When a previously unknown mountain was discovered in Africa in 2018, a discovery made possible thanks to Google’s satellite images stunned the scientific world. An expedition organized a year after the discovery found a thick forest at the summit, a real discovery considering that Mount Liko is an inselberg, a type of mountain not normally covered with vegetation due to its solid volcanic composition.
This peak was distinguished by its unique ecosystem, where the absence of birds is compensated by the presence of numerous insects, including butterflies and spiders, as well as various amphibians and reptiles. Scientists were also surprised by the discovery of giant mice and fish in the mountain streams; This raised the question of their origin in such an isolated region.
In addition, the survey revealed ancient pottery remains that indicate historic human habitation at the summit, although it is inaccessible, requiring the intervention of climbers to climb. Local legends about dwarves or Germans who may have lived on the mountain before World War I only add to the mystery of the place and leave many unanswered questions and speculation about its past.
This mystery continues to attract the attention of the scientific community because Mount Liko goes beyond the usual understanding of geographical and biological phenomena. Its isolated location and unique ecosystem make this mountain a true “lost world”, which may hold keys to understanding the development of flora and fauna in isolated places.
Scientists plan to conduct further research, hoping to find out exactly how plants and animals are able to adapt to such unusual conditions. Apart from the mechanism that allows fish to settle in mountain-top streams, the history of the emergence of ancient human settlements in such a remote area is also of particular interest.
Studying Mount Liko can shed light on many topics, from evolutionary biology to archeology and climatology, as each new discovery contributes to our understanding of natural processes and human history. This discovery is a reminder that despite all the advances of modern science, the Earth still holds secrets ready to be revealed. Source