Even before it was considered a vulnerable species. But the Komodo dragon is now at real risk. It’s the largest lizard on the planet. But it’s threatened by the possible consequences of climate change. It could be the endangered monster’s last days. The Komodo dragon.
Humans, the problem
The reptile is now “upgraded from vulnerable to endangered”. It is thus included in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The subpopulation of these animals in Komodo National Park is currently “stable and well protected.” But outside the protected areas in is not the same. There is a significant decline in their habitat. And it is the ongoing human activities that are the main problem.
“These prehistoric animals are getting closer to extinction. It’s partly because of climate change. A frightening thought. And it’s another call for the authorities. Nature must be at the centre of all decision-making. We are on the eve of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. Says who? Andrew Terry, director of conservation at the Zoological Society of London.
Recovering species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species also makes other points. Thirty-seven percent of the world’s sharks and rays are now threatened with extinction. The situation is caused mainly due to overfishing. It is exacerbated by habitat loss and degradation. And, of course, climate change, the agency explains.
The seven most commercially fished tuna species were also re-evaluated. Four of them “are on the road to recovery. This is thanks to the implementation of regional fishing quotas in the last decade.
“It’s a powerful signal. This is happening despite increasing pressures on our oceans. Species can recover. But only if States really commit to implementing sustainable practices.” Bruno Oberle, IUCN Director General, underlined this.
The new IUCN Red List includes 134,425 species. And of these, 37,480 are at serious risk. On that blacklist is the Komodo dragon, the endangered monster.
