KOMODO ISLAND, EAST NUSATENGGARA, INDONESIA

Komodo Island is located at the westernmost tip of Nusa Tenggara province bordering the province of West Nusa Tenggara. Exactly at Komodo district, West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Since 1980, the area of ​​1817 km2 National Park is made by the Government of Indonesia, which is then recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Together with two other large islands, namely Pulau Rinca and Padar, Komodo island and several small islands around it continues to be maintained as natural habitat reptile, dubbed the "Komodo Dragon" it.

Varanus komodoensis bears the Latin name and local name "Ora", giant lizards, according to a story first published in 1912 in a national daily the Dutch East Indies. Peter A. Ouwens, director of the Zoological Museum in Bogor is one who has been introduced to the world through his paper dragons that. Since then, expeditions and research on this rare species continue to be done, even reportedly inspired the film was in 1933 Gameloft. Recognizing the need for protection against the dragon in the center of human activity in their natural habitat that, in 1915 the Dutch government issued a ban on hunting and killing dragons. Thanks to the efforts of government and local communities in conserving the national park, tourists can now visit and coming a close look at the life of these ancient reptiles

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With a body length of 2-3 meters, Komodo dragons can weigh up to 70-100 pounds. Animals that prefer hot and dry place to live in tropical forest or savanna habitat at low altitude. When night fell, dragons nest in holes with in 1-3 feet while keeping body heat at night. As a carnivore which sits atop the food chain, among other dragons prey goats, deer, wild boar, and birds. In certain circumstances, can behave cannibal with Komodo dragons prey on others. By relying on her sense of smell on his tongue, the Komodo dragon can smell carrion prey as far as 9 kilometers. Bite that can contain bacteria and deadly, plus a sharp front claws are natural weapons. In addition, the dragons were able to run 20 kilometers per hour in short distances, climbing trees, swimming and even diving.

Like other reptiles, the Komodo dragon reproduce by laying eggs. However, studies prove there are other ways to regenerate dragons, namely by means of parthenogenesis. This method allows the dragons females to produce fertilized eggs without the male. Komodo dragon parthenogenesis is alleged to have saved from extinction since thousands of years ago. However, habitat damage, volcanic activity, earthquakes, fires, until the indicated poaching has resulted in population decline in the number of dragons to some extent vulnerable to extinction. It is estimated there are 4-5 thousand dragons tail in the presence of productive females amounted to only hundreds. Such conditions is a challenge for the conservation of Komodo Island National Park.

Enjoy a tour of Komodo Island National Park to observe the life of Komodo dragon up close may not be enough for you. For those of you who like the water sports, you can try to do the dives in the waters north and south of these islands. Warm waters of northern waters is the result of the current meeting of the Banda Sea and Flores. Instead, offer water cooler waters south of Indonesia Ocean currents. The combination of these two different characters these waters produce a rich underwater ecosystem. Various types of coral reefs thrive and become a place of many fish species live and provider of marine aquatic life support systems.

Many divers have seen the underwater life of the stunning waters of the island of Komodo, which stores millions of potential biodiversity. As one of mainstay attractions Indonesia, Komodo Island hostels provide accommodation ranging from local communities to set up an international resort. For domestic tourists, you are charged entrance fee of Rp. 75,000, while foreign tourists amounted to U.S. $ 15. To reach the island of Komodo, you can route a plane from Kupang (capital of East Nusa Tenggara-NTT) to the town of Ende on Flores Island. Next trip continued with a minibus to Labuhanbajo which takes 10 hours. From Labuhanbajo, speedboat will take you to Komodo Island after a ferry for 2 hours. Several other routes you can take a flight from Bali corresponding airline that serves the purpose to NTT. Various tour packages offered by travel agents it's quite interesting to try for the first time you came to this island of Komodo. Eco-tourism is proclaimed by the government on the island of Komodo National Park is expected to bring more domestic tourists / foreign countries.

Not only parents, even though children should not be afraid to come and visit there. With safety regulations and day trips are awake, and Komodo humans can coexist peacefully. And like children, their love of dragons are the seeds that can grow their love of wealth of the country and its history. It seems that this is a first message in the 90's never sung with slick passing by Kak Seto Si Komo her doll. Through the character Si Komo, Kak Seto brings dragons conservation message to heart and mind the children of Indonesia, so that they are proud of the wealth of his country. If so, it seems feasible Komodo Island National Park was named one of the 7 Wonders of Nature (7 Wonders Of Nature), coupled with a variety of other amazing wonders of the world.

Traces the life of the ancient world, has presented himself to the man today to look in the mirror to see the past history of the world. Life that has passed hundreds, even thousands of years. Through this Komodo Island National Park, the world today has a priceless heritage to be preserved. Let's support the Komodo National Park became one of the 7 Wonders of Nature. Thus, you have participated in the effort to introduce the island of Komodo National Park to the world, so that conservation efforts are not just a concern of Indonesia, but the entire world community. Komodo Island National Park Vote for 7 Wonders of Nature.