Komodo Dragon

Komodo dragons were first recorded by Western scientists as recently as 1910 and is the worlds largest lizard found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores and Gili Motang. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it can grown to an average length of 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) and weigh up to 70 kilograms (150 lb).

Their unusual size has been attributed to island gigantism, since there are no other carnivorous animals to fill the niche on the islands where they live. However, recent research suggests that the large size of Komodo Dragons may be better understood as representative of a relic population of very large varanid lizards that once lived across Indonesia and Australia, most of which, along with other megafauna, died out after contact with modern humans.

Fossils very similar to Komodos have been found in Australia dating to greater than 3.8 million years ago, but ever since Flores (along with neighbouring islands) were isolated by rising sea levels approximately 900,000 years ago, these lizards came to dominate the ecosystems in which they live. Although Komodo Dragons eat mostly carrion, they will also hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals. Despite their fearsome appearance and deadly bite, their large size and fearsome reputation make them popular zoo exhibits and in the wild, their range has contracted due to human activities and they are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. They are protected under Indonesian law, and Komodo National Park, was founded to aid protection efforts.

Group Tours

Indonesia Wildlife - Asia's Big 5
Tigers, orangutans and Dragons in the wilds of Indonesia.
Indonesia - Asia's Big 5
An incredible journey to five of Indonesia's wildlife hotspots.