Komodo dragons are found in the wild on only five islands in Indonesia: Komodo, Rinca, Gili Montang, Gili Dasami and Flores, where they roam freely. They live mainly in forests, but can be seen scattered widely over the islands from beaches to hilltops.

Though they are called dragons, they look like a big lizard. A male adult can measure three metres in length and weighs 90 kilos. Komodo dragons eat meat. They are also fierce hunters and an eat very large prey, such as large water buffaloes, deer and pigs. They will even eat smaller Komodo dragons.

There are about 6,000 Komodo dragons in Indonesia. Humans are not a great danger to them. However, their population is slightly declining because there are more males than females. According to the IUCN Red List, Komodo dragons are not endangered, but are considered vulnerable. About 30 zoos outside Indonesia Tave been trying to protect the Komodo. There are also plans to hald more wildlife parks around the world, which will help to encrease the population of this fascinating species.