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Komodo
monitor photo by Kathleen Buck-Miser |
This project aims at providing quantitative information on
the biology and conservation status of the Komodo monitor Varanus
komodoensis, an endangered species of monitor lizard endemic
to five islands in South-East Indonesia. Results from field and
laboratory activities will help in develop management strategies
for both natural and captive populations.
This is part of a program for the conservation and management
of terrestrial wildlife and habitats in Komodo National Park
(KNP) and the island of Flores, Lesser Sunda, Indonesia in collaboration
with the Indonesian Directorate General of Forest Protection
and Nature conservation (PHKA) and Udayana University, Bali,
Indonesia.
There are four aims of this project. The first is to gather
essential data on the biology of the Komodo monitor. This includes
looking at population size and growth rates, birth and mortality
rates, rates of survival of the young, age structure and sex
ratio of the population, the mating system utilized within the
population, and assessment of all aspects of the reproductive
biology of this species. An analysis of diet content and amount
will also be conducted to aid in assessment of potential reintroduction
sites and in captive populations. Applied research will also
directly address wildlife management for this species and provide
data to help the implementation of in situ and ex situ management
plans. The second goal is to provide information on the distribution of the
Komodo monitor and the status of natural habitats to create a background
of knowledge for the design of programs for the establishment
of new protection areas. Third, the project aims to assist in
the design and application of wildlife monitoring techniques
and analysis of the results from this monitoring. The final aim
is to provide both academic and field training in wildlife management
and protection techniques to academic staff and PHKA personnel.
The Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program awarded the Conservation
Biology and Population Management of the Komodo Monitor $2500
in 2003 for its field work exploring the biology of Komodo monitors,
training in country personnel and working to establish new protected
areas for this species in Indonesia. In 2004, the fund awarded
this project up to $2000 to cover the cost of annual maintenance
for an anti-poaching patrol boat purchased by the project that
is used to patrol the island of Gili Motang and its population of about
100 Komodo monitors. Staff champions for this project are Beth
Jo Schoeberl (Previously Tropics Supervisor, no longer at the
Minnesota Zoo), and Laurie Trechsel, Tropics Zoologist. |