ISLANDS
The countryside of the park esembles a mountainous savannah covered by palms. It is a remain of ancient vulcanic eruptions. The highest mountain in the park is Satalibo, 735m.

The largest lizards in the world are the most famous inhabitants of Komodo and Rinca. They are also called Komodo dragons..

  

They reach up to 3m. of lenght. They feed on meat of wild animals living the islands: deers, buffalos, boars, horses. Often their victims die many hours after attacked because of wounds and bacterial infections from the saliva of lizards.

During the night they live in earthen holes. At sunrise they start warming their bodies to start hunting a while after. After a 4-hours noon break they continue hunting in the afternoon.

They can live to 50 years. Mating occurs in July and August. Between August and September females deposit 15-30 eggs which mature after about 8-9 months. The hatchling is about 35cm. For the first 5 years it lives in the trees to avoid canibalism from its relatives. It catches insects and geckos.

Komodo is also a good place for birdwatching. The interesting fact is that most species are more related to Australian ones than to Asiatic ones. More than 150 species of birds live here.

The coast of Rinca and Komodo is quite variable. It forms a lot of bays with sandy beaches, seperated by high cliffs. Also here, with a little of luck, it’s possible to see a dragon warming on the sun.

The third biggest island in the park is Padar, situated between Rinca and Komodo. Besides them there are dozens of small islands, which form charming groups, straits and bays. Each of them has its own beach perfect for sunbathing and snorkelling.