Komodo Dragons

Icon of Indonesia, their home a World Heritage Site, Komodo Dragons are the world’s largest lizard. They are only found on Komodo and Rinca islands in Komodo National Park, and in the north of Flores Island, just outside the boundaries. Dragons can grow up to about 9 feet (3 meters) and weigh over 300 lbs. There are about 2700 in the park, according to the last survey, taken in 2010. The largest number is on Rinca. Dragons on each island look a little different, and no longer cross back and forth. Thank goodness, because we sure didn’t want to see one swimming along beside us on a dive!

More Komodo Dragons

Our trek on Rinca was led by a super friendly, informative guide name Rama. He explained that dragons have a sort of “third eye” a photo sensor that helps them monitor light and dark. They use their tongue to test the air while walking around, much like snakes. We saw one dragon through the brush on top of one of the island’s active nests. The guide made sure were all well-clear, as this is one place the dragons will be aggressive. The guides were really vigilant, and made it a point to say they respect tourists who follow the rules. If a tourist is bitten by a dragon, we were told the guide would spend at least five years in jail. Also on the islands are crab-eating macaques, buffalo, wild pigs, Timor deer, and many birds, including megapodes, who mate for life and build big mounds. There are also many geckos, and several poisonous snakes (green snakes, cobras and vipers).

Our Guides

The landscape reminded us a bit of Africa, or some parts of Venezuela: dry, open savannah with a few steep hills and palm trees. Here, the ocean completes the background. A small group of dragons gathered around the ranger hut, as they do when the rangers start cooking, though they are no longer supposed to feed them. The idea is to restore some of the natural feeding and hunting instincts rather than have them become reliant on humans. Close contact has also led to several accidents, as one ranger was bitten twice while doing paperwork at his desk!

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