Lesson on TATAKalikasan Ateneo de Manila University
87.9 FM Radyo Katipunan, 11 to 12 a,m, Thursday March 13, 2025
In observance of Komodo Dragon Day March 6, 2025; International Day of the Forest March 21, 2025; EARTH Day (April 22, 2025); Endangered Species Day May 17, 2024; International Day of Zero Waste March 30, and UN World Wildlife Conservation Day, every December 4.
Let's Protect Our Endangered Wildlife
Formerly, 20 Wildlife animals that rebounded from the brink of extinction
Komodo Dragon
Part 2 - Cry of the Lawin and Facts About the Philippine Hawk
Part 3 - Proposed World Wildlife Conservation Day Activities
ANNEX A - World's 10 Most Endangered Animals
ANNEX B - 50 Critically Endangered Species in the PhilippinesANNEX C - Komodo Dragon - World's Largest Lizard
In less than a human lifetime, dozens of wildlife species have rebounded from the brink of extinction - and are establishing their territory on the countryside and in suburbs.
1. Wild Pig (baboy ramo, alingo Ilk, PHOTO is one of the most popular game animals; it is a pest of nearby farms, feeding on root crops and succulents, Our native pigs are the progeny of a cross indigenous and wild genes.)
3. Fireflies (They can be observed on empty lots adjacent to the Sacred Heart seminary, Novaliches QC
4. Pipit (popularized ina song of the same title, local counterpart of the hummingbird)
6. Skink or alibut Ilk (Twice in ten years I spotted this shiny ground lizard at home near the La Mesa watershed.) PHOTO right
8. Atlas moth (biggest of all insects by wing span, threatened by the gradual disappearance of native santol being replaced by the Bangkok variety)
9. Black Bear (Prowler in the kitchen and on garbage when hungry)
10. Canada Goose (Remember Fly Away Home ?)
11. Alligator (relative of the crocodile, we don't have alligators, instead crocodiles - they are coming back, too)
12. Gray Wolf (found in wastelands and open areas)
13. Deer (rebounded in no-hunting forests and grasslands)
14. Wild Turkey (particularly in the US and Canada)
15. Cougar (relative of the wolf in the US)
er of forest streams in temperate countries. (I saw a beaver's nest and dam in Manitoba in 1976, similar to this in photo from the Internet)
17. Raccoon (common in North America)
18. Reticulated python or sawa (a one-meter baby sawa was ensconced in a burnay or earthen jar.)
19. Rhinoceros beetle (appears like Triceratops, with three horns, apparently the male; the female has shorter horns)
20. Wildcat (In China the civet cat, counterpart of our musang, is invading homes. One reason for its comeback is that it eats fresh coffee bean and defecate the seed which is then ground into a special blend that commands a lucrative price.)
On a clear day we may see the lawin* hovering over our subdivision, alone or with a partner in dalliance, simply gliding and circling up in the sky, in a spectacular kind of show that this bird now categorized as threatened is still around. Its home is the La Mesa watershed, just across our subdivision. It is in deference to this bird that our association has adopted it as our symbol and acronym - LAWIN.
We thank our gazette editor Mr Fil Galimba who brought the idea of the organization, and Atty Riz Quiaoit for adopting Lawin as our symbol.
But what really does the lawin symbolize?
One early morning my granddaughter pointed at the bird in the sky. I explained what I know about the bird. Lawin symbolizes the young generations. It brings in the morning sun, it connects us grownups with the young generations. It gives our children a break from iPads and TV. .
One time children in the neighborhood in our place could not play their favorite game basketball. Somebody rebuilt their backboard, and games resumed. There one difference: the other player on the back bard is a big lawin with outstretched wings seemingly playing with the kids.
Nearby a garbage dump began to transform into a vegetable and herbal garden. The children called it Lawin Garden. It is a local version of the Phoenix bird rising from the garbage ashes.
The lawin has a peculiar cry while in flight - clear and loud whistle of two notes. But most often, it is a silent flyer with panoramic and telescopic vision.
It can see like a satellite monitor what is happening over its broad area of vision, yet able to focus on the slightest movement - a prey or an enemy.
Writers and artists to a great degree are like the lawin. Like the lawin, true writers and artists are a vanishing breed, they are an endangered species victim of instant and unguided social media, and worst assassination of journalists. The Philippines is compared to worn-torn countries like Syria and Afghanistan for having the highest number of killings in mass media.
The lawin writers and artists have "eyes for news and the arts," Their aerial perspective is holistic and contiguous. They see the multiplicity and unity of space and time, people and events. And they never veer away from their community which they watch over.
At the onset of organizing LAWIN, we did some research on our trust and functions, and on the long run - our projected goal.
Our reference is our own Gazette. Lawin is DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION. DevCom recognizes the power of communication as a catalyst for social development. It utilizes the tools and principles applicable in the community they serve for the advancement of society.
In an outline DevCom is
What then would be our guiding principle in our program? It can be summarized as follows, for an anonymous source:
If you were the lawin up in the sky over Greater Lagro, you are likely to see these -
"An endangered species is a type of organism that is threatened by extinction. Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation." - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Researched by Dr Abe V Rotor
Wildlife in acrylic painting by AV Rotor
Thanks to growing consciousness in wildlife protection and ecological conservation worldwide, despite massive and wanton destruction of wildlife habitats, and unabated pollution in air, water and land that threaten these and other species.
Here are twenty (20) animals that have made a remarkable comeback.
2. Kiyoaw or Oriole (a family of 4 to 6 members frequent our backyard trees, just outside the La Mesa Reservoir watershed) PHOTO
3. Fireflies (They can be observed on empty lots adjacent to the Sacred Heart seminary, Novaliches QC
4. Pipit (popularized ina song of the same title, local counterpart of the hummingbird)
5. Tuka'k Ba-ug (bellied frog, long thought to have succumbed to pesticides. (See separate article in this blog) PHOTO left
6. Skink or alibut Ilk (Twice in ten years I spotted this shiny ground lizard at home near the La Mesa watershed.) PHOTO right
7. Gecko Lizard (Tuko or tekka Ilk., hunted for its alleged aphrodisiac value.
8. Atlas moth (biggest of all insects by wing span, threatened by the gradual disappearance of native santol being replaced by the Bangkok variety)
9. Black Bear (Prowler in the kitchen and on garbage when hungry)
10. Canada Goose (Remember Fly Away Home ?)
11. Alligator (relative of the crocodile, we don't have alligators, instead crocodiles - they are coming back, too)
12. Gray Wolf (found in wastelands and open areas)
13. Deer (rebounded in no-hunting forests and grasslands)
14. Wild Turkey (particularly in the US and Canada)
15. Cougar (relative of the wolf in the US)
16. Beaver (natural dam build
17. Raccoon (common in North America)
18. Reticulated python or sawa (a one-meter baby sawa was ensconced in a burnay or earthen jar.)
19. Rhinoceros beetle (appears like Triceratops, with three horns, apparently the male; the female has shorter horns)
20. Wildcat (In China the civet cat, counterpart of our musang, is invading homes. One reason for its comeback is that it eats fresh coffee bean and defecate the seed which is then ground into a special blend that commands a lucrative price.)
The discovery of the Coelacanth (Latimeria) in the deep waters of Madagascar thought to have been extinct millions of years ago is perhaps the most dramatic and classical example of a "living fossil."
The dugong is a marine mammal. It is one of four living species of the order Sirenia, which also includes three species of manatees. It is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae; its closest modern relative, Steller's sea cow, was hunted to extinction in the 18th century. Wikipedia
TRIVIA
- There are only two northern white rhinos left in the world, both female. Yet there is still hope that we can preserve their lineage.
- The rarest animal in the world is the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). It is a kind of critically endangered porpoise that only lives in the furthest north-western corner of the Gulf of California in Mexico. There are only 18 left in the world. (Internet)
Part 2 - Cry of the Lawin
Facts about the Philippine Hawk
Lawin symbolizes the young generations. It brings in the morning sun, it connects us grownups with the young generation.
We, in Greater Lagro are blessed with having a rare bird called Philippine hawk or LAWIN in our language. It is a close relative of the Philippine eagle, which is considered a symbol of our culture.
Painting of a lawin on a backboard by the author
On a clear day we may see the lawin* hovering over our subdivision, alone or with a partner in dalliance, simply gliding and circling up in the sky, in a spectacular kind of show that this bird now categorized as threatened is still around. Its home is the La Mesa watershed, just across our subdivision. It is in deference to this bird that our association has adopted it as our symbol and acronym - LAWIN.
We thank our gazette editor Mr Fil Galimba who brought the idea of the organization, and Atty Riz Quiaoit for adopting Lawin as our symbol.
But what really does the lawin symbolize?
One early morning my granddaughter pointed at the bird in the sky. I explained what I know about the bird. Lawin symbolizes the young generations. It brings in the morning sun, it connects us grownups with the young generations. It gives our children a break from iPads and TV. .
One time children in the neighborhood in our place could not play their favorite game basketball. Somebody rebuilt their backboard, and games resumed. There one difference: the other player on the back bard is a big lawin with outstretched wings seemingly playing with the kids.
Nearby a garbage dump began to transform into a vegetable and herbal garden. The children called it Lawin Garden. It is a local version of the Phoenix bird rising from the garbage ashes.
The lawin has a peculiar cry while in flight - clear and loud whistle of two notes. But most often, it is a silent flyer with panoramic and telescopic vision.
It can see like a satellite monitor what is happening over its broad area of vision, yet able to focus on the slightest movement - a prey or an enemy.
Writers and artists to a great degree are like the lawin. Like the lawin, true writers and artists are a vanishing breed, they are an endangered species victim of instant and unguided social media, and worst assassination of journalists. The Philippines is compared to worn-torn countries like Syria and Afghanistan for having the highest number of killings in mass media.
The lawin writers and artists have "eyes for news and the arts," Their aerial perspective is holistic and contiguous. They see the multiplicity and unity of space and time, people and events. And they never veer away from their community which they watch over.
At the onset of organizing LAWIN, we did some research on our trust and functions, and on the long run - our projected goal.
Our reference is our own Gazette. Lawin is DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION. DevCom recognizes the power of communication as a catalyst for social development. It utilizes the tools and principles applicable in the community they serve for the advancement of society.
In an outline DevCom is
- Information dissemination and education
- Social Marketing - ideas, knowledge and wisdom
- Purposive communication - it sets targets
- Social mobilization - involvement and militancy
- Community improvement mainly on felt needs
- Positive change (social, political, economic, moral, environmental, cultural, etc.)
- Participatory development - bottom-up approach
- Humanities development - applied aesthetics
- Sentinel and vanguard of code of media
- Pathfinder - pioneering and visionary
Development Communication as the INTEGRATION OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION IN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, based on a clear understanding of real and down-to-earth situations, with people's participation and shared equitable benefits.
What then would be our guiding principle in our program? It can be summarized as follows, for an anonymous source:
"If it is of high quality, people will respect you;If it is relevant, people ill need you;If it is measurable, people will trust you;If it is innovative, people will follow you."
If you were the lawin up in the sky over Greater Lagro, you are likely to see these -
1. the need to train students in our schools in the field of mass media and applied art to run their school paper.2. the need to take care of the trees, and plants more tree, to make Lagro an extension of the shrinking wildlife.3. the need to expand outdoor activities, participate in wholesome games and sports, creative activities.4. the need to guard Greater Lagro from the incursion of bad elements, vices, violations of human rights, peace and order.5. bringing in honors and prestige to the community through the talents of its citizens, particularly the young.6. unifying relationships of families, strengthening bonding, making the community senior citizen friendly, grandchildren friendly as well.
There are one-thousand-and-one other visions that challenge the organization LAWIN and its members giving meaning to their membership, above all leaving their legacy for the next generations.~
Philippine hawk-eagles (Nisaetus philippensis) are raptors native only to the Philippines. "Lawin" translates to "hawk" in the Tagalog tongue. Philippine hawk-eagles survive in very low numbers, so their population is considered vulnerable.
Philippine hawk-eagles (Nisaetus philippensis) are raptors native only to the Philippines.
Physical Appearance
Philippine hawk lawins are typically about 26 or 27 inches long. The top portions of their plumage are deep brown, and their lower portions are reddish-brown and adorned in black markings. Philippine hawk-eagles have pale throats, yellow limbs, deep gray beaks and dark crests. Their crests are made up of four to five feathers, some of which can reach 2.75 inches long. It takes about four years to develop their mature feathers. Fully grown Philippine hawk-eagles tend to have lithe physiques.
Living Environment
Philippine hawk lawins inhabit numerous islands throughout the Philippines, including Mindoro and Luzon. They haven't been confirmed as migratory, though they might occasionally travel between islands. They are prevalent around outer portions of forests, sometimes even in airy settings. Philippine hawk-eagles spend a lot of time hidden in the top layers of forests. They do a lot of high flying within their habitats.
Population
The number of Philippine hawk lawins in the wild is dropping swiftly. Their total population is thought to be 1,000 and 2,499 specimens, two-thirds of which are adults, according to BirdLife International. Key factors in their decline are the clearing of trees for logging, farm animals, and farming expansion in general. People also sometimes hunt Philippine hawk-eagles. Efforts to conserve this species include captive reproductive programs and protected locations such as Bataan National Park.
Vocalization
The signature call of the Philippine hawk lawin is a clear, loud whistle of two notes. These birds call out over and over again, sometimes in intervals of three seconds.~
Neighborhood projects of LAWIN
(Lagro Association of Writers and Artists, Inc)
Sports development: Lawin Backboard; Green Revolution: Lawin Garden
Facts About the Philippine Hawk Lawin
by Naomi Millburn
Philippine hawk-eagles (Nisaetus philippensis) are raptors native only to the Philippines. "Lawin" translates to "hawk" in the Tagalog tongue. Philippine hawk-eagles survive in very low numbers, so their population is considered vulnerable.Philippine hawk-eagles (Nisaetus philippensis) are raptors native only to the Philippines.
Physical Appearance
Philippine hawk lawins are typically about 26 or 27 inches long. The top portions of their plumage are deep brown, and their lower portions are reddish-brown and adorned in black markings. Philippine hawk-eagles have pale throats, yellow limbs, deep gray beaks and dark crests. Their crests are made up of four to five feathers, some of which can reach 2.75 inches long. It takes about four years to develop their mature feathers. Fully grown Philippine hawk-eagles tend to have lithe physiques.
Living Environment
Philippine hawk lawins inhabit numerous islands throughout the Philippines, including Mindoro and Luzon. They haven't been confirmed as migratory, though they might occasionally travel between islands. They are prevalent around outer portions of forests, sometimes even in airy settings. Philippine hawk-eagles spend a lot of time hidden in the top layers of forests. They do a lot of high flying within their habitats.
Population
The number of Philippine hawk lawins in the wild is dropping swiftly. Their total population is thought to be 1,000 and 2,499 specimens, two-thirds of which are adults, according to BirdLife International. Key factors in their decline are the clearing of trees for logging, farm animals, and farming expansion in general. People also sometimes hunt Philippine hawk-eagles. Efforts to conserve this species include captive reproductive programs and protected locations such as Bataan National Park.
Vocalization
The signature call of the Philippine hawk lawin is a clear, loud whistle of two notes. These birds call out over and over again, sometimes in intervals of three seconds.~
*Inaugural speech of the author upon assuming the position as first president of LAWIN (Lagro writers (and artists) Association Inc, June 20 2016 Barangay Greater Lagro QC
Part 3 - Proposed World Wildlife Conservation Day Activities
Here are some best activity World Wildlife Conservation Day:
- Nature Walks: Explore local habitats, observe wildlife, and learn about their ecosystems.
- Educational Workshops: Attend talks and workshops to deepen understanding of conservation issues.
- Volunteer Work: Participate in habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and conservation projects.
- Wildlife Photography: Capture the beauty of nature while raising awareness about conservation.
- Documentary Screenings: Host or attend screenings that highlight the importance of wildlife protection.
- Art and Crafts: Express creativity by creating artwork inspired by wildlife and nature.
- Tree Planting: Contribute to reforestation efforts, benefiting various species and habitats.
- Educational Games: Engage in games that teach about wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation.
- Online Campaigns: Utilize social media to spread awareness and encourage action for wildlife.
- Donations: Support conservation organizations financially to aid their efforts.
ANNEX A- 10 of the world's most endangered animals
- Javan Rhinos. ...
- Amur Leopard. ...
- Sunda Island Tiger. ...
- Mountain Gorillas. ...
- Tapanuli Orangutan. ...
- Yangtze Finless Porpoise. ...
- Black Rhinos. ...
- African Forest Elephant.
- Sumatran Orangutan
- Hawksbill Turtle
50 Critically Endangered Species in the Philippines
NOTE: List as transformed for reference, may be converted into Table by following the numbers of each item.
NOTE: List as transformed for reference, may be converted into Table by following the numbers of each item.
1. Philippine Eagle
11. Hawksbill Sea Turtle
21. Long Polyp Green
31. Green Turtle
41. Calamian Deer
2. Philippine Freshwater Crocodile
12. The Philippine Tarsier
22. False Flower Coral
32. Black Shama
42. Streak-breasted Bulbul
3. Tamaraw
13. Philippine Spotted Deer
23. Sei Whale
33. Panay Crateromys
43. Catanduanes Narrow-mouthed Frog
4. Walden's Hornbill
14. Sulu Hornbill
24. Blue Whale
34. Negros Shrew
44. Philippine Tube-nosed Fruit Bat
5. Visayan Warty Pig
15. Negros Fruit Dove
25. Fin Whale
35. Flame-templed Babbler
45. Luzon Peacock Swallowtail
6. Philippine Cockatoo
16. Flame-breasted Fruit Dove
26. Dinagat Hairy-tailed Rat
36. White-winged Flying Fox
46. Frog-faced Softshell Turtle
7. Negros Bleeding-heart
17. Giant Clams
27. Limbless Worm Skink
37. Mindoro Zone-tailed Pigeon
47. Tawitawi Brown Dove
8. Philippine Naked-backed Fruit Bat
18. Cebu Flowerpecker
28. Loggerhead Turtle
38. Japanese Night Heron
48. Mindoro Tree Frog
9. Philippine Forest Turtle
19. Golden-capped Fruit Bat
29. Dog-faced Water Snake
39. Apo Swallowtail
49. Hazel's Forest Frog
10. Dinagat Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat
20. Net Coral
30. Humphead Wrasse
40. Spiny Turtle
50. Mount Data Forest Frog
ANNEX C - Komodo dragon, (Varanus komodoensis), World’s Largest Lizard
The dragon is a monitor lizard of the family Varanidae. It occurs on Komodo Island and a few neighbouring islands of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia.
Komodo dragons are large, muscular lizards that are known for their armored skin and massive size – they can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet). They inhabit the beaches and grasslands of the central lesser islands of the Indonesian archipelago. Not officially described scientifically until 1912, Komodo dragons are versatile predators, feeding on everything from deer and pigs to small birds and other reptiles.
Komodo Dragon Facts Overview
- Habitat:
- Flat savanna, highland forests, and beaches
- Location: Five islands in Indonesia (Komodo, Rinca, Gili Montang, Gili Dasami, and Flores)
- Lifespan: 30-35 years
- Size: 6-10 ft (2-3m)
- Weight: 154-300 lbs (70-136 kg)
- Color: Gray skin, finely spotted with orange and yellow as juveniles
- Diet: Carnivorous (deer, wild boar, goats, birds, Komodo dragons)
- Predators: Humans
- Top Speed: 16-21 kph (10-13 mph)
- No. of Species: 1
- Conservation Status: Endangered
- Their elongated bodies and powerful limbs allow them to easily switch between terrestrial, arboreal, and aquatic habitats.
Komodo dragons are solitary, coming together only to breed and eat.
Mating begins in May for Komodo dragons, and they can lay up to 20 eggs in a nest at a time. The eggs are incubated for 7-8 months, before they are born.
Komodo dragons are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of their food chain. While humans can be considered a threat to Komodo dragons, this has more to do with loss of habitat than hunting. As of 2021, the Komodo dragon has moved from vulnerable to endangered in the IUCN Red Lest of Threatened Species. This move is mainly due to climate change and the rising sea levels. There are an estimated 1,400 mature Komodo dragons left in the wild.
Interesting Komodo Dragon Facts
1. Komodo Dragons are only found in one country
Komodo dragons call five small islands in Indonesia home. This makes them the predator with the smallest home range in the world. Four of the five are found within Komodo National Park. These islands have a rugged terrain—covered with forests, hills, grassland and beaches.
2. Research suggests that they may have originated from Australia
According to various studies, there is fossil and DNA evidence, dating back roughly 4 million years ago, that suggests that Komodo dragons originated in Australia. Fossils have been found throughout eastern Australia that are nearly identical to today’s Komodo dragons.
3. The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard
While they aren’t quite as large as the dragons of fairytales or their ancient ancestors, they’re much bigger than the lizards typically found roaming the garden. Most Komodo dragons can grow to the length of a small car.
The largest verified specimen was 10 feet (3.13 meters) long and weighed about 365 lbs (166 kg).3 For comparison, the next largest species of lizard is the Asian water monitor, which grow up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length. 3
4. Their tail is as long as their body
One thing that helps contribute to its length is the size of a Komodo dragon’s tail. The tail is nearly as long as the body—and just as strong too! Often acting as an extra limb, the tail It is strong enough to take down a deer with a single whip!
5. It’s hard to tell males and females apart
Though male Komodo dragons tend to grow larger than females, there is virtually no morphological differences to tell them apart. Not only do researchers have a hard time determining sexes, but the dragons themselves appear to have trouble figuring it out.
Determining the sex of an animal is especially important for captive breeding programs. One subtle hint is a scale pattern difference near the cloaca; however, this isn’t always consistent. In captivity, researchers will use DNA technology for sex determination.
6. Komodo Dragons don’t waste their food!
These monitor lizards are considered to be one of the most efficient eaters in the animal kingdom. Most large carnivores tend to like up to 30 percent of their kill unconsumed.
Komodo dragons, on the other hand, consume about 88 percent of their prey, including the bones, hooves, hide, and intestines.
7. They can go through four to five sets of teeth in their lifetime
Komodo dragons have 60 razor sharp teeth that are meant for tearing off large chunks of flesh. As the bite, teeth will often become damages or lost. However, these teeth are constantly replaced. A Komodo dragon can grow through as many as five sets of teeth in their lifetime.
8. Komodo dragons are venomous
As one of the few venomous lizards on the planet, a Komodo dragon bite is not something you would want to incur. When the lizard bites into its prey, venom seeps into the wound through ducts that are located between the teeth. This venom has coagulopathic, hemorrhagic, and shock-inducing toxins. If the initially bite doesn’t take down their prey, the dragon will trail behind its dying victim, waiting for the venom to eventually take it down.
9. Adult Komodo dragons are known to eat younger Komodo dragons
Mature Komodo dragons have been known to cannibalize juvenile monitors within their species. To prevent this, young dragons will often roll in the feces of adult dragons to take on their scent. Young dragons are also more arboreal (live in trees), whereas adults usually stick to the land and water.
10. They have an excellent sense of smell. Komodo dragons uses their sense of smell as their primary food detector. They use their long, forked tongue to sample airborne molecules. This can tell them everything from how far away prey may be and which direction it is headed.
11. Komodo dragons are fast!
Most reptiles are limited when it comes to agility. However, monitor lizards have a genetic adaptation that gives them increase aerobic capacity. Komodo dragons have a metabolism more like that of a mammal, allowing them to move faster when hunting prey. When going after a kill, a Komodo dragon can typically reach speeds of 13 mph.
12. They can also swim Not only do they move fast on land, but they are excellent swimmers. They have been spotted miles offshore and are known to swim between the five islands they reside on.
13. Even though they can run, they prefer to use a stealth-based hunting strategy
Komodo dragons are better designed for strength and power over speed and endurance. It’s not often that you will see a Komodo dragon chasing down a deer or wild boar. Their hunting strategy typically consists of sitting and waiting for prey to cross its path before launching and attack. Even then, many of the dragon’s attempts are unsuccessful, leaving it up to the venom to finish the job a few days later.
14. Their exterior acts as a permanent suit of armor
Komodo dragons are known to be aggressive, not only with potential prey, but also with each other. Under the skin, Komodo dragons have thousands of tiny bones called osteoderms. These are hard deposits that develop throughout the dragon’s lifetime. As apex predators, there isn’t much these lizards need protection from. This built-in chain mail acts as a form for protection from other Komodo dragons.
15. Varanids are the smartest among lizards
Species within the Varanus genus are known to have more intelligence than other lizards. Among them, Komodo dragons are thought to be quite intelligent.
Keepers at the Smithsonian Zoo have found that individual Komodo dragons can recognize different keepers. They will even exhibit curiosity and playfulness.
16. They can reproduce asexually
Komodo dragons can reproduce asexually through a process called parthenogenesis, which means the female can lay eggs without the help of a male to fertilise them.
Only around 70 species in the world have shown this behaviour.
17. The komodo dragon inspired ‘King Kong’.
The 1933 movie King Kong was inspired by an expedition to Komodo Island by W. Douglas Burden in 1926, where they captured two live komodo dragons.
18. Attacks on humans are rare, but do happen!
Komodo dragons generally avoid contact with humans. However, there’s been 24 reported attacks on humans between 1974 and 2012, with several fatalities. Most of the victims are local villagers living close to the national parks.
19. Climate change is a major threat to their survival
Increasing temperatures and rising sea levels are problematic for the komodo dragon, as they do not inhabit higher altitude regions of their islands.
20. Some projections have estimated a 71% loss of komodo dragons by 2050, while other scientists have argued against these conclusions. Ongoing conservati20. on efforts and protection will be paramout for the survival of the species.
Komodo Dragon Fact-File Summary
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Species Name:
Varanus Komodensis
Fact Sources & References
Murphy, J. B., Ciofi, C., de La Panouse, C., & Walsh, T. (Eds.). (2015). Komodo Dragons: Biology and Conservation. Smithsonian Institution.
Ciofi, C. (1999). The Komodo dragon. Scientific American, 280(3), 84-91.
Sulandari, S., Zein, M. S. A., Arida, E. A., & Hamidy, A. (2014). Molecular sex determination of captive Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) at Gembira Loka zoo, Surabaya zoo, and Ragunan zoo, Indonesia. HAYATI Journal of Biosciences, 21(2), 65-75.
Fry, B. G., Wroe, S., Teeuwisse, W., van Osch, M. J., Moreno, K., Ingle, J., … & Norman, J. A. (2009). A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) priscus. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(22), 8969-8974.
Lind, Abigail L. “Genome of the Komodo dragon reveals adaptations in the cardiovascular and chemosensory systems of monitor lizards.” Nature Ecology & Evolution. 2019.
Zhongming, Z., Linong, L., Xiaona, Y., Wangqiang, Z., & Wei, L. (2019). Elaborate Komodo dragon armor defends against other dragons. (Acknowledgement with gratitude - avr)
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