Indonesian authorities declared that the Komodo Island will be closed to tourists starting next year after more than 40 endangered lizards had been smuggled out of the country by poachers.

According to Indonesia's Tempo newspaper, tourists will no longer be able to visit the island as of January 2020 in a bid to preserve and protect the giant lizards, known as Komodo dragons, which are at risk of extinction.

Poachers are reportedly selling these animals abroad given that their skin is used by the fashion and furniture industries; their claws and teeth are also used for jewellery and talismans.