Here be dragons

Saw sunrise over Komodo. Early breakfast then to boats for beach. Split into 4-5 groups but, to be honest, group too big to be ideal.

Saw half dozen or so dragon. From 2 year old (looks like monitor lizard) to big adult. Babies - only around 5% survive, not least because mother hangs around nesting site and tries to eat them, as do other adults. Babies hide inside palm trees for 2 years before emerging and taking their chances on the ground.

Very tame deer here, dragon main prey, as are well as wild boar, water buffalo, horses (small) and even snakes and lizards.

Dragons bite is venomous and full of deadly bacteria. Often bite their prey and follow for a week or two until dead.

Females grow to 2 metres long, males to 3. Males fight at this time of year sumo style,over the impressionable ladies.

Villagers somehow live in harmony with these beasts. Mostly squid fishermen they keep dragons away with sticks (like madao with lions?).

Chicken are free roaming as dragons trash cages.Read more