Komodo, Indonesia- There be dragons!

Komodo Island is one of three islands comprising the Komodo National Park, home of the famous Komodo Dragons, aka the Komodo monitor. They are the largest lizards in the world, growing to a max length of 9.8 feet, weighing up to 150 lbs, and living to the age of 50. The dragons are apex predators at the top of their food chain, pure carnivores that will attack any animal, including members of their species and their young. Komodo Dragons also occasionally attack humans. To add to their prowess, they often hunt and ambush in groups, unique in the reptile world. A dragon can sense prey up to 2.5-5.9 miles away and move quickly for short distances (up to 12 MPH). Young Komodo Dragons live several years in the island’s trees to avoid being eaten by their elders (juvenile dragons make up 10% of older dragon’s diets). Good news for us on cruise ships: the dragons can swim but do not like to and swim poorly.

The island is only accessible by scheduled tour. A Park Ranger, a local Villager, and a scout escort each tour group. Repeated warnings are made to stay with your group, don’t make any sudden moves, be quiet, and don’t show anything red. Good tips to avoid becoming a meal.

Starting a walk to look for dragons

A middle-aged female out for a stroll. Females are smaller than males and more aggressive. Hmmmm.

These guys had recently eaten and then dragged themselves to a sunny location to aid digestion, as the food could rot and poison them if left undigested in their stomachs for too long.