In Photos: Komodo Dragon

Power, venom, patience; the Komodo dragon has all the virtues of a killer. But the life of a top predator isn't as exciting as it may seem, there's lots of lying about in th sun!

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The Dragon's Head

Behind the Komodo dragon's almost-smile are razor sharp teeth fed by a venom gland within its jaw. A deadly bite whichever way you look at it.
The Island of Komodo

Komodo dragons are only found on the remote island of Komodo in Indonesia.
Forked Tongue

Snakes and lizards use their forked tongues to "taste" the air. By comparing the strengths of a scent on each tip they can tell which direction a smell is coming from! Handy.
Hearing

Although they may not have fleshy appendages, Komodo dragon's have external ears which you can see as a hole just behind the head.
Cold Blood

Like most other reptiles, Komodo dragons are unable to internally regulate their own body temperature. As such, they spend large amounts of time sprawled out in the open or lying on hard ground which has been warmed by the sun.
Komodo's and People

Komodo's have been known to attack and eat people so it doesn't bode well that they like to hang around villages, laying around soaking up the sun. For the most part, the local people can dodge around the dozing dragons, but they best keep an eye open!