Komodo Dragon: Research Fact and Folklore about Komodo

komodo dragon

Komodo dragon (varanus komodoensis) known as largest living lizard on earth. You will find this animal nowhere else in the world except in Komodo Islands. This prehistoric reptile is still alive in these Islands. Unfortunately, Komodo dragon is one of the endangered animal and become a protected animal.

Visitor can find and see this animal in two different islands;  Rinca and Komodo Island. Although Komodo dragons are living in several islands beside these two islands such as in Nusa Kode and Gili Motang, but these area is for conservation areas only. All those islands are still a part of a National Park of Komodo.

Research history of Komodo Dragon

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the largest living species of lizard, has long fascinated scientists and the public alike. Native to a few Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang, and Padar. These formidable reptiles have a fearsome reputation and an intriguing biology that drew the attention of researchers early on

Early Discovery of komodo Dragon

The first documented encounter with the Komodo dragon by scientists dates back to 1910. Lieutenant van Steyn van Hensbroek of the Dutch colonial administration was serving on the Island of Flores, Eastern Indonesia received news from the local people that there was a mysterious lizard living on the island of Komodo. Then he went to the island to see what was being reported. Then he made a report to the Zoological Museum Bogor. His report piqued the curiosity of Major Peter Ouwens, the director of the Zoological Museum at Bogor (then Buitenzorg), in West Java.

 

Ouwens' Research

Ouwens’ research provided the first detailed description of the Komodo dragon’s physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat. He noted the dragon’s impressive size, with some individuals exceeding three meters in length, and its robust build. Ouwens also described the dragon’s serrated teeth, powerful jaws, and muscular tail, all of which make it a formidable predator.

Ouwens’ observations highlighted the Komodo dragon’s carnivorous diet, consisting mainly of deer, wild boar, and even water buffalo. He noted their scavenging behavior and remarkable ability to detect carrion from great distances. His research also pointed out the dragons’ preference for hot, arid environments, such as savannas and monsoon forests, which dominate the islands they inhabit

Conservation Efforts

Following his research, numerous expeditions and scientific investigations have been conducted, enhancing our understanding of the species’ biology, ecology, and behavior. Key discoveries have included the Komodo dragon’s venomous bite, its unique reproductive strategies, and its conservation status.

Today, the Komodo dragon is classified as a vulnerable species, facing threats from habitat loss, human activities, and climate change. Conservation efforts, including the establishment of Komodo National Park in 1980, have been critical in protecting the species and its habitat. Ongoing research continues to inform conservation strategies and ensure the survival of these ancient and awe-inspiring reptiles

Physical Charasterictics of Komodo Dragon

  • Adult Komodo dragon can have a weight up to 100 kg with size up to 3 meters.
  • Komodo dragons have a forked tongue that sticks in and out at any time and can hiss like other reptiles.
  • Its skin texture is rough and dark grey in color.
  • Komodo have venom in its saliva, that’s why If you or its prey are bitten by a Komodo dragon it will cause a serious infection.
  •  Male Komodo dragons have larger bodies than female Komodo dragons

Local Folklore about Komodo Dragon

komodo dragon

Folklore is an oral cultural tradition formed in a particular community. It has become part of Indonesian society. The purpose is a means of entertainment and social culture. These folk tales can provide imaginative experiences while embedding moral values that can be used as examples for society. 
It is including the folklore of Komodo dragon that spread among the local communities of Komodo Island.

It is said that, once upon a time there lived a princess named Naga Princess who lived on the island of Komodo. she married a young man from the opposite island named Moja.

long story short, she was pregnant and gave birth to twins, both of them were boys. But unfortunately one of their children has a different body shape that is similar to a lizard. it makes them feel embarrassed. Princess Naga and her Husband Moja named their lizard-like son as Orah and the other was named Gerong.

Because he felt he was different, Orah exiled himself to the forest, meanwhile Gerong was still raised by his parents alone. Gerong grew up and became a dashing man, and was separated from his twin brother.

one day, he went hunting into the Forest. When he arrived in the middle of the forest, he met a giant lizard and was about to throw his spear. Fortunately, at the same time, his mother, Princess Naga, came and forbade Gerong to kill the giant lizard (now known as the Komodo dragon). Then, his mother explained that the giant lizard was his twin brother named Orah who chose to live in the forest.

Since then, the Komodo people have lived side by side with this animal because they consider it as their brother. End of the Story.

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