Komodo curiosities

* Komodo dragons are found on Komodo, Rinca and Gili Motang in the Lesser Sunda islands, as well as a small population on Flores. The estimated total population in 1999 was about 5,000 animals.

* It is the world's largest carnivorous lizard, with males reaching up to 500 pounds in weight.

* The komodo dragon's saliva contains a deadly poison, staphyloccus, with no known cure. Even if an animal escapes after being bitten, it is almost certain to die of infection.

* Komodos can survive up to six weeks without water.