Why is the Komodo dragon endangered?

How is the endangered Komodo Dragon being protected?

• Answer:

  Komodo dragons are classified on the IUCN Red List as "Vulnerable". They are not yet endangered, though their numbers are diminishing. One of the main reasons for their declining population is the fact that they live in areas constantly beset by natural disasters such as volcanic activity, earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. Natural disasters diminish numbers of the dragons' prey, leaving them with less food. Illegal poaching of Komodo dragons and their eggs has also resulted in fewer dragons remaining alive, while human encroachment leading to habitat destruction has resulted in less shelter for komodo dragons.n, so action is needed to save this creature. Currently, there is a programme underway of trapping komodo dragons, and micro-chipping them for research. The activities of each specimen caught can then be monitored, including hunting habits, vulnerability to predation by their own or other species (including man) and preferred shelter, all with the aim of finding a way to stop their numbers decreasing. Genetic studies of the creatures are also made, using blood that is extracted after trapping, and this is used to determine the best and healthiest dragons that would survive relocation to other Indonesian islands (such as Padar) where they once lived but are now believed to be extinct. There are komodo dragon breeding programmes all over the world, and currently about 300 komodo dragons being kept in secure captivity, partially as insurance for survival of the species. More young are also being bred and raised. On the island of Flores, there are two restricted reserves where the komodo dragon is kept in protective captivity. Obviously, government legislation to protect the komodo dragon against being hunted and killed also helps it from becoming closer to extinction.