Komodo Dragon Conservation: Phase II
Phase I of the Komodo dragon project based at Komodo National Park, Indonesia, was completed in December 2006. During Phase I, over 800 individual dragons were outfitted with Passive Integrated Transponder ( PIT) tags. By monitoring these dragons over the five years of this project the basic physiology and ecology of this species, including life history estimates, carrying capacity estimates, reproductive rate, movement patterns, genetic variability, and threat assessments, were determined. The activities in Phase I have resulted in 8 publications to date (although it is anticipated that over 20 will be the final total), the completion of three master’s degrees, and the training of over 30 rangers in field data collection techniques. Additionally, six reptile keepers from the San Diego Zoo participated in Phase I activities on Komodo.
Phase II
The Komodo Dragon Species Survival Plan (SSP), represented by a number of institutions of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), has a strong interest in the continued monitoring of the wild population of dragons, their prey, and their habitat in Komodo National Park (KNP). In Phase II, ecological data will continue to be collected on these dragons as well as on dragons that occur outside the Park boundaries on the adjacent large island of Flores. Examining the dragon population on Flores will provide excellent comparative data to that obtained in KNP. Regardless of the location, all monitoring activities will be conducted by Park personnel.
Eight ranger stations are scattered throughout Komodo National Park. Each of these outposts was built more than 20 years ago and are in deplorable condition. Because the stations are in such poor condition, the rangers who protect the Park are less than thrilled when assigned to one of these stations. In Phase II, each of the eight outposts will be replaced with a modern solar-powered ranger station. This will provide the rangers with accommodations that will make their difficult jobs more palatable.
