Komodo Island is closing because people are stealing the dragons

Indonesia’s famous Komodo island (home of the Komodo dragon) will likely close to tourists after cops busted a ring of lizard smugglers last month.

Indonesia government officials are shutting down tourist visits to Komodo Island for 2020 because smugglers are stealing the fantastic Komodo dragons and selling them on the black market. All next year, conservationists will focus on boosting the dragon population and habitat preservation.

The closure was announced after the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry revealed that it had busted a smuggling ring that was going to sell 41 Komodo dragons. The lizards were selling for about $35,000 each.

Komodo dragons are a protected species and considered to be the largest living lizard in the world. It is capable of growing up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds. They’re dangerous mostly due to their poisonous saliva and can be dangerous. The World Animal Foundation estimates that there are about 6000 komodo dragons living in the wilderness, all concentrated in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park.

But the good news is that you’ll be able to see the animal even after the ban from 2020, as only Komodo Island will close to tourists. It will be possible to see the animals in other parts of the national park, including Rinca and Gili Motong islands.

During the closure, officials will reportedly embark on a conservation program aimed at increasing the population of the dragons while preserving their habitat.
In addition to these super-sized lizards, the area offers exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities as well as breathtaking scenery.