Fun Komodo Dragon Facts and How You Can Save Them

Komodo dragons are the largest lizards on earth, and can reach 2-3 meters in length! Their large size is due to island gigantism - a biological phenomenon where the size of animals isolated on an island without predators increases over time.

Young komodo dragons hang out in trees - to avoid being eaten by adult komodo dragons. Despite occasionally eating young komodo dragons, birds, bird eggs and the odd monkey or king cobra, komodo dragons primarily eat carrion - carcases of already dead animals.

Komodo dragons rarely attack humans, but will occasionally dig up fresh graves - they are carrion eaters after all! It's a good think komodo dragons aren't overly interested in us since their saliva is very high in e-coli bacteria and can cause severe infection, not to mention the damage their teeth can do. Sources/more info: Wikipedia: Komodo Dragons, The Fierce and Ugly Komodo Dragon Fights On

Why Komodo Dragons Need Our Help

Komodo dragons are listed as vulnerable and are protected under Indonesian law. Unfortunately they're still vulnerable to volcanic activity, earthquakes, poaching, loss of habitat and loss of prey. There are an estimated 4000 - 5000 komodo dragons left.

Help Save Komodo Dragons

• Visit Komodo Dragon National Park and appreciate the world's largest lizard for yourself


• Volunteer with the Komodo Survival Program in Indonesia


• Contact the Komodo Foundation and see how you can help


• Adopt Raja a komodo dragon at the Zoological Society of London, London Zoo


• Join Save the Komodo Dragon on Facebook

Komodo dragon photo courtesy of: whl.travel

Bermuda Skink Facts and How You Can Save Them

Bermuda skinks may not give you the warm fuzzy feeling at first glance, but they do feast on beetles and pesky cockroaches so that's got to count for something. They are also excellent rock and stone climbers but avoid climbing plants and trees. Bermuda skinks are endemic to Bermuda, meaning they are only found in Bermuda. Bermuda skinks have not been extensively studied so not much is known about these elusive reptiles.

Why Bermuda Skinks Need Our Help

Bermuda skinks are listed by the IUCN as critically endangered, that's one level below extinct in the wild. I find it hard to believe that such a small harmless animal who exists off of insects can be in such great danger. It just goes to show how destructive humans can be. There are a few pockets of Bermuda skink populations with the smallest at 23 individuals and the largest at 400 individuals.

Loss of habitat is the Bermuda skinks biggest threat with expanded agriculture and residential buildings being the two largest causes. Introduction of predators and trash are further threatening Bermuda skinks.

Sources and for more info: ARKive, IUCN Red List

Help Save Bermuda Skinks

• Support the Bermuda Audubon Society which works to protect local species and create nature reserves
• If you live in Bermuda volunteer at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo on a skink project
• If you live in Bermuda or are visiting Bermuda, at a minimum ensure that you do not litter but try and reduce your waste as much as possible
• Donate to the Bermuda Biodiversity Project

Photo courtesy of: Applied Herpetology Special Issues