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JAKARTA, Oct 27 (Reuters): On Tuesday (Oct 27) the Indonesian Ministry of the Environment tried to quell outrage over the construction of a tourism project on an island dubbed “Jurassic Park” after a image went viral on social media of a Komodo dragon facing a large truck.
The image of the dragon, one of the largest lizards in the world, blocking the passage of a large vehicle on Indonesia’s Rinca Island sparked a wave of anger at perceived threats to the natural habitat of vulnerable species.
Reuters was unable to verify the authenticity of the image.
Wiratno, a senior official with the Environment Ministry, said the rangers would ensure the safety of the dragons roaming near the construction, which will include an elevated platform, a dam and an information center, to be completed in June.
“They will do intensive checks to see if Komodo dragons are under buildings, building debris and under trucks carrying material,” he said in a statement.
The current population of Komodo in Indonesia is about 3,000, according to government data.
Komodo dragons reach up to 3 m in length, have curved and serrated teeth, a yellow forked tongue, strong limbs, and a long tail.
They can kill prey as large as a water buffalo with a single poisonous bite.
The project, which involves the country’s Ministry of Public Works and Housing, seeks to serve visitors to the Komodo National Park, where komodos can be seen in the wild.
Social media users have compared the project to one on a dinosaur island featured in the Jurassic Park movies.
The Public Works Ministry in a statement on Monday also ensured the safety of the komodos. But environmentalists said construction must stop.
“Komodo should be the top priority. They should be protected in a designated area,” said Umbu Wulang Tanaamahu Paranggi, director of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) in East Nusa Tenggara.
“What is happening now is the destruction of the dragons’ living spaces.” – Reuters
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