirational stories that are very appealing to the ears; you have stories about the supernatural and healing powers of the lake, the lake’s ability to empower and accept newly coroneted traditional authorities into the throne,

Accordingly, if the potential Fon is the right person for the post, ancestors will accept the goat and hold it beneath. But if the goat floats on top of the lake, then the ancestors have refused his enthronement.

Taking time off the bustling and hustling in the city to have a feel of this lake and its characteristic surroundings is a whole lot of good to your nerves and health in general.

All you need do is obtain a ticket from the office of the Conservator of the Kilum-Ijim Plant Life Sanctuary at fcfa 6000, 3000 and 1500 for foreigners, foreigners resident in Cameroon and Cameroonians respectively plus an extra  FCFA 2000, if you want to use your camera, bike or car.  At the lake, you may choose to swim.  You may also want to get to the Oku flank of the Sanctuary to have a magnificent panoramic view of the lake and crops growing in the region such as cocoyams, coffee, and corn. At the end of it all, you would go home promising to testify of the goodness of your visit to the world.

By B. Shancho Ndimuh