Komodo Survival Programme
Location
Flores, Indonesia
Support started
2005
Species
Komodo Dragon
Mission
The
Wae Wuul protection plan was developed to protect the remnant Komodo
dragon population in Wae Wuul and avoid expansion of habitat
encroachment. The project has four main components: community awareness,
patrolling and law enforcement, involvement of the local community in
protection and conservation and capacity building.
Donations:
Annual donations made towards the main components of the project.
Komodo dragons are restricted to 5 southern Indonesian islands and they have the smallest range of any large predator in the world. On the island of Flores, where this project is based, there is estimated to only be 160 individuals left. In 2004, it was estimated that in Wae Wuul alone there was 1 komodo per 60ha, however no reports have been done since then to find out current density sizes. The project is working hard to protect its current unknown population of Komodo dragons.
The training of staff in wildlife monitoring techniques is an essential part of the project. This data helps to produce estimates of Komodo dragon and ungulate population size and density. To collect data on Komodo dragons, staff are trained on how to use baited aluminium cages for trapping them, marking them with microchips and on the collection of blood samples. Collection of this data will give a deeper understanding into the current population size, survival rates and age structure of Komodo dragons on the reserve.
Patrolling activities represent an important component of the Komodo dragon conservation programme in the Wae Wuul nature reserve. Patrolling is conducted across the reserve to monitor and control arson in the savannah and grassland, control the occurrence of feral dogs, wood harvesting and halt illegal hunting of deer. The project during its recent patrolling activities has also tested a new monitoring technique, using camera traps and bait to attract wildlife. The hope is this could be used as an alternative to live caging for Komodo dragon population density estimates.
The training of staff in wildlife monitoring techniques is an essential part of the project. This data helps to produce estimates of Komodo dragon and ungulate population size and density. To collect data on Komodo dragons, staff are trained on how to use baited aluminium cages for trapping them, marking them with microchips and on the collection of blood samples. Collection of this data will give a deeper understanding into the current population size, survival rates and age structure of Komodo dragons on the reserve.
Patrolling activities represent an important component of the Komodo dragon conservation programme in the Wae Wuul nature reserve. Patrolling is conducted across the reserve to monitor and control arson in the savannah and grassland, control the occurrence of feral dogs, wood harvesting and halt illegal hunting of deer. The project during its recent patrolling activities has also tested a new monitoring technique, using camera traps and bait to attract wildlife. The hope is this could be used as an alternative to live caging for Komodo dragon population density estimates.
Colchester Zoo’s Action for the Wild has donated £14,731.73 to the Komodo Survival Project since 2005. In 2023, we will be making an additional contribution of €1,500 to help the Komodo Survival Program protect and monitor Komodo Dragons and their habitat with the involvement of the local community.
Work in 2023 will continue to strengthen monitoring and conservation in Komodo Dragon distribution areas beyond protected areas on Flores Island, as well as further capacity building of staff, stakeholder engagement, community awareness and education programmes for local communities.
Work in 2023 will continue to strengthen monitoring and conservation in Komodo Dragon distribution areas beyond protected areas on Flores Island, as well as further capacity building of staff, stakeholder engagement, community awareness and education programmes for local communities.
It is hoped that once the Wae Wuul Protection Plan becomes established as a regular, annual initiative then illegal activities within the park boundaries will stop completely and Komodo dragon numbers will increase.
In the next three months, conduct coordination meeting at BBKSDA headquarter in Kupang; assist with local community Patrol using the SMART Patrol application for a better patrolling activities and planning, and
conduct educational and community awareness programs.
In the next three months, conduct coordination meeting at BBKSDA headquarter in Kupang; assist with local community Patrol using the SMART Patrol application for a better patrolling activities and planning, and
conduct educational and community awareness programs.
Website:
http://komododragon.org/