Komodo National Park in Indonesia

Scientists believe that there are places on Earth wherenature has not changed much since the time of the Jurassic period. Among those, without a doubt, can be attributed to the National Park-Reserve in Indonesia - Komodo. In this article we will make a small virtual trip to this amazing place.

Where is Komodo National Park located?

The unique reserve is located in the borderthe area between the provinces of the Western and Eastern Sunda Islands. The park consists of three large islands - Rinka, Padar and Komodo, as well as many small islands. Their total area is 1733 square meters. km, of which 603 square meters. km fall on land.

History of the park

Komodo National Park, photowhich you can see below, was founded not too long ago - in 1980. First of all, it was created to protect the so-called Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) - the largest lizard in the world, which sometimes reaches three (or even more) meters in length and weighs more than 150 kg. It was first discovered in 1911 by Van Stein.

Later, the park took under its protection and otherterrestrial animal and marine species. In 1991, the Komodo National Park became a UNESCO protected site. Later, he received the status of a biosphere reserve (Biosphere Reserve).

Climate

Since there is Komodo National Park inIndonesia, here reigns a wonderful mild climate. Rainy here is the only month of the year - January. It is characterized by fast-moving showers. In general, the climate on the archipelago is hot. This is due to arid winds blowing from the desert. The highest temperature - 40 degrees Celsius, and the lowest (in August) - 17 degrees. The islands of the archipelago are of volcanic origin, after a short rainy season, they are covered with lush vegetation. The highest point on the island of Komodo - Satalibo (735 m).

Population

Komodo National Park, whose photo you cansee in the advertising booklets of various travel agencies, inhabited by 2,000 people living on different islands. Indigenous people are mainly engaged in fishing, and often use dynamite in their fisheries. Naturally, this causes irreparable damage to the ecology of the park, the state of coral reefs, the population of fish and other underwater inhabitants. The administration conducts regular work, offering the local population alternative types of fishing in order to minimize the damage from poaching activities.

Fauna: amazing "dragon"

Komodo National Park is famous worldwidegiant lizards, which indigenous people call dragons. At first glance, they seem slow and cumbersome, however, in pursuit of prey, monitor lizards develop a fairly high speed.

Such a “lizard” easily breaks the legs with a blow of the taildeer, which after instantly eats. Komodo dragons do not have poisonous teeth, but despite this, their bite can be fatal for humans: dangerous pathogens live in the mouth of these huge reptiles.

From the history of dragons

It is noteworthy that the creatures we are consideringlive only on these islands of Indonesia. They are of great interest to scientists involved in the theory of evolution. This lizard is called differently. Locals call it "ora". On the islands of Flores and Rinka she is a land crocodile. Sometimes it is called a giant monitor lizard. But the people stuck the name Komodo.

This is the oldest species whose ancestors lived more100 million years ago on our planet. The ancestors of the giant monitor lizard appeared in Asia 40 million years ago. Subsequently, the animals evolved and acquired their modern appearance (it happened four million years ago). Komodo National Park is the only one in the world that can boast the presence of the longest-lived reptile. Under natural conditions, the lizard lives over half a century. By sex, it is considered a dimorphic animal - males are much larger than females. The largest representative of the species (registered) reached 3.13 meters in length. Females on average do not exceed 2.5 meters in length.

Today, the Komodo National Park inIndonesia has more than 1,700 giant monitor lizards on the island of the same name, more than 1,200 individuals live on the island Rincha. In addition to the mysterious huge lizards, Komodo National Park became home to such rare animals as the Timorese fallow deer, the maned sambar found on the island of Sanda, the wild buffalo, the long-legged Javanese macaques and others.

Marine life

The main habitats of representatives of the underwaterthe world - mangroves, coral reefs and the bottom, which cover numerous algae. The most popular among tourists animals of the park are sea turtles and green turtles, dolphins and sharks. Sometimes huge whales appear in the sea. They have an annual migration route through the waters of the park.

In dense algae, mangroves andcoral reefs live more than 1000 species of fish. The magnificent sea kingdom includes 260 species of amazing corals, 14 species of whales, 70 species of sponges, a huge number of dolphins and sea turtles. Between the reefs, sea grasses form underwater meadows, on which, besides fish, dugongs “graze” - rare mammals belonging to the order of sirens. For fascinating diving these places are a paradise.

Birds

Komodo Park has more than 150 species.birds, some of them are migratory, coming from Asia and Australia. The most common are cockatoo, white-breasted sea eagle, frugivorous pigeon and maleo.

Flora

Almost the entire territory of the National Parkcover the arid hilly savannas, which grow tropical forests and many palm trees Lontar. The coastline is literally indented with picturesque sandy bays and rocky capes, framed by numerous volcanic cliffs.

19 species grow in the parkmangrove trees. Their roots go under the water, forming a haven for unusual violin crabs, which got their name because of asymmetrical limbs.

Rafflesia Arnold

Komodo National Park in Indonesia (photo by yousee in our article) will amaze tourists with an amazing plant. This is Rafflesia Arnold - the largest flower on our planet. Its diameter reaches a meter, and weight - more than 10 kg. The unusual plant does not have its own roots, leaves and stems - it parasitizes on the stems of tropical vines, pulling juices from them.

Tiny in size (much smaller than the poppy)the seed with the wind falls into the crack of the bark of the plant, which is destined to feed the "parasite". It grows very quickly, and soon there is a huge bud, like a head of cabbage. After some time, it opens, and a flower appears, consisting of five purple petals, covered with white, wart-like growths.

Unusual in size and type of flower publishesdisgusting smell of rotten meat that attracts flies. They stick around the plant and pollinate it. Four days later, the flower fades, and within seven months a large fruit ripens and develops, which is filled with seeds.

Khoveniya sweet

Another unusual plant that canto meet in the park, a tree that looks like our linden. Its height reaches 15 meters. In Indonesia, it is called a candy tree. Its dry and inconspicuous fruit bulbs are inedible. But the thick and fleshy stem on which they hold, contain up to 50% sucrose. Their taste is a bit like raisins.

Locals, especially children, are shaking the trunks of hovenia and collecting fallen "candies" in kilograms. Up to 35 kg of sweet delicacy is collected from one tree.

Royal primula

This mystery plant settles on the slopes.active volcanoes. Indonesians call it "the flower of anger." And I must admit, not in vain. Primrose flowering is usually a precursor to a quick eruption. As soon as the flower blooms, residents of nearby villages perceive it as a danger signal. Surprisingly, the royal primrose never gave a false signal.

Komodo National Park: how to get there and where to live?

Argued that visit Komodo Park canonly very wealthy people. This is not entirely true. Anyone who has decided to spend a holiday in Indonesia can visit this amazing place. The prices here are practically the same as generally accepted in the country, but the trip will give you unforgettable impressions.

Mostly tourists arriving in Labuan Bajo,buy an organized tour for several nights. The trip to the park is carried out on small cute boats that stand in the bay of Labuan Bajo. They are equipped with cozy cabins. Entrance fees to the park and meals are usually included in the cost of the trip.

You can use the public boat,which goes to the park from Labuan Bajo on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This is a more budget option. Excursion time - 4-5 hours depending on the wind and the size of the waves.

The territory of the whole Komodo island belongs topossessions of the national park and biosphere reserve. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to build hotels, cafes and other tourist facilities. Visitors to the park can stay with the locals in the village of Kampung Komodo. Most enterprising residents have opened Homestay (mini-hotels) in their homes.

Reviews of tourists

Today, many of our compatriotsvisited Komodo National Park. Feedback on the trip they leave enthusiastic. Remoteness from civilization in combination with the unique fauna and flora turn Komodo Park into a real miracle, which is interesting for both adults and children.

Many people call their trip a trip to the Park.Jurassic period. In addition to the amazing huge lizards, there is something to see. Most vacationers believe that the best place for diving is difficult to find. The underwater world is fascinating. Everything here is unusual and interesting - starting with the living conditions and ending with amazing excursions.