Did you know that even though the Komodo dragon is often associated with dinosaurs, they actually evolved 60 million years after the dinosaurs went extinct? Research conducted by paleontologists and archaeologists reveals that the oldest fossil of a Komodo dragon dates back 3.8 million years. Interestingly, these fossils were discovered in Australia, not Indonesia. The oldest Komodo dragon fossil found in Indonesia is estimated to be 3 million years younger, suggesting that during this time gap, Komodo dragons migrated from Australia to Indonesia. Today, they survive on only a few small islands in the eastern Indonesia.

The Komodo dragon is now listed as an endangered species by the IUCN , due to its low population size, restricted distribution range, and threats from rising sea levels. While their population in protected areas like Komodo National Park is stable and well-protected, those in non-protected areas such as Flores Island are struggling. On Flores Island they live alongside humans and face threats from poaching and habitat loss caused by land conversion for agriculture.

If you want to learn more about Komodo dragons and the ongoing effort to help this remarkable species avoid extinction, visit the Komodo Survival Program webpage. This collaborative program between the Indonesian government and local NGOs focuses on ecological research and conservation activities.