Some areas of the Zoo are CLOSED to allow us to prepare for our Halloween events. ... read more
Until 3rd November, there will be restricted access at Bears of the Rising Sun (lower viewing) and our Elephant Bushwalk will be closed.
From 14th October 2024, our Woodland Hollow will be closed.
Supporting since 2005
Location
Indonesian Islands
Support started
2005
Species
Komodo Dragon
Mission
To provide sound information on wildlife biology to help devise management and conservation plans for the Komodo dragon and its natural habitat and to develop local expertise for improving general knowledge on the biology of this endangered species.
Donations:
Annual donations made towards the main components of the project.
2024 – 2025:
£1,290.43 donated this year.
Background
The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard endemic to five islands in southeast Indonesia. The islands of Komodo, Rinca, Nusa Kode and Gili Motang are part of Komodo National Park. On Flores, the fifth and largest island, three nature reserves, Wae Wuul, Wolo Tado and Riung, harbour extant Komodo dragon populations on the west and north coast. There is a vital need for an island based conservation strategy for managing the Komodo dragon population in its current distribution areas; Flores and the adjacent islands within the boundary of Komodo National Park.
Training of staff in wildlife monitoring techniques is an essential part of this project. This data helps to produce estimates of Komodo dragon and ungulate population size and density. To collect data on Komodo dragons, staff are trained on how to use baited aluminium cages for trapping them, marking them with microchips and on the collection of blood samples. The project also uses camera traps for monitoring, and is using them as an alternative to live caging for Komodo dragons. Collection of this data gives a deeper understanding into the current population size, survival rates and age structure of Komodo dragons on the islands.
Patrolling activities represent an important component of the Komodo dragon conservation programme. Patrolling is conducted to monitor and control arson in the savannah and grassland, control the occurrence of feral dogs, wood harvesting and halt illegal hunting of deer.
Achievements and Objectives
In 2023, the project team used passive infrared cameras to determine Komodo dragon population density, which was relatively stable in western and northern Flores. Deer population numbers were also monitored as part of the Komodo dragon prey population survey. These have shown an increase following intensive patrolling and protection efforts. Training in wildlife monitoring techniques was provided to field rangers and 15 camera traps were supplied to encourage long term Komodo dragon monitoring.
The team successfully conducted community awareness and education activities in western and northern Flores for adults, as well as primary and secondary school children and a wood carving scheme was promoted within the local community, with handicrafts of wildlife species sold to tourists. Such alternative livelihood schemes indirectly protect and conserve the wildlife populations by providing a sustainable means of income.
The project core areas; Komodo dragon and prey population monitoring, habitat protection and community awareness, and capacity building and dissemination will continue going forwards as annual activities.
