UGM Academic Proposes Expansion of Komodo Habitat on Flores Island

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) — Donan Satria Yudha, a biology lecturer at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), has proposed expanding Komodo dragon habitat on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), to preserve this endemic species.

“Pressure from habitat degradation, particularly on northern mainland Flores, is a significant concern,” Donan stated in remarks made in Yogyakarta on Tuesday.

He noted that Komodo dragons are not restricted to Komodo Island but also inhabit Rinca Island, small islands in the vicinity, and the northern mainland region of Flores Island.

According to Donan, the current Komodo population is estimated at approximately 3,319 individuals. However, these animals face multiple threats, including poaching, climate change, and habitat loss.

Furthermore, approximately 58 per cent of Komodo habitat is classified as “Other Use Area” (APL) or outside forest reserves, creating distinctive challenges for habitat protection in conservation efforts.

Donan emphasised that poaching remains a significant threat to Komodo survival and called for strengthened area supervision, including increased forest police personnel from the Natural Resource Conservation Centre (BKSDA), particularly on northern mainland Flores.

According to Donan, the government should consider establishing an officially managed and limited Komodo breeding programme in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

“In this way, animal collectors will opt for official channels, since proper channels would be available,” he explained.

Additionally, Donan stressed that improving the welfare of residents on Rinca Island and Komodo Island is necessary to enable communities to actively participate in Komodo conservation.

“If residents of Rinca Island and Komodo Island enjoy improved welfare, they will willingly assist the government in preserving Komodo dragons,” he remarked.

Donan added that local governments on mainland Flores must also play a role in protecting Komodo habitat, including through the establishment of new conservation areas.

“New Komodo habitat areas must be designated on mainland Flores, particularly on the northern side, to ensure that genetic diversity between mainland and island Komodo populations is maintained,” he stated.