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Photographer’s Note

This photograph were taken while I visited the island of Komodo last may.. I was just about 2 meter away from this creature to take this photo, you could even see my foot.. :)

I was lucky that I could capture this komodo while eating a big wild buffalo after knocked it down.

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a venomous species of lizard that inhabits the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang in Indonesia. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (150 lb). Their unusual size is attributed to island gigantism, since there are no other carnivorous animals to fill the niche on the islands where they live, and also to the Komodo dragon's low metabolic rate. As a result of their size, these lizards dominate the ecosystems in which they live. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carrion, they will also hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals.
Komodo dragons were first recorded by Western scientists in 1910. Their large size and fearsome reputation make them popular zoo exhibits. In the wild their range has contracted due to human activities and they are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. They are protected under Indonesian law, and a national park, Komodo National Park, was founded to aid protection efforts.

A beautiful place to visit.


Have a nice day.


Cheers,
Yoga

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Additional Photos by Yoga Raharja (simplyoga) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 136 W: 59 N: 450] (5090)
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