100 Places To Remember: Komodo Island, Indonesia
Geschreven op 9-3-2010 - Erik van Erne. Geplaatst in Natuur
250 Coral Species that Make Life Flourish. The sea surrounding Komodo and its neighbouring islands provides some of the worlds best diving spots, thanks to its spectacular unspoiled coral reefs and schools of fish of all shapes and sizes, bursting with colour.
Komodo Island is part of Komodo National Park, founded in 1980 to protect the Komodo dragons that stroll around the rugged island. One of the largest lizards in the world, the Komodo dragon can reach three metres in length and weigh over 70 kg. Since its foundation, the park has been charged with protecting the entire terrestrial and marine biodiversity of the area, and in 1986 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The manifold underwater life of the sea around Komodo is a result of strong currents and warm tropical waters from the Flores Sea mixing with cold streams from the Indian Ocean. Cool, consistent water temperatures of 24-28°C create optimum conditions for the 250 coral species that flourish in these waters and form an indispensable part of the ecosystem. The coral provides a habitat for nearly a thousand fish species, whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, blue-ringed octopus, pygmy seahorses and sea turtles, making these some of the most fascinating waters on Earth.
Climate change is projected to throw this area of exceptional natural beauty off balance. On the islands, rising sea levels threaten to flood and erode mangrove forests and the beaches where sea turtles nest.
In the sea, increased acidification and rising surface temperatures may eventually kill the coral. As well as affecting the coastal protection of the islands, the loss of the coral will have a negative impact on marine life and could result in an immense loss of beauty and natural diversity.
