When you hear the word ancient animals, what do you imagine? A ferocious beast with a fierce face like a dinosaur? Or ancient animals that we often see fossils of in archaeological museums? Whatever the form, ancient animals are often associated with prehistoric animals. The time when human ancestors still lived in primitive caves. Dressed in leaves and hunting as the main activities.
It seems, few are aware that ancient animals are not always identical with prehistoric times. Ancient animals do not have to be extinct animals. He could still exist today with a look similar to his ancestors in ancient times. Although the numbers are very rare, these ancient animals still coexist with millennium era humans.
Do not believe? Just look at the following animals which are ancient animals. Interestingly, these ancient animals exist and live in our country, Indonesia. Let's take a look at these ancient animals one by one.
Komodo - Endemic Ancient Animals of Indonesia
Indonesia can be proud to be awarded the endemic ancient animal species (which only live) in the archipelago, to be precise in the Komodo Island National Park, East Nusa Tenggara.
If traced to its lineage, the Komodo dragon is the largest type of lizard in the universe. Adult Komodo dragons can measure 2 to 3 meters in length and weigh about 70-140 kg. Hence, he is often also referred to by the name of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).
Biologists agree that the body of the Komodo dragon, which is actually a small lizard, becomes giant due to the phenomenon of island gigantism.
This means that the biological tendency to enlarge the body of a certain number of animals on islands or remote areas is due to the minimal or even absence of animals that act as rival predators. Komodo as an ancient animal is indeed the only predator on the island and occupies the top position in the food chain.
Maybe we wonder, why ancient animals of this type of lizard were able to survive until now? What kind of biological mechanism kept the Komodo dragon alive when other types of ancient animals went extinct? The answer is, because the Komodo dragon has a very sophisticated survival and vitality system. Able to make it last approximately 40 million years.
As an apex predator, the Komodo dragon's main weapon in hunting is its nails and saliva. Both weapons contain very deadly poison. There are about 66 types of deadly bacteria in the saliva and nails of these ancient animals. When potential prey is bitten or scratched, then in a short time it is certain to end in death.
In addition, the Komodo dragon is an ancient animal that is very special in terms of reproduction. As a type of animal that reproduces by laying eggs, Komodo dragons are parthenogenetic, namely animals whose females are able to lay eggs or reproduce without having to be fertilized by male animals. This of course makes the sustainability of the Komodo dragon can always be maintained.
As one of the natural wonders of the world, Komodo dragons prey on other animals such as pigs, deer, mouse deer, goats, chickens that are widely found on Komodo Island and two surrounding islands, Rinca Island and Padar Island. Until now, the ancient animal type of lizard is preserved. It is clear evidence of ancient animals that are still left on this earth and only exist in Indonesia.
Crocodiles - Creepy and Deadly Ancient Animals
Indeed, many understand that crocodiles are ancient animals. However, not many know that Indonesia is a country that has various types of rare crocodiles. Legacy from prehistoric times and still alive today.
Want to know the type of ancient animal that is scary and deadly? It is recorded that Indonesia has seven crocodile species out of the total crocodile species living in the world, namely: the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), the irian crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae), the mindoro crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), the Kalimantan crocodile (Crocodylus raninus), the Siamese crocodile or freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis), sahul crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae), and senyulong crocodile (Tomistoma schlegelii).
Every major island in Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua), this large-bodied reptile that lives in water and land is certain to exist. Become a deadly predator and prey on any type of animal, including humans. The ferocity of this ancient animal is no longer in doubt. If it has been eaten by a crocodile, it is unlikely that the prey can escape or survive.
For example estuarine crocodiles. These ancient animals are the largest, longest and fiercest crocodile species among all other types of crocodiles in the world. Although estuarine crocodiles are also found in the Bay of Bengal (India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh) to the Fiji Islands, Japan, Indonesia is their favorite habitat. Especially in the mouths of large rivers on the island of Kalimantan or Papua.
This ancient animal was able to move very quickly in a short radius, including when it was on land. Has a row of sharp and sharp teeth. The prey has been bitten, barely able to escape. The scariest thing was the strength of its jaws. Gripping with extraordinary strength, of 5,000 psi (pounds per square inch). Beats the bite grip of Rottweilers (335 psi), great white sharks (400 psi) and hyenas (around 800-1,000 psi).
The prey that has been grabbed, is pulled suddenly into the water and then twisted until its body is crushed. It is very scary to see the ferocity of these ancient animals when they prey on their victims.
Arowana - The Beauty of Indonesian Ancient Animals
Not all ancient animals are scary or scary. There are also those who are beautiful and attractive to look at. It is harmless and can be used as a pet. An example is arowana. Also known as god fish or dragon fish, arowana is a type of ornamental fish that is in great demand.
The price of an adult arowana fish can reach tens to tens of millions of rupiah. A very tempting amount of money. Comparable to the exoticism of this beautiful animal.
In fact, Arowana including ancient animals from the Jurassic period. The time when dinosaurs were still alive. As a predator that lives in fresh water (rivers), arowanas are voracious in devouring small animals that are hunted.
Whatever he eats. Including various types of birds or bats. Bird or bat? Yes. Both types of animals are caught by relying on jumps that can reach a height of up to two meters. Arowana can be found in the Amazon, Africa, Asia and Australia.
This ancient fish or animal has a characteristic long body, the anal fin is located far behind its body, and for Asian Arowanas it is usually silvery in color. Especially in Southeast Asia, there are four varieties of arowana that are only found in the region.
The four rare varieties are as follows:
- Green arowana, only in Indonesia, Vietnam, Burma, Thailand, and Malaysia.
- Arowana gold with a red tail, only in Indonesia.
- Arowana gold, only in Malaysia.
- Red arowana, only in Indonesia.
In 2004, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released this beautiful ancient animal as a rare species with the status of 'endangered'. Indeed, these ancient animals were able to adapt very well to their physical environment. So it has survived to this day. However, the rampant hunting to get arowana as aquarium fish, makes the number of these animals drastically reduced.
Moreover, there is a mythology from the Chinese people who believe in arowana as a bringer of luck or hockey. Mythology that makes the existence of arowana increasingly threatened with extinction. It is not impossible that in the next few decades, this ancient animal will only be a name.