Komodo Island is only 150 square miles with a population of just 2,000 people.   It is also the only home of the largest lizard in the world – the Komodo Dragon!!  The male Komodo dragon can grow up to 10′ long and weigh over 200 pounds and live between 20 and 40 years.  The female is slightly smaller and can be quite coy during mating season;-).  They have a keen sense of smell that can detect their next meal from up to five miles away.  Much like a snake, their bite is full of deadly venom that can take down their favorite prey of wild pigs and Timor deer in an instant.  Komodo Island and two of its neighboring islands were established as a National Park in 1980 to protect this incredibly interesting species.  Therefore, the only way to see this animal today is by taking a guided tour – to protect both you and the animals of the island.  Do it!  It is quite a trip –

Komodo Island – hilly and forested.

What mysteries await?!?

These guys are big!

Don’t let them bite – or you are DEAD!

A male begging a female to ——;-)

She says – “No thanks!”

The larger male still stalking the female.

At approximately 1 1/2 years old, this sighting was said to be unusual as the young dragons live in the trees until about 3 years of age.

Another view of the youngster.

This one came down for a swim, perhaps.  These dragons are very capable swimmers.

And – here is their next meal – deer and wild boar.  Yum!

One big honkin’ spider alongside the trail.

Not as close as it looks.

What a phenomenal day!  These things are BIG, strong and ugly;-)  If you are ever in the area – don’t miss seeing them.

E & G – still alive and wowed!!