[ad_1]
JAKARTA: Indonesian conservationists have criticized plans to turn the home of the endangered Komodo dragons into a Jurassic Park-style attraction, after a viral photo showing one of the giant reptiles sparked an online reaction about the development.
Nearly 3,000 of the world’s largest lizard species live on a group of islands east of Bali, where they grow up to three meters long and weigh up to 90 kg.
READ: Indonesia says ‘Jurassic Park’ project poses no threat to Komodo dragon
Last month, authorities unveiled a proposal to build a tourist development on one of the islands, dubbed “Jurassic Park” after the architects posted a promotional video of the project with music from the film franchise.
But environmentalists then warned that it would threaten species that are already at risk.
This week, an image of a Komodo dragon in the path of a truck carrying construction supplies renewed debate about the project, after it was shared widely online.
“The idea of building a Jurassic Park is honestly embarrassing,” said Gregorius Afioma, an activist with local social justice NGO Sunspirit.
“People come here to see komodos in their natural habitat … These people are selling a concept where (visitors) can walk inside to see Komodo dragons, which to me is no different than a zoo.” added.
Rima Melani Bilaut of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment added that the development would further threaten dragons by reducing the size of their habitat.
The government said the truck in the now-viral photo was unrelated to the controversial development, which has been frozen until mid-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If we control it well and minimize contact with wildlife, the current tourism development will not endanger the Komodo population,” an environment ministry official said in a statement this week.
Conservationists have long feared that mass tourism, traffic, and a lack of natural prey threaten the survival of Komodo dragons.
Last year, Indonesia scrapped plans to ban tourists from the conservation area, saying it would instead limit the number of visitors and increase entrance prices to create a “premium destination.”
