Why in News ?

The Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, could become extinct in the next few decades due to climate change unless measures are taken to change the status quo.

• • The dragon could become extinct on three of the five island habitats where it is currently found

About Komodo Dragon

• Reaching up to 10 feet in length and more than 300 pounds, Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth.
• Scientific Name: Varanus komodoensis.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Status: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • They are protected under Indonesian Law.
• Threats 
  • Asexual reproduction does allow female Komodo dragons to replenish their population only result in son.
  • Humans have also posed a threat to the Komodo dragon’s survival.
  • Another problem is obviously the climate change.

Various Conservation Effort

• In 1980, Indonesia established Komodo National Park to protect the Komodo dragon and its habitat.
• UNESCO World Heritage site, Komodo National Park has established patrols to prevent poaching.

Source : Down To Earth

Topic

Prelims : About Komodo Dragon

GS III : Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Current Affairs Compilation : 23 September 2020