Komodo National Park

Brief synthesis

Komodo National Parklocated in the center of the Indonesian archipelagobetween the islands of Sumbawa and Floresis composed of three major islands (RincaKomodoand Padar) and numerous smaller onesall of them of volcanic origin. Located at the juncture of two continental platesthis national park constitutes the “shatter belt” within the Wallacea Biogeographical Regionbetween the Australian and Sunda ecosystems. The property is identified as a global conservation priority areacomprising unparalleled terrestrial and marine ecosystems and covers a total area of 219,322 ha. The dry climate has triggered specific evolutionary adaptation within the terrestrial flora that range from open grass-woodland savanna to tropical deciduous (monsoon) forest and quasi cloud forest. The rugged hillsides and dry vegetation highly contrast with the sandy beaches and the blue coral-rich waters. 

The most remarkable inhabitant of Komodo National Park is the Komodo LizardVaranus komodoensis. These giant lizardsexisting no-where else in the worldare of great scientific interestespecially for their evolutionary implications. Most commonly known as 'Komodo Dragons'due to its appearance and aggressive behaviorthe Komodo Lizardis the largest living species of lizardgrowing to an average length of 2 to 3 meters. The species is the last representative of a relic population of large lizards that once lived across Indonesia and Australia. As well as being home to the Komodo dragonthe Park provides a refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowlan endemic ratand the Timor deer. The rich coral reefs of Komodo host a great diversity of speciesand the strong currents of the sea attract the presence of sea turtleswhalesdolphins and dugongs.

Criterion (vii): Komodo National Park is a landscape of contrasts between starkly rugged hillsides of dry savannapockets of thorny green vegetationbrilliant white sandy beaches and blue waters surging over coralunquestionably one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Indonesia. Demonstrating exceptional natural beauty that is all the more remarkable as a counterpoint to the dominant lushness of vegetation which characterizes vast areas of forested Indonesiaand with which most of the world associates the archipelago. An irregular coastline characterized by baysbeaches and inlets separated by headlandsoften with sheer cliffs falling vertically into the surrounding seas which are reported to be among the most productive in the world adds to the stunning natural beauty of landscapes dominated by contrasting vegetation typesproviding a patchwork of colours.

Criterion (x): Komodo National Park contains the majority of the world’s areas in which wild populations of the Komodo dragon lizard still exist. The largest and heaviest of the world’s lizardsthe species is widely known for its impressive size and fearsome appearanceits ability to effectively prey on large animalsand a tolerance of extremely harsh condition. The populationestimated at around 5,700 individuals is distributed across the islands of KomodoRincaGili Motong and some coastal regions of western and northern Flores.

Other fauna recorded in the park are characteristic of the Wallacean zoogeographic region with seven species of terrestrial mammalincluding an endemic rat (Rattus rintjanus) and the crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis) and 72 species of birdssuch as the lesser sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea)the orange-footed scrub fowl (Megapodius reinwardt)and noisy friarbird (Philemon buceroides). The coral reefs fringing the coast of Komodo are diverse and luxuriant due to the clear waterintense sunlight and rapid exchange of nutrient-rich water from deeper areas of the archipelago. The marine fauna and flora are generally the same as that found throughout the Indo Pacific areathough species richness is very highnotable marine mammals include blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and sperm whale (Physeter catodon) as well as 10 species of dolphindugong (Dugong dugon) and five species of sea turtles. 

Integrity

Encompassing the rugged topography that reflects the position of the park within the active volcanic “shatter belt” between Australia and the Sunda shelfthe boundaries of the Komodo National Park encircle the main park featuresincluding the outstanding scenery and the unique species it hosts; komodo monitorbirdsmarine mammalscoral reef-speciesand others. The boundaries are considered adequate to secure the habitat and the main ecological processes to preserve them. The extensive marine buffer zone surrounding the park is key to maintaining the integrity and intactness of the property and the number of exceptional species that it hosts.

Illegal fishing and poaching remain the main threats to the values of the property and its overall integrity. There is an extensive marine buffer zone to the parkin which management authority staff has authority to regulate the type of fishing permitted and to some extent the presence of fishermen from outside the area. This buffer zonewhich assists in controlling poaching of the terrestrial species that provide the prey species for the komodo lizardwill become significant in the overall long-term protection of the property. 

Protection and management requirements

Komodo National Park is managed by the central government of Indonesia through the Directorate General of Forest Protection and Natural Conservation of the Ministry of Forestry. The history of protection afforded the site goes back to 1938 while official protection began when Ministerial Decree declared the area as a 72,000 ha National Park in March 1980. This area was subsequently extended to 219,322 ha in 1984 to include an expanded marine area and the section of mainland Flores. Comprised of Komodo Game Reserve (33,987 ha)Rinca Island Nature Reserve (19,625 ha)Padar Island Nature Reserve (1,533 ha)Mbeliling and Nggorang Protection Forest (31,000 ha)Wae Wuul and Mburak Game Reserve (3,000 ha) and surrounding marine areas (130,177 ha) the Komodo Biosphere Reserve was accepted under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme in January 1977. In 1990 a national lawelevating the legislative mandate for conservation to the parliamentary and presidential level significantly empowered the legal basis for protection and management.

In order to ensure the effective management and protection of the park and its exceptional landscapes and biotathe park is governed through the 2000-2025 Management Plan and a 2010-2014 Strategic Planwhich will require revision and updating. These plans are important for ensuring the effective zoning system of the park and guaranteeing the sustainability of the ecosystems of the property. The management authority is known for designing specific plans to guide management decisions which will require updating in line with changes to priorities and threatsin particular expected increases in visitor numbers and impacts from tourism.

The Park receives strong support and resources from the central government of Indonesia. As a tourism location known worldwidethe Indonesian Government has a specific program for ecotourism management to promote the park at the international level and to ensure the sustainability of tourism activities. Additionallyin order to address illegal fishing and poachingregular patrolling of the marine and terrestrial areas is carried out for law enforcement and a number of the problems and impacts associated with these activities have decreased. Community awareness and empowerment programs are being implemented to engage the local villagers regards to the sustainable use of natural resources and park conservation. Research and study of the unique biological features of the park is also being promoted and supported by the management authority.

Increasing levels of tourism and matters related specifically to the komodo lizard are the major management issues that have been focused on to date. A broadening of the management focus to address issues within the marine area of the park along with other terrestrial species is required to ensure the long-term effective conservation of the property. A focus on the issue of depletion of Komodo monitor prey species stocks has resulted in some success and the same efforts need to be focused on the issues of damaging fishing practices and impacts on other unique species contained within the property.