What are the threats to the biodiversity of Komodo National Park?

Komodo National Park in Indonesia protects both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The Park is famous for protecting the unique Komodo dragon, an endemic lizard.

Komodo National Park is made up of three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar. It includes one of the richest marine environments in the world composed of coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays.

Over the past 60 years, the population of Indonesia has increased by a shocking 800 per cent. The population outburst has had an impact on the forest cover and the marine ecosystem. The Timor deer population in the Park is being poached. In addition to this, destructive fishing practices such as the use of dynamite, and cyanide severely threaten the Park’s marine resources by destroying both the coral reefs, and the fish population.

 

Picture Credit : Google