Komodo Dragons, Komodo National Park
The famous Komodo Dragon (also known as Varanus komodoensis),  is an animal species member of the family called monitor lizard family Varanidae which is endemic to the islands of Indonesia.  They are found on Rinca, Gili Motang, and Komodo Island. They can actually grow to a maximum length of up to 10 feet (3 meters) and are the largest extant species of lizards in the world. They can also weigh up to 150 lbs. (70 Kilograms)

As far as mating for Komodo dragons, this usually happens between May and August.  The eggs are laid in September and sometimes as many as up to 20 eggs are deposited at a time which are put in a nesting hole which the dragon will dig out.  This creates a good nest for the big lizard.  Incubation typically takes about seven to eight months, and they usually hatch in the month of April.  Typically it takes a young Lizard about eight to nine years to mature.  Until them they do spend a lot of their time up in the trees to stay away from other adults because they could be eaten.  I mature Komodo Dragon can live up to about 30 years.  

Komodo dragons are very big animals and can be intimidating for other animals for many reasons.  The are the main predators and truly dominate the ecosystems on the islands, such as Komodo, Rinca, and Gili Motang.  Komodo’s hunt their prey by ambushing their prey, which include, mammals, invertebrates, and birds.  The reason they can be so intimidating and are the main predators is because they have a venomous in their saliva, so their bit is venomous.  In their lower jaw, they have two glands which can secrete toxic proteins.  For all the guests that come to the Islands to view these giant lizards, should keep their distance.  Human biting are extremely rare, but they have happened to people that have not respected the area of the Komodo dragon.  For every tour on these island, there are now professional guides that come with the groups. 


History shows us that the first Komodo Dragons were documented by some Europeans around 1910 by a Dutch Colonial Lieutenant by the name of Van Steyn van Hensbroek. 
Komodo dragons were first documented by Europeans in 1910.  There were two Komodo Dragons that were brought to Europe and exhibited in the London Zoo in the Reptile House.  This opened up around 1927.   After that, the main time of documentation was in 1928 when the dragons were studied in captivity by Joan Beauchamp Procter.  This was demonstrated at a Scientific Meeting of the Zoological Society of London.  Since then the Komodo Dragons have been studied by many Scientists and Zoologists around the world.  Komodo are now protected under Indonesian Law, and Komodo National Park was founded in 1980 which helps to protects these amazing creatures.  

When taking a Komodo Island Tour, keep in mind to keep your distance from these giant lizards.  There will always be a guide with you.  These wild adult Komodo Dragons can be very large and in fact, the largest wild specimen was more than 10 feet long (3.15 meters) and weighed up to 366 lbs. ( 166kg).  The ones you see in Komodo and Rinca are not this big, but they are still very large animals.  The skin of the Komodo dragon has scales all over which contain very small bones called osteoderms with help connect all the scales together.  The osteoderms change as the Komodo dragons get older and become more extensive and change in shape as well.  

If you would like to learn more about Komodo Dragons and see these amazing lizard up close you can book a tour with Maika Komodo Tours and we have professional guides that are trained and experience.  We can help you touring these islands as well as many other islands in the Komodo National Park.

Some facts about Komodo Dragons. 

  • Komodo dragons are the largest living species of lizard, growing up to 10 feet in length and weighing up to 150 pounds.
  • They are native to the Indonesian islands of Komodo and Rinca.
  • Komodo dragons are carnivorous and will eat almost anything, including carrion, other reptiles, birds, and mammals. They have been known to hunt and kill large animals such as deer and water buffalo.
  • They are very good swimmers and have been known to swim long distances between islands.
  • Komodo dragons have an acute sense of smell, which they use to locate food. They can detect carrion from up to 6 miles away.
  • They are also known for their powerful venom, which they use to kill their prey. The venom causes blood loss, muscle paralysis, and shock, making it easier for the Komodo dragon to kill and eat its prey.
  • Despite their reputation as fierce predators, Komodo dragons are actually quite slow-moving. They have a top speed of about 13 miles per hour, which is much slower than most mammals of similar size.
  • Komodo dragons are solitary animals and are only social when it comes to mating or defending territory.
  • Female Komodo dragons lay clutches of up to 30 eggs, which they bury in the ground and guard until they hatch.
  • Komodo dragons are considered to be vulnerable to extinction, largely due to habitat loss and hunting by humans.
Overall, Komodo dragons are fascinating animals known for their massive size, powerful venom, and keen sense of smell. Despite their fearsome reputation, they are actually quite slow-moving and spend most of their time alone, only coming together to mate or defend their territory. However, due to habitat loss and hunting, they are considered to be vulnerable to extinction.   For viewing these amazing animals, please contact us for a Komodo Tour.   For scuba diving Komodo, we can also give you many options for locations that you will love. 
Contact us for any questions:  
WhatsApp: 62 812-3855-3678      
Email: info@maikakomodotour.com
Komodo Tour Packages
Komodo National Park Tours
1 Day Trips
2 Day / 1 Night
3 Day / 2 Night
4 Day / 3 Night

We can visit places such as;​
  • Komodo Island
  • Rinca Island
  • Kalong
  • Kelor
  • Kanawa
  • Siaba Besar
  • Taka Makassar
  • Pink Beach
  • Long Beach
  • Gili Lawa
  • Manta Point
  • Bidadari
  • Sebayur
  • Kalong
  • Menjerite
  • Tatawa Kecil*
  • The Passage*
  • Batu Bolong*
  • Castle Rock*
  • Crystal Bay
  • (* Only for scuba trips)

Flores Overland tours
  • Labuan Bajo City
  • Wae Rebo
  • Rangko Cave
  • Tado Village
  • Cuci Wulang
  • Cuci Rami
  • Cancar
  • Kelimutu
  • Ruteng
  • WoloBobo
  • Bajawa
  • Wolokoro
  • Bena Village
  • Luba Village
  • Ende​
  • Maumere & more
 

    Contact us with any questions
 
“I had a Wonderful tour! I had one of the best times of my life with you guys! Thank you so much!” - Amber - North Carolina (USA)​
“Thank you for showing my family the best time in Komodo, I highly recommend. So Amazing!" - Donna  
​ -(Spain)
Contact Maika Komodo Tours for any questions you may have. 
This website is operated by Maika Komodo Tour. 
Address: Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86763, Indonesia
​Phone: 62 812-3855-3678