Why is Lake Turkana known as the Cradle of Humanity?

The Cradle of Humankind

Lake Turkana is located in northern Kenya and is connected to the border with Ethiopia. It is the largest inland lake in the East African Rift Valley and Kenya.

Among the lakes in Africa, Lake Turkana has the highest salt content. Two million years ago, it was still a freshwater lake. However, due to its location in a semi-arid desert area, insufficient water resources, and the lack of an outlet for the entire lake, the lake water could not flow out and could not be replenished by fresh water, so it gradually turned into a saltwater lake. However, except for the southern part where various salts can be extracted due to its high salt content, the lake water in other shallow water areas is only slightly salty and can still be drank.

Lake Turkana has a wide variety of animals and plants. Because it is the saltiest lake among the great lakes in Africa and is located in a desert area, it provides a special ecological experimental site for studying animals and plants. , designated by UNESCO as a biological reserve for arid zone research. There are three connected islands in the center of Lake Turkana. The islands are covered with green grass and the cool water of the lake provides a transit point for migrating waterbirds. It also provides a good environment for Nile crocodiles, hippos and various venomous snakes. Breeding grounds and habitat. There is also a petrified forest that is 7 million years old.

Lake Turkana is extremely rich in fish, including barramundi, tiger fish, polyfin fish and various tilapias. The fish are also relatively large, with some being several meters long. This is the main breeding base for Nile crocodiles. More than 10,000 crocodiles thrive here. It is one of the largest groups of crocodiles in the world. Some crocodiles are more than 10 meters long and can even overturn wooden boats in the lake. Hippos are also seen from time to time. In addition, there are gazelles, longhorns, hartebeests, takin, antelopes, zebras, lions, cheetahs and other mammals. There are more than 360 species of aquatic and terrestrial birds, including a large number of water birds. Migratory and resident birds include flamingos, cormorants and kingfishers.

Because Lake Turkana was formed due to fault collapse, many volcanoes stand around the lake area. These "extinct volcanoes" that have long been extinguished look like huge cones standing proudly on the East African plateau, looking particularly spectacular and eye-catching. Due to the many eruptions of these volcanoes in the past, the volcanic weathering has formed a thick layer of dark brown soil. The soil fertility is very strong, and the climate is hot and humid, which is very suitable for the growth of various plants.

Dense trees and pastures grow on the volcanic mountainside and lakeside areas. Green banana and plantain bushes, fresh green pergolas, huge mango trees, coconut trees, palm trees, etc. can be found all over the mountains and plains. . Groups of antelopes, zebras, wild deer and other animals inhabit the trees and grass. During the day, there is silence around the lake area; at dusk, antelopes emerge from the grass one after another, and zebras chase and scream to the lakeside to drink water, and the lakeside suddenly becomes lively.

Lake Turkana has been inhabited by humans a long time ago and is one of the birthplaces of mankind.

Lake Turkana