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Komodo's rich waters are home to several species that are classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List. Diving in Komodo means encountering some of the planet's most vulnerable marine animals in their natural habitat.
| Species | IUCN Status | Encounter Likelihood | Key Threats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawksbill turtle | Critically Endangered | High (common at Siaba Besar, Batu Bolong) | Shell trade, habitat loss, bycatch |
| Green turtle | Endangered | Very high (common at many sites) | Egg harvesting, habitat loss, bycatch |
| Reef manta ray | Vulnerable | Very high (Manta Point, Manta Alley) | Gill plate trade, bycatch, habitat degradation |
| Giant oceanic manta | Endangered | Low (rare visitor) | Gill plate trade, bycatch |
| Whale shark | Endangered | Low (seasonal, Dec–Mar) | Bycatch, ship strikes, targeted fishing |
| Napoleon wrasse | Endangered | High (Batu Bolong, most reef sites) | Live reef food fish trade, overfishing |
| Dugong | Vulnerable | Very low | Habitat loss, bycatch, boat strikes |
| Bumphead parrotfish | Vulnerable | Moderate | Spearfishing, habitat loss |
| Grey reef shark | Endangered | High at Castle Rock and Crystal Rock | Shark finning, bycatch |
Komodo National Park provides critical habitat for these threatened species within one of the most protected marine areas in Indonesia. The park's no-take zones, fishing bans, and active enforcement create a refuge where populations can stabilise and potentially recover. The 2014 nationwide manta fishing ban, combined with the park's protected status, has been particularly significant for manta ray population growth.
Every diver visiting Komodo contributes to conservation through park entrance fees, which fund ranger patrols and enforcement. The economic value of dive tourism also provides a powerful incentive for the Indonesian government and local communities to maintain protections. Your presence as a diver directly supports the financial argument for keeping these species alive rather than harvested.
What Is the Difference Between Reef Mantas and Giant Oceanic Mantas in Komodo?