The park has been established since 1980. Initially, the main purpose of the Park is to conserve Komodo dragon and its habitat.
However, over the years, the goals of the Park have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. In 1986, UNESCO declared the Park as a World Heritage Site. The Park includes three major islands; Komodo, Rinca and Padar. As well as numerous smaller islands which creates a total area (marine and land) of 1.817 km.
As home to Komodo dragons, the Park provides refuge for many other species such as endemic rats, and Timor deer. Moreover, the Park becomes one of the richest marine environments which includes coral reefs, mangroves, and seamounts. These harbor habitats have more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species reef coral, and 70 species of sponges. Sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and turtles also make Komodo National Park a breathtaking spot for Komodo dive exploration.
Threats to terrestrial biodiversity have increased 800% over the past 60 years. In addition, the Timor deer population, the preferred prey source for Komodo dragons, is still poached. Destructive fishing practices threaten the Park’s marine resources by destroying both habitat; coral reefs and fish and invertebrate stocks.
The present situation in the Park is reduced but destructive fishing is still practiced by immigrant fishers. And also high pressure on Demerol stocks like lobsters, shellfish, groupers and napoleon wrasse. Pollution inputs, which range from raw sewage to chemicals are increasing. In the future it may pose a major threat.
The other useful Komodo Tour Information is that Today the Park and The Nature Conservancy are working together to protect the Park’s vast resources. The goals are to protect the Park’s biodiversity (both marine and terrestrial) and the breeding stocks of commercial fishes for replenishment of surrounding fishing grounds.
The main challenge is to reduce both threats to the resources and conflicts between incompatible activities. Both parties have a long term commitment to protecting the marine biodiversity of Komodo National Park.
