Komodo Dragon Island
Island & Archipelago
Reptiles
Intermediate
Indonesia — Komodo National Park
April to December
Overview
Face to face with the world's largest lizard on its volcanic island home.
Equipment
- Sturdy shoes
- Camera with telephoto
- Water bottles
- Long trousers
Safety Notes
- Rangers carry forked sticks for safety — always stay with ranger
- Dragons can run 20 km/h in short bursts
Identification Tips
1
Dragons bask near ranger station in morning
2
Water buffalo carcasses attract dragons from kilometres
3
Juveniles live in trees to avoid adults
Species Checklist
| Species | Likelihood | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo Dragon | common | Near ranger station, morning basking |
| Water Buffalo | common | Grassland and forest edge |
| Timor Deer | common | Primary prey, forest clearings |
| Orange-footed Scrubfowl | common | Scratching in leaf litter |