Komodo Dragons (Varanus komodoensis)
A selection of images from my visit to Komodo National Park in Indonesia in search of Komodo Dragons, the largest reptile on earth. They are found only on a handful of islands, primarily Komodo and Rinca, and are essentially giant monitor lizards capable of growing up to 10 feet in length and 70 kilograms in weight. They have a venomous bite (there are glands in the lower jaw that secrete toxic proteins) and their saliva contains harmful bacteria. Large adults feed mostly on deer whilst younger smaller dragons feed on other mammals, birds and invertebrates. Like other reptiles, they lay eggs in a hole in the ground which are incubated for up to 8 months. They are thought to live for up to 30 years.