Komodo Dragons - Yvonne Rennesia Gulo

Have you ever been wondering how a dragon could still exist until right now? Seems illogical, but the truth is they still exist. Komodo Dragon is the world's largest lizard species. Mostly the species were found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rintja, Padar and Flores. There is an island called Komodo Island, where the only habitat that lived there was Komodo Dragon.

An adult Komodo can consume up to 80% of its body weight in one meal. It has two highly developed sensory organs that allow the dragon to detect rotting carcasses from distances as great as 10 km (6.2 mi.). It is primarily a scavenger, but it will also stalk animals ranging in size from small rodents to large water buffalo. Not only that, but it lies motionless and camouflaged alongside game trails for the unwary, which tend to be the very young, the old and the sick. In an attack, it lunges at its victim with blinding speed and clasps it with the serrated teeth of the jaw. A kill is usually shared by many Komodo dragons and very little is wasted. Mating occurs at or around the feeding sites. In September, a clutch of 15 to 30 eggs is buried in a nest dug by the powerful claws of the female dragon. The hatchlings emerge from the nest 8 or 9 months later and immediately scramble up the nearest tree to avoid being eaten by the adults. They will only descend to the forest floor roughly a year later. The Komodo dragon has a very strong sense of smell, and therefore it is advised not to use perfume. Women who are menstruating are not allowed to go see the Komodo dragons because the lizards can smell the slightest bit of blood and will be very attracted by it as they perceive it as their prey.

When you visit Komodo Island to visit the Komodo Dragon, there are policies that we should do before and after arriving in that place. The policies are always to use a local guide, keep your distance, don’t make too much noise, and don't wear perfume & no menstruating women.