World's largest lizard encountered in the wild on Komodo Island

Komodo dragons are the largest lizard in the world, growing to 3m in length (10 feet) and weighing up to 70kg (150lbs). They are powerful animals and capable hunters, possessing strong jaws, ferocious claws, and surprising strength and speed.

Although these dragons are rumoured to kill their prey with toxic saliva, the truth is that they attack with the intent to kill immediately. They do track prey if it escapes, but this is not their preferred means of hunting. Occasionally, animals die of blood loss or fatigue after injury and the Komodo dragon's keen sense allows it to track prey at a great distance. This contributes to the success of hunting following an attack, as well as to the myth of prey death due to sepsis.

A recent discovery on 2005 showed that the dragons do have mild venom which interferes with blood clotting. This would cause prey to die after otherwise non-lethal injuries. MRI examinations of Komodo dragons showed venom glands in the lower jaws of the animals. Toxic proteins in the glands not only inhibit blood clotting, but they also reduce blood pressure and cause muscle paralysis. Prey will suffer from hypothermia and shock as the result of a venomous bite.

Komodo dragons are fiercely competitive when it comes to mating rights, battling other males and pinning them to the ground. Even the female will fight to resist mating and the male struggles to restrain her to allow for successful intercourse. Mating pairs are often monogamous, which is very rare among lizards.

This Komodo dragon was observed wandering the woodlands of Komodo Island in Indonesia, one of the few islands in the world where these incredible lizards reside. This is a wild dragon that was resting under branches as he made his way through the forest. To witness a Komodo dragon in the wild is a rare and wonderful experience.