Where do Komodo dragons come from? That’s the question that often comes up when discussing this rare reptile known as Varanus Komodoensis. Although found in Eastern Indonesia, they are not originally from Indonesia.
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Where do Komodo Dragons come from?
Komodo are rare ancient reptiles that are close to becoming extinct. You can see in their original habitat on Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami specifically in the Komodo National Park area, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara.
Even though they are in Indonesia, they are not originally reptiles from Indonesia. Based on research by The Australian National University, the origin of one of the largest reptiles in the world is not from Indonesia.
Based on Arnaz Mehta Erdmann, author of the National Park Ecology History Guide, Komodo migrated from Australia to Eastern Indonesia, Flores Island, 900,000 years ago.
Meanwhile, the number of them in Australia has been extinct since 50 thousand years ago. This data is in accordance with the PLOS One research journal, which was published in 2009.
The reason why Komodo dragons migrated from Australia to the Eastern Island of Indonesia was the lower sea level at that time, which was 85 meters.
This factor made it easy for them to migrate and expand to Flores Island or East Nusa Tenggara. So, they are actually from Australia, not Indonesia.
The research above answers the often debated question of where Komodo dragons came from, especially since these giant reptiles are rare and almost extinct.
Why are Komodo dragons only found in Indonesia?
Komodo dragons are currently only found in Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. One reason they stop migrating is that they don’t like to be far from their home, Australia.
According to National Geographic, being a homebody is an instinct made by Komodo dragons. That means, they are not reptiles that are lazy to walk far.
This statement is in accordance with the results of research from Proceedings B of the Royal Society which has observed the behavior of a Komodo dragon for a decade. The results of the research found new facts that they are active animals that can walk up to 7 miles per day.
Komodo dragons are also not blind reptiles. They can return to their home within a few months, even if they have moved far away. So, they can still remember their path home, even if it takes a long time to get back home.
Where Do Komodos Live Now?
The Komodo (Varanus komodoensis) can only be found in a few specific areas in Indonesia, primarily within Komodo National Park. Komodos prefer open environments with dry grasslands, shrubs, open forests, and rocky hills. These habitats support their hunting of prey such as deer, wild boar, and other wildlife. Here are the main islands where Komodos currently live:
- Komodo Island
This Komodo Island is the main home of Komodos in Komodo National Park. They live in dry grasslands, shrubs, and rocky hills, which allow them to hunt prey efficiently. - Rinca Island
Rinca Island has a sizable Komodo population and is a favorite destination for tourists to see Komodos in the wild due to its safe trekking paths and beautiful scenery. - Padar Island
Although more famous for its stunning views, Padar Island is also home to Komodos. They are usually found in open grasslands and forested areas, supporting their hunting activities. - Gili Motang
Gili Motang is one of the small islands inhabited by Komodos. The island has minimal human activity, giving Komodos a safe space with enough prey in the wild. - Gili Dasami
Similar to Gili Motang, Gili Dasami is home to several Komodos. This island remains relatively quiet and preserves its natural environment, ideal for Komodo populations to thrive.
Did you know where Komodo dragons come from?
Finding the origin of Komodo dragons requires extensive research. The world’s largest lizards originated in Australia and migrated to the islands in Eastern Indonesia, which are currently their habitat.
If you plan to visit and see Komodo, IndonesiaJuara Trip and KomodoLuxury provide sailing tour packages on Phinisi boats to the Komodo National Park area.
You can check the Open Trip 3D2N Phinisi Labuan Bajo tour package. But if you only have a short time, you can join One Day Open Trip tour package by speed boat.
