THE ISLANDS OF KOMODO DRAGONS
INDONESIA JURASSIC PARK
Komodo is one of
the 17,508 islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia. The
island has a surface area of 390 kmē and over 2000 inhabitants. The
inhabitants of the island are descendants of former convicts who
were exiled to the island and who have mixed themselves with the
Bugis from Sulawesi. The population are primarily adherents of Islam
but there are also Christian and Hindu minorities.
Komodo is part of the Lesser Sunda chain of islands and forms part
of the Komodo National Park. Particularly notable here is the native
Komodo dragon. In addition, the island is a popular destination for
diving. Administratively, it is part of the East Nusa Tenggara
province.
Komodo National
Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well
as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine
and land) of 1817km (proposed extensions would bring the total
surface area up to 2,321km2). As well as being home to the Komodo
dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial
species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and
the Timor deer. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest
marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds,
seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbor more than
1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and
70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14
species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo
National Park their home.
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