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 Komodo National Park Indonesia
Komodo National Park is located in the center of the
Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of
Sumbawa and Flores. Established in 1980, initially
the main purpose of the Park was to conserve the
unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its
habitat. In 1986, the Park was declared a World
Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by
UNESCO, both indications of the Park's biological
importance.
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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