Distribution, use and selection of nest type by Komodo Dragons

Abstract

We report the abundance, patterns of distribution and physical characteristics of Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) nests on Komodo Island in Indonesia. A total of 46 Komodo dragon nesting sites were identified, of these 26 nests were considered active for the 2002/2003 season. The distribution of nests coincided with large coastal valleys in northern Komodo Island. There was a significant preference by breeding females to utilize the mound nests (61%) over both open hillside (19.5%) and ground nests (19.5%). Further, within these mound nests, females discriminated for nests based on habitat characteristics, especially sunlight exposure. The main implications for management and conservation drawn from this study is that there is a small number of females nesting annually on the largest island within Komodo National Park. Further, continuation of nesting surveys could provide a cost effective accurate way to gather important long term demographic information on this species.