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.
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- 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