Local knowledge of Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) in north-central Flores Island (Indonesia) and implications for conservation of the species

Context Apart from Komodo and other small islands to the east, Varanus komodoensis is found near the western extremity of Flores Island and along the island’s north coast. How far east along this coast the species extends remains a question. Aims Ethnographic research undertaken in 2008 resulted in reports of Komodo dragons in the region of Nggolo Nio in north-central Flores Island. In 2018 and 2024, I returned to this region to collect further information on local knowledge and survival of the lizards. Methods Open-ended and directed questioning of informants was conducted in the national language, Bahasa Indonesia. Key results Eleven men and three women had observed V. komodoensis locally and provided descriptions of the lizards. The most recent sightings occurred during the last 5–10 years. Repeated sightings of a specimen that, unusually, had entered a settlement in the western part of the Nggolo Nio region occurred in 2017. This was observed by eight interviewees, including the three women. The species was described with reference to size, colour, vocalisation, diet, behaviour, habitat and relations with humans. All reports focused partly on differences between V. komodoensis and the smaller species Varanus salvator. Conclusions All accounts indicated that the same species was being described and that V. komodoensis survives in Nggolo Nio territory, though in small numbers that villagers stated had declined over the past two to three decades. Though ambiguous, the findings of camera trapping by herpetological researchers in 2014–2019 lend some support to these local claims. Implications The study shows how local knowledge of and attitudes toward rare animals can complement zoological study and contribute to conservation efforts.