Indonesia to loan endangered Komodo dragons to Japan for breeding, in exchange for red pandas and giraffes

Indonesia to loan endangered Komodo dragons to Japan for breeding, in exchange for red pandas and giraffes

JAKARTA, April 1 — Indonesia will loan two Komodo dragons to Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture, where it is hoped the endangered reptiles will be able to breed, and will receive some red pandas and giraffes in return, an official said Monday.The Forestry Ministry said the animal swaps would increase “contributions from both parties toward wildlife protection and conservation, as well as raising public awareness of biodiversity,” adding that the progra…