Indonesia's dragons draw tourists to 'Jurassic' islands

AFP on Yahoo ^ | 12/22/10 | Jerome Rivet

[NormsRevenge]

KOMODO ISLAND, Indonesia (AFP) – They don't breathe fire but Komodo dragons -- the largest lizards in the world -- can kill a buffalo or any one of the intrepid tourists who flock to their deserted island habitats.

"I feel like I'm in the middle of Jurassic Park, very deep in the past," said Hong Kong visitor Michael Lien during a recent trip to Komodo Island, the main habitat of the threatened Indonesian lizards.

...

"What am I supposed to do if a dragon appears suddenly?" he asks Johnny Banggur, the guide on a tour of the island, an almost uninhabited speck in the east of the vast Indonesian archipelago.

Armed with 18 years experience and a hefty club for good measure, Banggur dispenses some welcome advice: don't wander from the track and stay with the group.

Three metres (10 feet) long and weighing up to 70 kilograms (150 pounds), Komodo dragons are lethargic, lumbering creatures but they have a fearsome reputation for devouring anything they can, including their own.

They prefer to scavenge for rotting carcasses, but can kill if the opportunity arises.

Scientists used to believe their abundant drool was laced with bacteria that served to weaken and paralyse their prey, which they stalk slowly but relentlessly until it dies or is unable to defend itself.

But new research has found the lizards are equipped with toxic glands of their own. One bite from a dragon won't kill you, but it may make you very sick and, eventually, defenceless.

..

Komodo dragons have appalling table manners but at least they finish their dinners -- bones, hoofs and all.

[NormsRevenge]

Say, You wouldn't have any grey poupon, would you?

In this photo taken December 2, a Komodo dragon searches the shore area of Komodo island for prey. They don't breathe fire but Komodo dragons -- the largest lizards in the world -- can kill a buffalo or any one of the intrepid tourists who flock to their deserted island habitats. (AFP/File/Romeo Gacad)

[NormsRevenge]

Komodo National Park is the natural habitat to the world?s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon. Park authorities estimate 2,500 of the ancient species of reptile live in the UNESCO World Heritage Site nature reserve. (AFP)

[wendy1946]

Nothing that one of those Marlin 45/70 lever-actions can’t take care of...

[crazyhorse691]

Scientists used to believe their abundant drool was laced with bacteria that served to weaken and paralyse their prey, which they stalk slowly but relentlessly until it dies or is unable to defend itself.
But new research has found the lizards are equipped with toxic glands of their own. One bite from a dragon won't kill you, but it may make you very sick and, eventually, defenceless.

---

Either way the rule is don't get bit...a rule which will be broken as more tourists will have to have their picture taken with their arm around a dragon.

[FroggyTheGremlim]

The Pittsburgh Zoo has one of these things - ugly, disgusting creature.

[Polynikes]

They also like SF Chronicle editors. LOL. The other white meat :)
http://www.time.com/time/sampler/article/0,8599,133163,00.html

[NormsRevenge]

Thanks! that was a nasty one. lol