美国有线新闻 CNN 为保护科莫多巨蜥 科莫多岛将在明年关闭1年（在线收听）

AZUZ: If you're hoping to see a komodo dragon in its native habitat anytime soon, you'd better do it before next January. The government of Indonesia, where Komodo Island is located, reportedly plans to close it to tourists for the year 2020. It's a popular destination, but komodo dragons are considered to be a vulnerable species, and several people were arrested last month and accused of smuggling them.

Authorities say 41 komodo lizards were illegally taken from the island and sold in other countries for $35,000 each. They don't make good pets.

Komodos can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh more than 150 pounds. They're the largest lizards in the world, and their bite is so venomous that it can kill someone.

During the island closure, Indonesian officials hope to preserve the lizards' habitat and help their population grow.