Komodo National Park is situated within the heart of the archipelago of Indonesia, between the Flores and Sumbawa islands. The park was established in the year 1980 with the initial purpose of the Komodo National Park mainly being the conservation of the Komodo dragon and its habitat. Throughout the year, however, the purpose of the national park has grown to include the protection of the entire area’s biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial. In the year 1986, the park was designated as both a Man and Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Both of these designations indicate the biological significance of Komodo National Park.
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What are the major islands that make up Komodo National Park?
- The three major islands in Komodo National Park are Pada, Rinca, and Komodo. The park also includes many smaller islands.
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How large is Komodo National Park?
- The park currently covers a total surface area of 1,817 square kilometers, consisting of both land and water. Proposed extensions would expand it to 2,321 square kilometers.
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What terrestrial species live in Komodo National Park?
- In addition to the Komodo dragon, the park is home to species such as the Timor deer and the orange-footed scrub fowl.
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What marine species inhabit the park?
- Komodo National Park has one of the world’s richest marine habitats, home to over 1,000 fish species, 260 reef-building coral species, and 70 species of sponges. Other marine life includes sea turtles, dolphins, 14 different whale species, manta rays, sharks, and dugong.
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Who lives within Komodo National Park?
- Many residents are fishermen from South Sulawesi, South Flores, Manggarai, and Bima. The Bugis and Suku Bajau ethnic groups originally led a nomadic lifestyle, moving throughout Sulawesi, Maluku, and Nusa Tenggara.
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Who are the Ata Modo people?
- The Ata Modo are descendants of Komodo’s original inhabitants. However, none are pure blood Ata Modo today, and their language and culture is becoming integrated with more recent migrants.
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What is known about the early history of Komodo islanders?
- The native islanders were subjects of the Sultanate of Bima, but due to Komodo’s remoteness, it is believed that the island was mostly unaffected by Bima’s rule except for occasional demands for tribute.
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When was Komodo National Park established?
- Komodo National Park was created in 1980 to conserve the Komodo dragon.
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What international recognition has Komodo National Park received?
- In 1986, UNESCO designated the park as a Man and Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.
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What is the primary conservation goal of Komodo National Park?
- The park was originally created to protect the Komodo dragon, first discovered by the scientific world in 1911 by J.K.H. Van Steyn. Since then, conservation efforts have expanded to include the protection of the entire terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
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Where is Komodo National Park located?
- The park is located in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
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