Role of culture in the emotional response towards komodo dragon in Komodo and Rinca Islands of Komodo National Park

Abstract

Human emotions towards wildlife were seldom considered in wildlife conservation. This study seeks to identify, explore and understand the local communities perceptions and interactions with Komodo dragons. Data were collected from February to April 2018 in Komodo Village and Rinca Village of Komodo National Park, using close and semi-open questionnaires, three-scale Likert statements and interviews with 60 respondents. Although 98.5% considered Komodo as a dangerous species, in total, 60.6% of Komodo villagers had positive perceptions of their interactions with Komodo, while 47.6% of Rinca’s had moderate perceptions. Komodo attacks were less reported in Komodo Village despite the more frequent direct encounters. Komodo villagers have learnt how to adjust to the dangers, with 13% showed no actions during an encounter with the dragon, 77% pelt the dragon with rocks and 10% pulled it by the tail. On the contrary, 50% of Rinca Villagers, although showed no actions, but reported the sightings, 20% pelt it with rocks, 27% herd it with sticks and 3% hit it with wood. The different responses correlated with the different cultural beliefs and values towards Komodo. All Rinca villagers were migrants with no cultural attachments to the reptile, while for Komodo villagers, the dragons were perceived to be cousins, hence should not be harmed. Such perceptions have resulted in the approximately 83% of Komodo villagers believed they could co-exist with the dragons, and showed higher supports for its conservation (81.5%) than Rinca villagers (65.3%). This study confirms the importance of integrating local cultural values in building supports for conservation.

Pros and Cons Tourism Development in Komodo National Park, Indonesia

“…There was a study conducted in Komodo National Park that examined the impact of human activities on the Komodo dragon, which suggested developing methods to achieve socio-ecological sustainability that benefit people as well as dragon wildlife conservation since there was a potential negative consequence from competition and predation (Praharawati et al, 2023;Ardiantiono et al, 2018). In the same vein, the study by Sunkar et al (2020) confirmed the significance of incorporating local cultural values into conservation support structures. Cole (2006) defines empowerment as the ability of individuals or groups within a community to make decisions about their own lives and exert influence over issues that impact them.…”

“…However, according to research conducted in 1993, the size of the human population in the protected areas was expressed concern in the management plan (Hitchcock, 1993). In contrast, local people in Rinca agreed that Komodo is a protected species (Sunkar et al, 2020). Given these views, this study aims to evaluate the destination development in Komodo National Park from local perspectives to contribute to the research on Tourism Development and Tourism in Protected Areas.…”

Reviews: Komodo National Park as a conservation area for the komodo species (Varanus komodoensis) and sustainable tourism (ecotourism)

“…The expulsion of the Komodo dragon is still being carried out. Villagers used to use wooden sticks and pelt stones to repel Komodo dragons that entered the village (Sunkar et al 2020).…”

Modelling of Carrying Capacity at Komodo National Park: System Dynamics Approach (Case Study: Komodo Island and Padar Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province)

“…Komodo dragons were first studied and scientifically explained by Owuens in 1912. Komodo dragons are scattered in several parts of Indonesia, especially in the small eastern islands, namely Rinca, Nusa Kode, and Gili Motang (Forth 2013;Sunkar et al 2020). Komodo is an endemic animal that is protected as it is the only ancient lizard that is still alive.…”