Indonesia has sought to calm concerns raised by environmentalists after a photo of a Komodo dragon in the path of a lorry went viral on social media.
The picture prompted an outpouring of anger about perceived threats to the natural habitat of the vulnerable species.
Construction work on a project dubbed "Jurassic Park", catering to tourists visiting the Komodo National Park, is under way and due for completion in June.
Sedih! Komodo berhadap2an dengan truk proyek bangunan Wisata Jurassic di Pulau Rinca.
— Save Komodo Now (@KawanBaikKomodo) October 23, 2020
U pertama kalinya Komodo2 ini mendengar deru mesin2 mobil dan menghirup bau asapnya. Akan spt apa dampak proyek2 ini ke depannya? Masih adakah yg peduli dg konservasi?
(Photo supplied) pic.twitter.com/ph7Ulj7lnA
An official at the country's environment ministry told Reuters news agency park rangers would ensure the safety of dragons roaming near the building site, which will include an elevated deck, a dam and an information centre.
"They will intensively make checks of whether the Komodo dragons are under the buildings, remnants of buildings, and under the trucks carrying material," the statement said.
The image which sparked concerns was reportedly taken on Rinca Island, part of the national park, according to an activist group called Save Komodo Now.
Over the weekend, the group shared the image on Twitter, writing: "This is the first time Komodos are hearing the roar of engines and the smell of smoke. What will the future impact of these projects be? Does anyone still care about conservation?"
Source: SkyNews