KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

Komodo dragons are large monitor lizards. They measure between 1.80 and 3 m in length, weigh up to 150 kg and are armed with terrible claws. Long ago, their orange-red tongues led some to believe that they were fire-breathing dragons. Komodo lizards are ruthless, carnivorous creatures that will rip anything to shreds. Yes, the main characteristic of this charming island inhabitant is its teeth. Dragons are not witnesses to prehistory. This isn't a Spielberg movie! And although they bear a striking resemblance to dinosaurs, they are in fact only distant cousins. The varanus komodoensis is the largest of the lizards. In Komodo, the varan is called Ora, after a Manggarai princess, Ular naga, the snake dragon, or buaya darat, the land crocodile.

An excellent swimmer, the varan can dive to depths of 5 meters, and its top speed exceeds 20 km/h. What's more, a single bite from this beast is enough to poison its prey to death: its jaws are teeming with bacteria that soon infect the wound, and all the victim has to do is wait patiently for the poison to take effect. The carnivore's tastes are refined, with a preference for pheasant meats. Dragons even dig up corpses for food. The natives have had to move cemeteries away from dragon territory.

These beasts are not exactly good company. They can smell blood from miles around - in other words, all over the island, which is teeming with dragons.

The beasts are dangerous, and it is strongly advised against visiting the island during menstruation, as this will not go unnoticed... However, don't panic; only one tourist has ever fallen victim to a Komodo, and that was in... 1975. The Swiss journalist had ventured onto the island without telling anyone; the rangers only became aware of his intrusion when they discovered his empty boat and an abandoned camera. The man and his remains were never found. Conclusion: Stay with your guide! The rangers are highly competent and well acquainted with the animals. They are armed with a simple stick, which they use to repel dragons; if they approach, they hit them on the tip of the snout - the only sensitive part of the body. So don't worry: although these animals can be very dangerous, they'll choose much easier prey.