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Komodo National Park in Indonesia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of islands that protect the endangered Komodo dragon and marine biodiversity. The park has faced conflicts with local fishermen and poachers. The islands have a history of human settlements, and the population has grown steadily. Tourists visit to see the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard, and the park’s coral reefs and marine life. Access to the park is primarily by air or boat.
Komodo National Park is a national park consisting of a number of islands in Indonesia. The islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and have been since 1991. They cover approximately 230 square miles (600 square km) of land and are best known as the home of the great Komodo dragon.
Komodo National Park consists of three large islands: Rinca, Padar and Komodo itself, and a handful of smaller islands. Komodo National Park was established in 1980 to help protect the endangered Komodo dragon, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, and was substantially funded by the American-run Nature Conservancy in 1995. Since its founding, the scope of Komodo National Park has expanded to protect not only the Komodo dragon, but the biodiversity of the region as a whole, including the marine environment. This has sometimes led to conflicts with local fishermen and continues to create controversy.
The marine biodiversity of Komodo National Park is one of its main attractions. There are numerous coral reefs growing around the islands and huge kelp beds. The coral reefs contain more than 250 distinct species of coral, as well as more than 70 species of sponges. There are numerous species of whales, sharks, manta rays, dugongs, porpoises and turtles on the islands as well as over a thousand species of fish. Dangerous fishing practices, including dynamite and poisoning, have threatened the area’s diversity in recent years, and government groups have attacked poachers harshly.
Early human settlements on the islands within Komodo National Park were intermittent, and most of the people currently living there are from Manggarai, South Flores, South Sulawesi or Bima Islands. The natives of Komodo, the Ata Modo, have mixed with newcomers over the generations, and although their descendants still inhabit the island, the culture has integrated with others over the years. Their ancient heritage is mostly lost to history, although it is known that they were under the control of the Bima Sultanate, enjoying relative autonomy.
There are currently between three and four thousand people living within Komodo National Park, all within settlements that existed before the islands were declared a national park. The population has grown fairly steadily since the early 20th century, when it reached a low of under 20 people.
The Komodo dragon is the reason why many tourists visit Komodo National Park. This creature, the largest living lizard on the planet, can grow up to ten feet (3 m) long and can weigh up to 200 pounds (90 kg). They are fierce predators and most tourists come to the island to see them lounging and then feed on goats or deer. People have occasionally been attacked by Komodo dragons, though generally visitors to the island are safe if they follow a tour guide and heed the instructions they receive.
Most people fly to Komodo National Park from Denpasar, via Bima or Labuan Bajo. There are also a number of boat connections, although these can take up to 36 hours to get to the island.
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