Indonesia's Komodo island, which is inhabited by a vulnerable population of Komodo dragons, is set to close temporarily for tourists next year, local media has reported.

According to a report from Indonesia's Tempo magazine, the government's decision was made in direct response to a recent smuggling scandal in which more than 40 Komodo dragons were sold for 500 million rupiah (£27,000) each.

A native to Indonesia, Komodos are the world's largest living lizards, and are listed as a vulnerable species - one grade below endangered - on the International Union for Conservation Red List of Endangered Species.

They are rare creatures, having only been found in the wild on islands within Komodo National Park, and on the island of Flores.

Image: Komodo island is home to a vulnerable population of Komodo dragons

Their rarity and localised habitats have made them somewhat popular with tourists.


Officials hope to increase the Komodo population and preserve the environment during the temporary closure.

While Indonesia's ministry for environment and forestry has so far not publicly confirmed the planned closure, it has long been a subject of public debate.

East Java police commissioner Rofiq Ripto Himawan said smugglers were interested in selling the dragons for traditional medicine.

They "could be used to make an antibiotic", he said.