Komodo dragons, the giant dragon of Indonesia

Such a world trip is not complete without seeing the largest living species of lizard in the Komodo National Park!

The arrival is the best of Bali from the plane to the Indonesian island of Flores, specifically to Labuan Bajo. From here you can make one, or multi-day excursions.

I've decided the few days that I have time to use for diving and then to take the same boat in the afternoon on the island of Rinca to visit the National Park there.

The Komodo dragon, Varanus komodoensis, come exclusively here on some Lesser Sundas. Since there are only around 3000 copies, the giant reptiles are threatened with extinction.

Even at the dock in the National Park you will be taken by the rangers in reception and the group was always accompanied by two, which of course can already guess that the lizards are not completely harmless.

But then lay about 6 adult lizards next to the farm buildings at the headquarters of the park. Lazy they began to rise up to 3 m long and up to 70kg dragon in the sun and let the photo session patiently endure.

Our ranger also said that we now make better photos, since it is unlikely that we will see on our one-hour tour on the island of Rinca Komodo dragons more!

And so that was it ... we .up shortly before the finish then still saw a lizard, the first fled before us. As we followed her but (of course, especially the Ranger), she took a Defense Position and hissed menacingly at us!

Yes, because you get pretty palpitations and wants to run the most, but that is exactly what not to do precisely. Therefore, we stopped in front of the dragon stand up then he turned and looked into the distance!

On the supply list of Komodo dragons are both insects and deer and buffalo, which they kill by a bite and the secreting blood faltering Gifts from their glands. It can take days to die and then the victim is eaten by the lizards.

Generally, however, the animals are afraid of people and only attack when they feel threatened. Hopefully the existence of Komodo dragons can be secured again with the establishment of the National Parks! To see the giant dragon in this backdrop on Rinca was certainly a great experience for me!