Komodo Island
Komodo Island is one of the 17,508 islands that compose the
Republic of Indonesia Raya. The island is particularly notable as the habitat
of the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth, which is named for the
island. Komodo Island has a surface area of 390 square kilometres and a human
population of over two thousand.
The people of the island are descendants of former convicts
who were exiled to the island and who have mixed with Bugis from Sulawesi. The
people are primarily adherents of Islam but there are also Christian and Hindu
congregations.
Komodo is part of the Lesser Sunda chain of islands and
forms part of the Komodo National Park. In addition, the island is a popular
destination for diving. Administratively, it is part of the East Nusa Tenggara
province.
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Komodo National Park
Real dragons spurt no fire, have no need to fly and cast no
magic spells. And still, one look from them might render you speechless. These
komodos, the real life dragons, are a sight indeed. Gigantic, the lizard-like
creatures are about two or three meters in length.
They can easily weigh about 165 kilograms. Despite of their
sheer size and appearance, they are not active hunters. What makes them
intimidating is the fact that they are a patient predator. In the wild, they
stalk a victim, usually a weak or injured one.
One bite and that's what it usually takes. After following
the victim for a while, sometimes up to several days' time, the komodos will
devour the dying prey.
The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is an endangered
species which can only be found in the Komodo National Park (KNP) in East Nusa
Tenggara (NTT). Because of the unique and rare nature of this animal, KNP was
declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
The park includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and
Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The
total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions
of 25 km2 of land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the
total surface area up to 2,321 km2.At least 2500 Komodos live in this area.
Large dragons are usually three meters long and weigh up to
90 kg. Their habitat has beautiful panoramic views of savannas, rain forests, white
beaches, beautiful corals, and clean blue seas. In this area, you can also find
horses, wild buffalo, deer, wild boar, snakes, monkeys, and various types of
birds.
KNP has a rich and amazing underwater sea biotica. Divers
claim that Komodo waters are one of the best diving sites in the world. It has
fascinating underwater scenery. You can find 385 species of beautiful corals,
mangrove forests, and seaweeds as a home for thousands of fish species, 70
types of sponges, 10 types of dolphins, 6 types of whales, green turtles and
various types of sharks and stingrays.
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