In the heart of Indonesia, dragons roam.
Despite being around for four million years, the future of the world’s largest lizard — the Komodo dragon — is uncertain. In our new film, join Dr Gerardo Garcia, the head of our Ectotherms Department, on a 12-year quest to uncover the secrets of Komodo dragons and the extraordinary efforts needed to save this endangered species from extinction.
These apex predators are only found on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar, with only around 3,000 in Komodo National Park and fewer than a thousand on Flores Island.
The species faces a variety of challenges across its range: climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, loss of prey, and conflicts with people.
To help address these problems, we’ve been working to protect them for over a decade. We not only manage Komodo dragons under human care across Europe, but have created a supportive network that helps the only organisation in Indonesia that’s working tirelessly to protect them: the Komodo Survival Program (KSP).
KSP conducts vital research on Komodo dragons, provides education and support for the communities living alongside them, and works closely with the Government of Indonesia to help create policies that protect them.
We work with zoos around the world to support KSP in this mission, providing vital technical input, resources, and direct help in the field.
Dr Gerardo Garcia, Head of Ectotherms at Chester Zoo, said:
“These giant reptiles are extremely special — you can tell there’s something deeper behind their eyes. They not only play a key role in the ecosystems in which they live, but are of deep cultural value to many communities in Indonesia.”
“The ultimate aim of my work is connecting conservation efforts for Komodo dragons in the wild with the international network of zoos.”
“By working closely with our in-country partners and the Government of Indonesia, we can help to amplify their vital research, better protect Komodo dragons, and support the communities living alongside them. With all our support, we can give the world’s largest lizard a bright future.”
Despite the huge challenges they face, there is hope for Komodo dragons. We will continue to work with our partners worldwide to ensure this ancient species can survive and thrive.
OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS WORK IN SIX REGIONS AROUND THE GLOBE – REPRESENTING SOME OF THE PLANET’S MOST BIODIVERSE HABITATS. Discover more about our SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION work.