Komodo Island

Komodo Island

Komodo Island is one of 17,508 islands in the Republic of Indonesia. The volcanic islands of Komodo National Park are home to some 5,700 giant lizards, known as Komodo Dragons because of their appearance and aggressive behavior. They do not exist anywhere else in the world and they are of great importance to scientists who study the theory of evolution. Located in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago, between Sumbawa and Flores islands, Komodo National Park consists of three major islands, Rinca, Komodo and Padar, and several smaller islands. Situated at the meeting point of two continental plates, it constitutes the " shatter belt " of the Wallacea Biogeographical Region, between the ecosystems of Australia and the Sunda Islands. The area is defined as a global conservation priority area, which includes unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems and comprises a total area of 219 322 hectares. The arid climate has led to specific evolutionary adaptations in terrestrial flora, ranging from open grassland savannahs to tropical deciduous forests and quasi-cloud forests. Komodo's rich coral reefs are home to a wide variety of species and the strong currents of the sea attract sea turtles, whales, dolphins and dugongs. Komodo’s wildlife also includes Javan Deer, although they are not indigenous. There are also water buffalo, banded pigs, civets, cockatoos and macaques.