Scientists believe that there are places on Earth where nature has not changed much since the Jurassic period. These, without a doubt, include the National Park-Reserve in Indonesia - Komodo. In this article, we will take a small virtual trip to this amazing place.
Where is Komodo National Park located?
A unique reserve is located in the border area between the provinces of the Western and Eastern Sunda Islands. The park includes three large islands - Rinka, Padar and Komodo, as well as many small islands. Their total area is 1733 square meters. km, of which 603 square meters. km are on land.
History of the park
Komodo National Park, a photo of which you can see below, was founded not too long ago - in 1980. First of all, it was created to protect the so-called Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) - the largest lizard in the world, which sometimes reaches three (or even more) meters in length and weighs more than 150 kg. It was first discovered in 1911 by Van Stein.
Later, the park took under its protection other terrestrial species of animals and marine life. In 1991, Komodo National Park became a UNESCO-protected site. Later, he received the status of a biosphere reserve (Biosphere Reserve).
Climate
Since Komodo National Park is located in Indonesia, a wonderful mild climate reigns here. The rainiest here is the only month of the year - January. It is characterized by fast passing showers. In general, the climate on the archipelago is hot. This is due to arid winds blowing from the desert. The highest temperature is 40 degrees Celsius, and the lowest (in August) is 17 degrees. The islands of the archipelago are of volcanic origin, after a short rainy season they are covered with lush vegetation. The highest point on the island of Komodo is Satalibo (735 m).
Population
Komodo National Park, a photo of which can be seen in the advertising booklets of various travel agencies, is inhabited by 2,000 people living on different islands. Indigenous people are mainly engaged in fishing, and often use dynamite in their fishery. Naturally, this causes irreparable damage to the ecology of the park, the state of coral reefs, fish populations and other underwater inhabitants. The administration is constantly working, offering the local population alternative types of fishing in order to minimize damage from poaching.
Fauna: The Amazing Dragon
Komodo National Park is famous all over the world for giant lizards, which the indigenous people call dragons. At first glance, they seem slow and clumsy, but in the pursuit of prey, monitor lizards develop a rather high speed.
With a tail blow, such a “lizard” easily breaks the legs of a deer, which it immediately eats after. Komodo dragons do not have poisonous teeth, but, despite this, their bite can become fatal to humans: dangerous harmful bacteria live in the jaws of these huge reptiles.
From the history of dragons
It is noteworthy that the creatures under consideration live only on these islands of Indonesia. They are of great interest to scientists involved in the theory of evolution. This lizard is called differently. Locals call it "ora." On the islands of Flores and Rinka, she is a land crocodile. Sometimes it is called a giant monitor lizard. But among the people the name Komodo has taken root.
This is the oldest species whose ancestors lived more than 100 million years ago on our planet. The ancestors of the giant monitor lizard appeared in Asia 40 million years ago. Subsequently, animals evolved and acquired their modern appearance (it happened four million years ago). Komodo National Park is the only one in the world that boasts the presence of the long-lived largest reptile. In vivo, the lizard has been living for over half a century. By sex, it is considered dimorphic animals - males are much larger than females. The largest representative of the species (registered) reached a length of 3.13 meters. Females on average do not exceed 2.5 meters in length.
Today, Komodo National Park in Indonesia has more than 1,700 giant monitor lizards on the island of the same name, more than 1,200 individuals live on Rincha Island. In addition to the mysterious huge lizards, Komodo National Park has become home to such rare animals as the Timorean doe, the mane zambar found on Sanda Island, wild buffalo, long-legged cynomolgus monkeys and others.
Marine life
The main habitats of the representatives of the underwater world are mangroves, coral reefs and the bottom, which is covered by numerous algae. The most popular animals of the park among tourists are sea turtles and green turtles, dolphins and sharks. Sometimes huge whales appear in the sea. They have an annual migration route through the waters of the park.
In dense algae, mangroves and coral reefs, more than 1000 species of fish live. The magnificent sea kingdom has 260 species of amazing corals, 14 species of whales, 70 species of sponges, a huge number of dolphins and sea turtles. Between the reefs, sea grasses form underwater meadows, on which, in addition to fish, dugongs, rare mammals belonging to the order of sirens, "graze". These places are a real paradise for exciting diving.
Birds
Komodo Park has more than 150 species of birds, some of them are migratory, arriving from Asia and Australia. The most common are cockatoo, white-breasted sea eagle, fruit-eating pigeon and maleo.
Flora
Almost the entire territory of the National Park is covered by arid hilly savannas, on which tropical forests and many palm trees grow. The coastline is literally indented by picturesque sandy bays and rocky capes framed by numerous volcanic cliffs.
In the park grow 19 species of mangrove trees. Their roots go under water, forming a haven for unusual violin crabs, which got their name because of asymmetric limbs.
Rafflesia Arnold
Komodo National Park in Indonesia (the photo you see in our article) will amaze tourists with an amazing plant. This is Arnold's Rafflesia - the largest flower on our planet. Its diameter reaches a meter, and weight - more than 10 kg. An unusual plant does not have its own roots, leaves and stem - it parasitizes on the stems of tropical vines, drawing juices from them.
A small-sized (much smaller than poppy) seed with the wind falls into the crack of the plant’s bark, which is destined to feed the “parasite”. It grows very quickly, and soon a huge bud appears like a head of cabbage. After some time, it opens, and a flower appears, consisting of five purple petals, covered with white, wart-like growths.
Unusual in size and appearance, the flower emits a disgusting smell of rotten meat, which attracts flies. They cling to a plant and pollinate it. Four days later, the flower withers, and within seven months a large fruit ripens and develops, which is filled with seeds.
Khoveniya sweet
Another unusual plant that can be found in the reserve park is a tree that looks like our linden tree. Its height reaches 15 meters. In Indonesia, it is called a candy tree. Its dry and nondescript fruit balls are inedible. But the thick and fleshy stalks on which they hold contain up to 50% sucrose. Their taste is a bit like raisins.
Local residents, especially children, shake the trunks of haws and collect fallen "sweets" in kilograms. From one tree collect up to 35 kg of sweet treats.
Royal primrose
This mysterious plant settles on the slopes of active volcanoes. The Indonesians call it the “flower of anger." And I must admit, not in vain. Blooming primrose is usually a harbinger of an early eruption. As soon as the flower blooms, residents of nearby villages perceive this as a danger signal. Surprisingly, royal primrose has never given a false signal.
Komodo National Park: how to get and where to live?
It is believed that only very wealthy people can visit Komodo Park. This is not entirely true. Anyone who decides to spend a vacation in Indonesia can visit this amazing place. The prices here practically do not differ from those generally accepted in the country, but the trip will give an unforgettable experience.
Most tourists arriving in Labuan Bajo buy an organized tour for several nights. A trip to the park is carried out on small cute boats that are in the bay of Labuan Bajo. They are equipped with comfortable cabins. Entrance fees to the park and meals are usually included in the price of the trip.
You can use the public boat that leaves for the park from Labuan Bajo on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This is a more budget option. The excursion time is 4-5 hours depending on the wind and the size of the waves.
The entire island of Komodo belongs to the national park and biosphere reserve. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to build hotels, cafes and other tourist infrastructure facilities. Visitors to the park can stay with locals in the village of Kampung Komodo. The most enterprising residents opened Homestay (mini-hotels) in their homes.
Tourists reviews
Today, many of our compatriots have visited Komodo National Park. They leave enthusiastic reviews about the trip. Remoteness from civilization in combination with unique fauna and flora make Komodo Park a real miracle, which is interesting for adults and children to see.
Many call their trip a trip to Jurassic Park. In addition to the amazing huge lizards, there is something to see. Most vacationers believe that the best place for diving is difficult to find. The underwater world is fascinating. Everything is unusual and interesting here - from the living conditions to amazing tours.