Face2Face With A Komodo Dragon, The Heaviest Lizard On Earth

What an unforgettable trip this was! We decided to get away from Bali for a few days to explore the much less crowded, gorgeous, tropical Indonesian island of Flores. We had to hire a boat at the harbour to reach the Komodo National Park and near by islands where we enjoyed breathtaking nature, silence, the most stunning sunrises and swims in crystal clear turquoise waters.

Komodos are totally solitary, selfish reptiles and eat their own babies because they cannot identify their young ones. It doesn’t change the fact that they’re cannibals which explains why the population is so small.

There is a stable population of about 3,000 to 5,000 Komodo dragons on the islands of Komodo, Gila Motang, Rinca, and Flores. However, a dearth of egg-laying females, poaching, human encroachment, and natural disasters has driven the species to endangered status. Source 

I took this photo with my very old blackberry phone, therefore lack on quality but imagine that exciting moment and how I felt. 

Would I do this again? I don't think so :) 

Helloooo Babyyy ! 

ABOUT THE KOMODO DRAGON 

Komodo dragons have thrived in the harsh climate of Indonesia for millions of years. Reaching 3 meters in length and more than 136 kilograms, Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth. They have long, flat heads with rounded snouts, scaly skin, bowed legs, and huge, muscular tails.- Source National Geographic 

They only need to eat once every couple of months, their favorite meal is buffalo and to score one, they need to sneak up behind and bite. Then they have to wait one month for it to die. Thats a very long waiting time for a meal!

I was lucky enough that I could photograph those babes because its not always possible to find them in wild nature like those two below. I caught them while were were trakking around the island jungle among a couple of buffalos. 

I still can't believe how close we got to see those stunning creatures but when we got back from our hike through the whole island, some were just lounging and lazing around infront of the village houses like dogs. 

10 Amazing Facts 

Did you know that Komodos's are also surprisingly intelligent—even playful—creatures gifted at both long-distance swims and virgin births?  

- THEY’RE ALSO CALLED ORAS

- KOMODOS ARE EXCELLENT SWIMMERS

- AROUND THESE CARNIVORES, NO CARCASS IS SAFE

- GEORGE H.W. BUSH RECEIVED A LIVE ONE AS A GIFT

- WE RECENTLY LEARNED THAT THEY’RE VENOMOUS

- KOMODOS CAN CONSUME 80 PERCENT OF THEIR BODY WEIGHT IN ONE SITTING

- DURING THE LAST 41 YEARS, THEY’VE KILLED AT LEAST FOUR PEOPLE

- FEMALES CAN REPRODUCE WITHOUT HAVING SEX

- SMALLER ONES ROLL AROUND IN FECES TO AVOID GETTING CANNIBALISED

- KOMODOS DEMONSTRATE PLAY BEHAVIOUR  Source : Mental floss 

to be continued .......

Yours 

Mammasitta