In the rugged, untamed landscapes of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, nature unfolds in its rawest form. Among the most fearsome creatures here is the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest living lizard. These ancient reptiles, which can grow over 10 feet long and weigh up to 150 pounds, are not just scavengers — they are apex predators with a diet that can include large animals like buffalo, and even baby buffalo.
Komodo dragons possess incredible strength and patience. When hunting, a dragon will often ambush its prey with a sudden, powerful bite. Although its jaws are strong, what makes this predator especially deadly is its saliva, filled with harmful bacteria and venom. After delivering a bite, the dragon will sometimes follow a wounded buffalo for hours — or even days — waiting for the infection to weaken it.
Baby buffalo, more vulnerable and easier to kill, are frequent targets. A single dragon can stalk a mother and calf, looking for the right moment to separate them. Once the young animal is isolated, it rarely escapes. The dragon’s muscular body, sharp claws, and powerful tail all come into play during the final attack.
Scenes like this may sound brutal, but they are a natural part of the food chain in Komodo’s wild ecosystem. The Komodo dragon is a living relic of prehistoric times, a reminder of the raw, untamed forces that still exist in pockets of our world. Watching one hunt — and bring down a buffalo — is both terrifying and awe-inspiring, a vivid glimpse into the real wildlife of Komodo Island.
