Komodo Island to close

Indonesia is closing Komodo Island to tourists starting on Jan. 1, 2020, in order to protect its famous endemic lizards, the Komodo dragons. The rest of Komodo National Park, which also comprises two other large islands and 26 smaller ones, will remain open.

It was reported that a group had attempted to smuggle 41 of the dragons to sell on the black market, prompting the decision to close the island. The closure will also allow the dragons’ population to grow.