Abstract

The unique position possessed by Indonesia archipelago give results in many endemic species found in Indonesia. One of them is the Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis that specifically can be found in Komodo National Park and its adjacent big island (Flores). Komodo dragons exhibit two different foraging modes within their lives, a highly active foraging mode and a sit and wait foraging strategy. Reproductive cycle of Komodo dragon begins with nesting preparation in June and July, incubation period is ended by the emergence of hatchlings from February to April. The parthenogenesis has been reported to occur in this species. Komodo dragon was seldom considered as pest by locals in the past. Conflicts between humans and the Komodo dragon was also described as an attack to human. As the largest lizard in the world, unfortunately, Komodo dragon is categorized as a vulnerable species and is listed in CITES Appendix 1. Protection and conservation efforts have been conducted by the Indonesia Government. Recent model study on Komodo dragon future range and abundance under multiple climate change scenarios revealed the extinction risk of this species. Therefore, managing habitat on their distribution range is a most priority to protect this species in a warming world.

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