11 World Heritage Objects in Indonesia
Until this year there are 11 Indonesian objects out of approximately 890 objects around the world which are awarded as World Heritage by UNESCO. These World Heritage objects may get sponsored by World Heritage Fund under certain conditions. The World Heritage objects located in Indonesia are listed as follows:
World Heritage of Nature : Indonesia has 4 World Heritage of Nature Objects.
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park received the recognition from UNESCO in 1991. The
park is located between Sumbawa and Flores and it consists of three
major islands, namely Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Padar Island, and
also several small islands. This park was established in 1980 to
protect komodo and their habitat. In addition to komodo, there are 277
species of other animals which are coming from Asia and Australia.
Also, there are 253 species of coral reefs in the water area which is
known as one of the best diving place. At the moment, this national
park is nominated to be one of the seven wonders of the world.
Komodo dragon, as some of you may already know, is the closest living
creature to dinosaurs. In fact, Komodo dragon started their evolutionary
journey 40 million years ago. They were originally from Asia but along
with time, they migrated to Australia. The collision between Australia
and Southeast Asia 15 million years ago brought Komodo dragon to Komodo
National Park, Indonesia, which has since become their natural
ecosystem.
The Komodo Dragon
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a large species of lizard found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (150 lb).
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| Indonesian-Beauty-Most-Popular-Tourism-Komodo-National-Park-komodo. |
In the wild, an adult Komodo dragon usually weighs around 70 kilograms (150 lb), although captive specimens often weigh more. The largest verified wild specimen was 3.13 metres (10.3 ft) long and weighed 166 kilograms (370 lb), including undigested food. The Komodo dragon has a tail as long as its body, as well as about 60 frequently replaced serrated teeth that can measure up to 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length. Its saliva is frequently blood-tinged, because its teeth are almost completely covered by gingival tissue that is naturally lacerated during feeding. This creates an ideal culture for the virulent bacteria that live in its mouth. It also has a long, yellow, deeply forked tongue. Komodo dragons are endangered species.
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| Male Komodo dragon. |
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| A female guarding her nest which contains a clutch of eggs. |
Behavior
The Komodo dragon is a solitary animal, except during the breeding
season. It is a very territorial animal. It is active during the day,
can climb trees, it is a good swimmer and has good eyesight. Although
Komodo dragons eat mostly carrion, they will also hunt and ambush prey
including invertebrates, birds, and mammals.
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| Young Komodo dragon escaping predation. |
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| Komodo-dragon-into-water |
Reproduction
Threats and Conservation
The population of Komodo dragons today is estimated to be a mere
fraction of its size 50 years ago. Causes of this decline are widespread
habitat loss throughout the region, a loss of prey species and hunting.
No Komodo dragons have been seen on the island of Padar since the
1970s, the result of widespread poaching of the deer that constitute
their chief prey source.
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| Komodo Dragon. |
Komodo and surrounding islands lie within the Komodo National Park.
Law has protected these dragons since the 1930s. They are listed as
vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
and international trade is prohibited by their listing on Appendix I of
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). An
important tourist trade has sprung-up around these spectacular
creatures, bringing over 18,000 visitors to the area each year; it is
hoped that this economic incentive will help to safeguard the future of
these awesome dragons.
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| Komodo-dragon-in-komodo-national-park. |
Komodo National Park is located in the center of the Indonesian
archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Established in
1980, initially the main purpose of the Park was to conserve the unique
Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its habitat. However,
over the years, the goals for the Park have expanded to protecting its
entire biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. In 1986, the Park was
declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by
UNESCO, both indications of the Park’s biological importance.
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| Komodo National Park. |
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| Beautiful National Park Komodo Dragons |
Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and
Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area
(marine and land) of 1817km (proposed extensions would bring the total
surface area up to 2,321km2). As well as being home to the Komodo
dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial
species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the
Timor deer. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine
environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts,
and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbor more than 1,000 species
of fish, some 385 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of
sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales,
dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home.
Divers also claim that Komodo waters are one of the best diving sites in
the world.
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| Komodo National Park includes one of the richest marine environments. |
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| Komodo National Park. |
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| Komodo waters are one of the best diving sites in the world. |
New 7 Wonders. Why Vote?
Komodo National Park is currently voted as one of the finalists for
the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign held by the New 7 Wonders
Foundation. It’s all because of the support that have been given to
Komodo National Park. But, it hasn’t over yet.
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| Vote Komodo for the new 7 wonder |
I think almost of us agree that to save nature, we have to appreciate
it first. Many wanton destructions against Mother Earth were caused by
our own ignorance. Komodo National Park does not only shelter the
endangered komodos but also home to 385 underwater species of beautiful
corals, mangrove forests, and seaweeds as a home for thousands of fish
species, 70 types of sponges, 10 types of dolphins, 6 types of whales,
green turtles and various types of sharks and stingrays. Komodo Island
is also one of the best diving sites in the world.
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| Komodo island |
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| Komodo island |
Imagine it. If we can bring many more people to this area, it would
give an economic incentive that will help to safeguard the future of
these awesome dragons and other species around. So, let’s working on it
together. We ask for your continuing support to make Komodo National
Park become one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature by
voting here. Or enter this URL in your browser:
http://www.new7wonders.com/community/en/new7wonders/new7wonders_of_nature/voting
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