Do Humans Live on Komodo Island?

For centuries, the Ata Modo have called Komodo Island home, long before the outside world took notice of its giant lizards. Their deep-rooted presence predates modern tourism and scientific discovery, forming the cultural backbone of the island. When Dutch lieutenant Steyn van Hensbroek documented the Komodo dragon in the early 20th century, he was following local accounts from fishermen—many of whom were Ata Modo themselves. These early interactions revealed a community already well-versed in the behavior of the dragons, relying on ancestral knowledge to navigate life in close proximity to them.

In 1980, Komodo Island became part of Komodo National Park, a UNESCO-recognized effort to protect the species and its ecosystem. Rather than displacing the Ata Modo, authorities allowed them to remain, acknowledging their integral role in the island’s heritage. Today, their continued residence reflects a rare model of conservation that includes, rather than excludes, indigenous stewardship.