JAKARTA – Indonesia has announced plans to send a pair of endangered Komodo dragons to Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture as part of an international wildlife conservation exchange program, according to officials who spoke Monday.
The Indonesian Forestry Ministry explained that this animal exchange will enhance “contributions from both parties toward wildlife protection and conservation, as well as raising public awareness of biodiversity.” Ministry officials emphasized the program’s goal of breeding these critically threatened reptiles, which are listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List.
Conservation official Ahmad Munawir from the ministry confirmed to Reuters that both a male and female Komodo dragon will be transported to a Shizuoka zoo. As part of the reciprocal arrangement, Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture will provide Indonesia with multiple animals, including red pandas and giraffes, Ahmad explained.
Officials finalized the exchange agreement last week, timing it before President Prabowo Subianto’s upcoming diplomatic visit to Japan, where he is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Government statistics show Indonesia houses more than 3,000 Komodo dragons within its borders. These massive reptiles hold the distinction of being Earth’s largest lizard species, capable of reaching lengths of approximately 3 meters or 10 feet. The creatures are distinguished by their distinctive yellow forked tongues and deadly venomous bites.
According to reports from Japan’s TV Shizuoka, the two dragons could arrive as soon as June to begin the breeding program. Ahmad noted that the actual transfer will occur following the completion of a business agreement between the participating zoos in both countries.
