White komodo found in Flores

White komodo found in Flores

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Residents of the Bajawa regency, Flores Island, have recently discovered a white komodo, a rare variation of the largest monitor lizards.

Governor Herman Musakabe revealed the discovery to the press on Friday and said that the residents have requested Rp 24 million (US$ 10.4 million) for the construction of artificial caves and a breeding center for the dragon.

"If the residents succeed in making the animal live in one place, they could turn it into an attractive tourism object," Herman said.

Herman did not say whether experts have confirmed the finding.

He also said that residents of the West Solor subdistrict in East Flores have also discovered a group of gray komodos preying on goat kids and chickens.

A komodo can grow to a length of three meters and a weight of 140 kg. An old species, Varanus komodoensis, it was unknown outside its native habitat until 1912.

It survives primarily on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores and Padar. The komodo dragon often preys on deer and wild boar, but its existence is increasingly threatened by the depletion of its chief food due to overhunting by residents. (yac/swe)