Peter Ouwens facts for kids
Pieter Antonie Ouwens (born 14 February 1849 in Amsterdam, died 5 March 1922 in Buitenzorg, now Bogor) was an important Dutch scientist. He was the Director of the Java Zoological Museum and Botanical Gardens. Ouwens is most famous for being the first person to officially describe the amazing Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) in 1912.
Early Life and Career
Pieter Antonie Ouwens was born in Amsterdam. His father, also named Pieter Anthonis Ouwens, was an accountant. Pieter Antonie studied at the Royal Military Academy in Breda starting in 1867.
After his studies, Ouwens joined the military. In 1871, he became a lieutenant in the Infantry in the Dutch East Indies, which is now Indonesia. He worked his way up and was promoted to captain in 1883. His military career took him to different parts of the Dutch East Indies.
Discovering the Komodo Dragon
Pieter Antonie Ouwens later became the curator of the Zoological Museum in Buitenzorg. This city is now known as Bogor in Indonesia. His work at the museum led to his most famous discovery.
The first Westerner to see Komodo dragons was Lieutenant Jacques Karel Henri van Steyn van Hensbroek. He sent a photo and a skin of one of these large lizards to Ouwens. This made Ouwens very curious!
Ouwens then sent a special collector to the island of Komodo. The collector returned to Java with two adult Komodo dragons and one young lizard. This was a huge step in learning about these creatures.
In 1912, Ouwens officially named the species Varanus komodoensis in a scientific publication. This was the first time the Komodo dragon was formally described for the world. His work helped scientists understand and protect these unique animals.
Ouwens was recognized for his contributions and became an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau. He passed away in Buitenzorg in 1922.
See also
In Spanish: Peter Ouwens para niños
