History of Komodo

History of Komodo

History of Komodo - About 40 million years ago in Asia emerging species of dragons that starts with the Varanus genus , which then migrate to Australia . The next 15 million years ago the giant lizard is moving towards the area now known as Indonesia , because meeting the continental shelf of Australia and Southeast Asia . Komodo is believed to have evolved from a common ancestor Australia about 4 million years ago and extends its distribution to as far East .

When the Dutch fleet in 1910 discovered a mysterious creature allegedly " dragon " inhabit the Lesser Sunda Islands . Furthermore, by Lieutenant Steyn van Hensbroek , an official Dutch Colonial Administration in the Flores findings are acted upon . In 1912 , Peter A. Ouwens , director of the Zoological Museum in Bogor publish to the world of dragons through the dissertation . In preaching , advising Ouwens giant lizard name " Varanus komodoensis " for dragons , instead of the nickname Komodo Dragon ( Komodo Dragon ) .

About Komodo

Animals dragons have long 3 meters and weighing 90 kg , is the world's largest lizard species that is now declared as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world .

Large size is associated with symptoms of island gigantism , the tendency for body meraksasanya certain animals that live in small island linked to the absence of mammalian carnivores on the island where dragons live and the rate of metabolism of small dragons . Because of his body , these giant lizards occupy the position of a top predator that dominate the ecosystems of his life .

These animals are found naturally only on the island of Komodo , NTT , Indonesia . Living in a dry, open grasslands , savannas and tropical forests . They are active during the day although sometimes active at night .

Komodo dragons can run up to 20 miles per hour in short distances , swim very well and can dive as deep as 4.5 meters and clever to climb trees using strong claws . To catch prey out of reach , these animals can stand on its hind legs and use its tail as a support .

For shelter , the animals dig a hole as deep as 1-3 feet with front legs and strong claws . Because of his body and the habit of sleeping in a hole , dragons can conserve body heat throughout the night and reduces the time sunbathe on the next morning . Hiding places are usually located in the hills with the sea breeze , open from vegetation . This place is generally a strategic location to ambush deer. Komodo can locate prey by using a keen sense of smell and can find animals dead or dying at a distance of 9.5 kilometers .

Komodo National Park

In 1915 the Dutch government finally set the Komodo Island as a nature conservation area for animals dragons . In 1986 the Park declared as a World Heritage Site ( World Heritage Site ) and a Man ​​and Biosphere Reserve ( a World Biosphere Reserve ) by UNESCO .

Having a total area of ​​1,817 km ² , in the conservation area in 2500 to live dragons tail spread in some places are the main island of Komodo , Rinca , Padar and Gili Mota . Dragons natural habitat is open grassland savanna , rainforest , white sandy beaches , coral reefs , and beaches where the water is crystal clear . In this area , can be found other animals such as horses , wild buffalo , deer , wild boar male , snakes , monkeys , and various species of birds .

Komodo National Park also has the amazing underwater life . The divers claim that Komodo waters are one of the best dive sites in the world . With stunning views of the sea bottom where there are 385 species of beautiful corals , mangrove forests and sea grass , as well as home to thousands of species of fish , 70 types of sponges, 10 types of dolphins , 6 types of whales, green turtles , and various types of sharks and stingrays .

This location can be reached from Kupang , Ende to the plane and then forwarded by minibus to the town of Labuan Bajo for 10 hours of travel , upon arrival heading to Komodo Island by speed boat for 2 hours .

that's a glimpse of the history of komodo may be useful.