Scientists plan to study Komodo

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A group of scientists from the Udayana University in Bali, led by Professor Putra Sastrawan, are currently studying the Komodo dragon population on Komodo Island and the mainland Flores Island.

The study will be conducted over five years and aims to collect information on the exact types of Komodo in the region, Antara reported Paul Boleng from the local tourist office as saying yesterday.

The Komodo dragon (Varanus comodoensis), a large lizard, exists not only on Komodo Island, but also in Ngada regency and other areas of Flores.

Boleng said Putra Sastrawan is the first Indonesian scientist to study the Komodo. (swe)