TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A number of researchers from the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) announced the result of a study the group conducted at the Komodo National Park in the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) for the past several years.

This study was revealed during a House hearing on Monday, November 23, to discuss the construction project at one of the Komodo’s habitat in Rinca Island and how it affects the wildlife there.

The first aspect they found at the Komodo park is that the wildlife’s behavior changes are able to change parallel to the increasing number of tourist visitations. “We conclude that interactions must be reduced,” said Mirza Kusrini, IPB lecturer of forestry and environment at the House of Representatives (DPR) hearing on November 23.

The IPB study revealed that the population and habitat of the dragons are maintained in the national park, which was backed by a study by the Environment and Forestry Ministry.

They found 3,022 komodo dragons in 2019 which grew by 125 compared to the previous year. The population in Loh Buaya is currently at 66.

However, the IPB research revealed there are threats that still face the animal’s habitat such as a certain frog species intrusion to the dragon’s natural habitat and the low conservation perception of locals living alongside the komodo.

They also said that komodos living within the Komodo National Park are subject to more attention compared to the wildlifes outside the national park.

Also Read: NTT Limits Number of Tourist in Komodo National Park

FAJAR PEBRIANTO