COUNCILOR BACKS LOCAL GOVT TO MAINTAIN KOMODO DRAGONS

Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara, Aug 20 (ANTARA) - The local legislative assembly has thrown its weight behind a call for the forestry ministry to reconsider a plan to relocate 10 komodo dragons from their habitat to a Bali safari park for genetic purification.

"The genetic purification should constantly be conducted in Komodo Island which serves as the habitat of the prehistoric animal species. I fear the komodo dragons will not breed in other location than their habitat," Chief of East Nusa Tenggara Legislative Assembly (DPRD) Melkianus Adoe said here on Thursday.

He was responding to the local government's stance to constantly coordinate with the forestry minister to have the plan reconsidered.

It was for the forestry minister to handle all problems related to Komodo dragons. But it would be better if there was coordination among provincial governments through the internal minister, Adoe said.

He said the presence of komodo dragons in East Nusa Tenggara also had a significant impact on the local tourism. Hence, it would be better if they were not moved to the safari park in Bali.

"I hope the process of selecting and appointing the Komodo national park as one of New Seven Wonders of Nature will soon materialize. I think we need harmonious situation to promote the park," he said.

Asked if the availability of food in their habitat was the reason behind the plan to relocate the Komodo dragons, he said it was quite irrelevant.

Since the Komodo dragons lived in the national park the central government was responsible for allocating funds to the park through its state budget, he said.

"The East Nusa Tenggara legislative assembly is aware of the forestry minister's aim and purpose to relocate 10 komodo dragons as part of efforts to prevent them from extinction. But the minister also should consider the aspirations of the people who do not want the relocation of the animal species," he said.
The forestry ministry decided this month to set up a team of experts to study its plan to transfer 10 komodo dragons from Flores to Bali, ending weeks of controversy over the plan.

The formation of the team was recommended by a meeting of various stakeholders in the matter, chaired by Forestry Minister MS Kaban in Jakarta on Aug 12.

The meeting recommended the setting up of the study team to formulate preventive measures related to the forestry ministry`s decree issued on May 13, 2009 regarding the plan to move 10 komodo dragons to the Indonesian Safari Park located in Serongga Kelod, Gianyar subdistrict, Bali Province.

The Komodo National Park which was set up in 1980 covers Komodo, Rinca and Padar islands in West Manggarai district, East Nusa Tenggara. It is home to the komodo dragons (varanus komodoensis).

On July 21 2009, New 7 Wonders Foundation announced the 1,817 sq km park as one of the 28 finalists qualified to advance to the final stage (Third round). The foundation will officially declare the theme parks eligible to be appointed as the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011.