Male Komodo Dragon, Indonesia

Komodo dragons have a fierce reputation - in part because they're the largest surviving species of lizard and can weigh up to 120kg once fully grown. A quick look at their diet gives away another clue - it includes monkeys, wild boar, goats, deer, horses, and water buffalo. Attacks on humans are rare, but not unknown. The last reported attack on a human was in 2009 when a fisherman was attacked and died from blood loss on the way to hospital.

Remembering the potential danger that these animals present, it is very reassuring to have an experienced park guide along for the trip, armed with a forked stick to protect against the dragons.

Daily Travel Photo: Male Komodo Dragon, Indonesia.