Gunung Gamkonora Crater Lake
Location:
l°15'N, 127°29'E; 55 km NNE of Ternate, Kabupaten Maluku Utara, Halmahera, Moluccas.
Area:
c.l00ha.
Altitude:
Unknown.
Biogeographical Province:
5.1.13.
Wetland type:
14.
Description of site:
An interesting crater lake on a steep volcano; the highest peak on Halmahera (1,640m). The rich volcanic soils on the slopes of the volcano support lush forests which are an important water catchment area for the fertile Akelamo valley and coastal agricultural land.
Climatic conditions:
Humid tropical climate with heavy rainfall.
Principal vegetation:
No information.
Land tenure:
State owned.
Conservation measures taken:
None.
Conservation measures proposed:
Mackinnon and Artha (1981b) have proposed that the entire area (32,000 ha) be designated as a Wildlife Reserve (Suaka Margasatwa).
Land use:
No information.
Disturbances and threats:
There are plans to carry out logging in the lowlands.
Economic and social values:
The crater lake is of considerable scientific interest, and the surrounding forests are of vital importance in protecting the water catchment area which, with its loose soils, steep slopes and heavy rainfall, is very vulnerable to erosion. The area has considerable potential for tourism.
Fauna:
No information.
Special floral values:
The forests around the crater lake are a good example of very wet forest on volcanic soils.
Research and facilities:
There is an airstrip at Kuripasi and a trail leading up to the crater lake.
References:
Mackinnon & Artha (1981b).
Criteria for Inclusion:
1a.
Source:
Alison Skene.