Komodo dragons are the world largest lizards, now listed as Endangered following assessments showing their island habitat faces significant threats from climate change and tourism pressure.
Komodo dragons face threats from multiple directions. Climate change-induced sea level rise will inundate low-lying areas of their island habitat reducing available territory. Prey depletion from deer poaching reduces food availability, causing individuals to expand their range into areas of human contact. Tourist infrastructure and visitation on Komodo National Park increases human-dragon interaction risk. Komodo dragons are highly sensitive to stress during handling, making veterinary intervention challenging. As apex predators they require intact prey populations and undisturbed denning areas. The expansion of tourism following their viral fame has created pressure for visitor management. Individual welfare during scientific study including blood sampling and radio collar fitting requires careful handling protocols to minimize stress.