Komodo dragon collision between Australia and Southeast Asia allowed these larger varanids to move back into what is now the Indonesian archipelago, extending their range as far east as the island of Timor. The Komodo dragon was believed to have differentiated from its Australian ancestors 4 million years ago. However, recent fossil evidence from Queensland suggests the Komodo dragon actually evolved in Australia before spreading to Indonesia. Dramatic lowering of sea level during the last glacial period uncovered extensive stretches of continental shelf that the Komodo dragon colonised, becoming isolated in their present island range as sea levels rose afterwards. Extinct Pliocene
Lancelin Island with shallower soils over limestone areas supporting herbfields and grasslands. The nitre bush covers the slopes and plateau of the island. Sea birds are known to inhabit the island with some species using the island as a breeding site. The Lancelin Island skink ("Ctenotus lancelini" ), a threatened species of lizard, is endemic to and named after the island. Sea lions are known to visit the island but do not use it as a breeding site. The Lancelin Island Lagoon Fish Habitat Protection Area has had over 200 species of flora and fauna that have been identified within the area.