Komodo Dragon: “Largest Living Lizard on Earth”
Komodo dragon is one of the enchanting as well as endangered animal with a population of fewer than 5.000. That’s why, this animal is protected in Indonesia based on the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry (LHK) Number 106 of 2018. This regulation confirms that the Komodo is an endangered species and may not be traded internationally.
Known as the largest living lizard species in existence, Komodo dragons can only be found in Komodo National Park. Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Gili Motang, Nusa Kode, Padar Island that including in this national park are the natural habitat of this Komodo Dragons.
Physical Characteristic of Komodo Dragon
The dragon size can growth up to 3 meters and weight up to 100 kg. With their body size, they remain active hunters and are top predators in their natural ecosystem. It Means that they are at the top of the food chain in their habitat.
They are a good hunter with a strong sense of smell and can eat its prey up to 80% of its body weight in a single meal. And after that, they may not eat for several weeks. Komodo dragon’s prey are deer, wild boars, buffalos, monkeys, etc.
the way they catch their prey is they can hide and surprise its prey with a quick bite. If the prey runs away, they just track the animal until too weak from bleeding and get sick by their venomous bite.
A few interesting facts about its venomous bite that for a long time, people thought their bite was dangerous because of germs in their mouths. Recent studies have shown that Komodo Dragons have glands that produce venom. This venom has toxins that reduce blood pressure and stop blood from clotting, which helps to quickly kill their prey.
Things to Do in Komodo Dragon Island Indonesia
One and foremost place for Komodo dragons to live in Indonesia is Komodo island, with beautiful pink sand beaches. You can visit the dragon island in Indonesia, precisely in Flores, and without magic spells, no fire, without wings, and without witches, you can see the komodo dragon living and crawling in the land or hunting their prey.
However, you can also see the living dragon in major islands including Rinca Island, as part of Komodo National park in Flores, where you can expect to see more than 2500 Komodo dragons in the place.
Getting around the island, you can ask the help of national park rangers to see the Komodo dragon from a closer range. However, you may already know that the Komodo dragon is a solitary animal, and sometimes, people cannot see them because they sleep in the shade or even underground.
The Attractions at Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is built to protect this endangered species, covering Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang, to Padar Island. The natural habitat of the Komodo dragon in Indonesia is under the rocks in tropical rainforests, and they are territorial. Male komodo rarely let other males cross their claimed territories unless for hunting. In the past, Komodo island rangers would allow you to see them feeding the dragon with a goat, but the practice is no longer allowed.
The island is surrounded by mangroves, savannas, white beaches, and clear blue seawater, thus making it suitable for adventurous activities such as diving and snorkeling. Komodo Dragon Island Indonesia is famous not only for its Komodo dragon but also for other terrestrial fauna. If you visit the island, try to take an angler’s boat and get around Merah Beach, Batu Bolong, or Kalong Island to see thousand of bats.
Besides wandering around to see the live dragon, you can do other activities in dragon island Indonesia including diving on Kanawa island beach, and having a tour on a cruise to explore some of the pristine marine habitats. Kayaking is another exciting activity you can do to explore the reefs and small bays.