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Komodo
National Park
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. However, over the
years, the goals for the Park have
expanded to protecting its entire
biodiversity, both terrestrial and
marine. 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.
Please
follow this link for more information
on Komodo National Park official site
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