Komodo dragons have thrived in the harsh climate of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years, although amazingly, their existence was unknown to humans until about 100 years ago.
Reaching 10 feet (3 meters) in length and more than 300 pounds (136 kilograms), Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth.
Animals that escape the jaws of a Komodo will only feel lucky briefly. Dragon saliva teems with over 50 strains of bacteria, and within 24 hours, the stricken creature usually dies of blood poisoning. Dragons calmly follow an escapee for miles as the bacteria takes effect, using their keen sense of smell to hone in on the corpse. A dragon can eat a whopping 80 percent of its body weight in a single feeding.
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.
What a beautiful capture of this formidable creature Annie. WOW .. I had no idea that they were discovered so recently. Wouldn't want him following me!! I trust you were safely behind a glass wall? LOL!!
@bill_fe oh Bill I am - I am on a block of full time work mostly with the younger kids and mornings with an ADHD autism spectrum boy so it is quite draining - my brain is numb by the time I get home - thank you so much for asking :)
@overalvandaan thans Saxa - they are amazing