Flores and its surrounding islands, in particular the Komodo Island is home to some 227 animal species, Most of these animals are found in the Komodo National Park and are said to have originated from the Oceania region. Some of the fauna that is found in the park includes Water Buffalo’s, Timor deer, Gecko but none are more famous than the exclusive Komodo dragon. Many animals that reside in Komodo National Park are vital to the ecosystem and are imperative to the ecology of the Komodo dragon itself.
Little is known about the origins of the dragon, it is said that they have originated from the either Australia or Asian region. There are many theories on how they came to the island, one theory is they island hopped from Java to Komodo or that they swam from Australia to Timor until they arrived at Flores. They were thought to have lived over a larger area but may have been flushed out as human population grew.
Weighing around 90kg and having the potential to grow to up to 3 metres long, makes the Komodo dragon the largest species of lizard in the world and a predator to most of the other fauna living in the Komodo National Park. Their diet is made up of mostly Timor deer, but ranges to other animals such as wild boar, water buffalo, rodents, other lizards and birds.
What makes the Komodo dragon such a predator to these animals is their poisonous saliva, Even if the Komodo dragon does not deliver a fatal attack initially, a single bite filled with a mixture of at least 60 different toxins will weaken their prey to the point of death. If a dragon approaches, the best thing to do is shift out of the way but not run. However, the Komodo National Park requires visitors to be escorted by a ranger, who have experience dealing with the animal.
On the Islands of Komodo and Rinca, the locals believe the dragons to be mythical creatures and mystical ancestors. All stemming from a traditional folktale about the legendary Dragon princess, Known as Putri Naga. She bore twins, a baby boy named Si Gerong and a baby dragon Ora but neither knew anything of the other. Putri Naga raised her son amongst men and the dragon was reared in the forest. Years later, Si Gerong shot a deer whilst hunting and as he stepped forward to claim his catch a large lizard appeared and seized it hungrily. He tried to chase it away, but the lizard stood firm. Si Gerong raised his spear, ready to kill when the dragon princess appeared. She parted the foes and told her son, “Do not kill this animal, for she is your sister Ora. I bore you together. Consider her your equal; you are Sebai (twins)” From then on the inhabitants of Komodo Island and Rinca treated the dragons with the utmost respect and kindness.
The dragons can only be found on the island of Komodo, Rinca, Gilli Motang and small parts of Flores. Making this expedition and a trip to the Komodo Islands unique and one of a kind.
Little is known about the origins of the dragon, it is said that they have originated from the either Australia or Asian region. There are many theories on how they came to the island, one theory is they island hopped from Java to Komodo or that they swam from Australia to Timor until they arrived at Flores. They were thought to have lived over a larger area but may have been flushed out as human population grew.
Weighing around 90kg and having the potential to grow to up to 3 metres long, makes the Komodo dragon the largest species of lizard in the world and a predator to most of the other fauna living in the Komodo National Park. Their diet is made up of mostly Timor deer, but ranges to other animals such as wild boar, water buffalo, rodents, other lizards and birds.
What makes the Komodo dragon such a predator to these animals is their poisonous saliva, Even if the Komodo dragon does not deliver a fatal attack initially, a single bite filled with a mixture of at least 60 different toxins will weaken their prey to the point of death. If a dragon approaches, the best thing to do is shift out of the way but not run. However, the Komodo National Park requires visitors to be escorted by a ranger, who have experience dealing with the animal.
On the Islands of Komodo and Rinca, the locals believe the dragons to be mythical creatures and mystical ancestors. All stemming from a traditional folktale about the legendary Dragon princess, Known as Putri Naga. She bore twins, a baby boy named Si Gerong and a baby dragon Ora but neither knew anything of the other. Putri Naga raised her son amongst men and the dragon was reared in the forest. Years later, Si Gerong shot a deer whilst hunting and as he stepped forward to claim his catch a large lizard appeared and seized it hungrily. He tried to chase it away, but the lizard stood firm. Si Gerong raised his spear, ready to kill when the dragon princess appeared. She parted the foes and told her son, “Do not kill this animal, for she is your sister Ora. I bore you together. Consider her your equal; you are Sebai (twins)” From then on the inhabitants of Komodo Island and Rinca treated the dragons with the utmost respect and kindness.
The dragons can only be found on the island of Komodo, Rinca, Gilli Motang and small parts of Flores. Making this expedition and a trip to the Komodo Islands unique and one of a kind.
