Rare Species Now at Home at Bali's Safari Park

(10/11/2008)

During the recent Idul Fitri holidays the Bali Safari and Marine Park (BSMP) in Gianyar opened two new exhibits showcasing two of Indonesia's most prized animal species.

Komodo Dragons - the Varnus komodoensis are found in nature only on the islands of Komodo, Runca, Flores, Gili Motang and Gili Dasami. The largest monitor lizard in the world, the "”Komodo Dragons" can grow to 3 meters in length and weigh 100 kilograms. First discovered in 1910, the dragons survive a predators surviving on buffalos, deer and small mammals. While attacks on humans are rare, there have been several known fatalities tied to Komodo encounters with humans.



Bali Starling - the Leucopsar rothschildi, also known as Rothschild's Mynah, is now a critically endangered species with only a limited number of these magnifienct birds still living in the West Bali National Park. The official mascot of Bali, the Bali Starling is being aggressively bred in captivity with 1,000 birds now believed to be held in private collections.



[See the Komodo and Bali Starlings at the Bali Safari & Marine Park]