Komodo Dragons | UPSC
HEADLINES:
Komodo Dragons could become extinct soon due to climate change
WHY IN NEWS:
The study was published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3 : IUCN : Conservation of Flora and Fauna : Biodiversity
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS go through the distribution and habitat of these animals.
For MAINS how far climate change has pushed vulnerable animals to extinct zone ? Do you think conservation techniques are limited to boundaries and states ?
ISSUE:
KOMODO DRAGONS
- Komodos come in a variety of colors, including blue, orange, green and gray.
- They have long claws and a large, muscular tail.
- Komodos have good vision; they can see objects as far away as 985 feet (300 m).
- They seldom need to capture live prey directly.
- Since their venomous bite delivers toxins that inhibit blood clotting.
DISTRIBUTION
- Komodos are very rare and are found in the wild only on five islands.
HABITAT
- No matter where they live, the Komodo likes extreme heat.
- To stay warm at night, they make or find burrows to nestle down in.
- During the day the same burrow keeps them cool.
THREATS
- The primary threats to the dragon’s survival include illegal hunting and loss of habitat to human settlement.
- They also are killed for skins and feet to make novelties.
CONSERVATION
- Trade in Komodo dragons is prohibited under CITES.
- Protection from poaching is made easier by the dragon’s limited distribution.
IUCN STATUS
DIET
- Komodo dragons are carnivores, they eat meat.
- They can eat 80 percent of their body weight in one feeding.
- They will also eat smaller dragons.
IASbhai WINDUP:
- Climate change was likely to cause a sharp decline in the availability of habitat for Komodo dragons.
- Thus reducing their habitat and populations.
SOURCES:THE HINDU & PIB | Komodo Dragons UPSC
DISCOVER MORE : IUCN LIST
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