NTT BBKSDA Captures a Komodo That Entered a Resident's Home in Manggarai Timur
A Komodo dragon entered a resident’s home in Dusun Londang, Desa Nanga Mbaur, Kecamatan Sambi Rampas, Manggarai Timur Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The Balai Besar Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (BBKSDA) NTT has handled the ancient animal and released it back to its habitat.
“BBKSDA NTT successfully handled a Komodo dragon hatchling that entered a resident’s house in Dusun Londang. The hatchling was subsequently examined, data collected, and released back to its natural habitat,” said the Head of BBKSDA NTT, Adhi Nurul Hadi, on Saturday (23/5/2026).
The incident of a Komodo entering a resident’s home occurred on 21 May. Following reports of a Komodo entering residents’ homes, Adhi said BBKSDA NTT tasked the Wildlife Handling Unit to secure and inspect the Komodo.
“The examination included measurements, placement of a PIT tag (microchip), and blood sample collection,” he explained.
“The identification results show the Komodo measured 57.2 cm in length and weighed 0.16 kg. The Komodo belongs to the hatchling age class, i.e., newly hatched,” he added.
The Komodo was released back to its natural habitat in the Watu Pajung area, Desa Nanga Mbaur, Kecamatan Sambi Rampas. Adhi noted that the release was done with consideration of habitat suitability and the individual’s very young age.
“The Komodo was placed on a tree to increase its chances of surviving predator threats and to support the process of adaptation in the wild,” he explained.
He said that quick responses to community reports are essential in handling human-wildlife conflicts, especially with protected species. He praised the public for promptly reporting the Komodo entering the home.
“That quick step greatly helps the management efforts to be carried out safely, for both residents and the wildlife,” he said.
Adhi stated that appearances of Komodo near settlements should be treated with care and should not be responded to with actions that endanger the animals. The Komodo, he stressed, is a protected species that must be safeguarded together.
“If the public finds wild animals near settlements, please report to the authorities so the handling can be carried out in accordance with procedures,” he concluded.
It is known that the Komodo’s habitat is spread across several areas on Flores, NTT. One habitat is at Watu Pajung, Desa Nanga Mbaur, Kecamatan Sambi Rampas, also known as the Komodo Pota.
The largest population of Komodo is in the Komodo National Park. Other habitats include Golo Mori, Kecamatan Komodo, and Pulau Longos, Kecamatan Boleng, Manggarai Barat. Komodo is also found in Riung, Ngada Regency.