A natural history blog by Christian Alessandro Perez-Martinez
Into the forests and savannas of Rinca
Arriving on Rinca islandPanorama of the savannas of Rinca island before sunsetOur first Komodo dragon on Rinca, basking in the morning sun; all dragon photos in situ [1]Komodos were common in around the houses, these very accustomed to human presenceA dry streambedA young Komodo lies low to the ground, concealed by the vegetationSpot the dragonA sunlit Komodo dragon rests on a orange-footed scrubfowl (Megapodius reinwardt) mound. Trekking further into Rinca island the dragons were shy and elusive, making it all the more rewarding to spot them in the dense vegetation.Photographed after slight disturbance [2]Sundown on RincaThere was a stark contrast between open savanna habitat and shaded lowland forest. It was immediately apparent just taking a step out from under the forest canopy.Portrait of a Komodo dragon basking in the early morning sun; photographed in situ [1]Note the ticks! Photographed in situ [1]A male Komodo lies among the solidified and cracked feces of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis); photographed in situ [1]Photographed in situ [1]View from a hike near Rinca villagePhotographed in situ [1]
