If you want to visit Komodo island dragons, please do so before 2020

Komodo dragons are a unique reptile species native to Indonesia and so popular that one of the islands that make up Komodo National Park is also named after the animal. These giants are among the great attractions for tourists visiting this part of Indonesia. But after several animals were stolen, park managers and government officials agreed to temporarily close the island to tourism.

O awesome.club wants to tell you more about this fact that has alerted authorities and environmentalists in Indonesia and the rest of the world.

You Varanus komodoensisknown worldwide as komodo dragons, are huge. Their size makes them the largest living lizards on the planet. They reach 3 meters in length and weigh 70 kilograms. For this reason, added to the average of 60 serrated teeth of 2.5 cm in length, they are classified as the main predators of their ecosystem.

These animals have a toxic saliva that can be accompanied by blood stains, because their gums are injured when chewing food. They are unique and vulnerable reptiles, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The amount of these animals has decreased because, with poaching, there are less and less deer available for their food. But the most damaging so far is its smuggling with the intention of using its blood for “medicinal” purposes. Because of its antimicrobial compounds, some people believe that it works as an antibiotic. Of course, this use for lizard blood has not been scientifically proven. However, people with high purchasing power can often waste their money on anything, despite the environmental cost involved.

Nine men linked to the smuggling of wild animals such as endangered birds, wild cats and Komodo dragons have been arrested by Indonesian police. Smugglers would have already sold at least 40 of these lizards for around 138,000 reais each. Police recovered five dragons, some pangolins, a wild cat and some wild birds such as cockatoos.

This country’s law condemns this type of act, considered trafficking in endangered animals, to 10 years in prison and a fine. Authorities also claim that the thieves were working on social media to promote the sale of the species and that, despite sanctions that may apply, the animal trade continues to operate in some parts of the Indonesian archipelago.

This beautiful park is located in the Indonesian archipelago. It was founded with the purpose of preserving the lizard, a species that only exists in this area or in captivity. It is made up of three large islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as several smaller islands.

The tourism promoted in the place is ecotourism. The park is classified as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In addition to seeing the dragons up close, it is possible to take advantage of the guided walks to see other species, observe marine life through diving, hiking or kayaking to the smaller islands. For lovers of photography or drawing, the landscapes that can be seen from the hills and mountains are also a point in favor of the place.

The closure of Komodo Island is scheduled for January 2020 and, for a whole year, any tourist will be prohibited from approaching one of the three islands of Komodo National Park.

The intention of the provincial government of Nusa Tenggara is to initiate a plan for the recovery of species and the island’s ecosystem without interruption. It is considered that the close presence of more than 10,000 visitors per month could facilitate not only smuggling, but also environmental pollution. Tourists who still want to go to Komodo National Park can visit the rest of the area, except for the part that is closed to the public.

In Indonesia there are still real dragons, it is a pity that the trafficking of the species has made it vulnerable. What do you think about closing this park for a year? Do you believe they can recover the population of these majestic and huge lizards?