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Two hurt in attack by komodo dragon in Indonesia | Two hurt in attack by komodo dragon in Indonesia |
(about 11 hours later) | |
Two men have been injured in an attack by a komodo dragon in a wildlife park in eastern Indonesia, park officials say. | Two men have been injured in an attack by a komodo dragon in a wildlife park in eastern Indonesia, park officials say. |
The 2m (7ft) long lizard attacked a park ranger in his office, then turned on another employee who tried to come to his aid. | The 2m (7ft) long lizard attacked a park ranger in his office, then turned on another employee who tried to come to his aid. |
Both suffered serious leg wounds and were being monitored in hospital. | Both suffered serious leg wounds and were being monitored in hospital. |
Komodo dragons are the world's largest lizards, growing up to 3m long, with razor-sharp teeth and a venomous bite. | |
Previously it was thought the Komodo's mouth harboured virulent bacteria that quickly infected and subdued prey. | |
But in 2009 analysis by researchers of Komodo specimens showed a well-developed venom gland with ducts that lead to their large teeth. | |
The reptiles are unique to a small group of islands in eastern Indonesia. | The reptiles are unique to a small group of islands in eastern Indonesia. |
They live on a diet of mainly large mammals, smaller reptiles and birds, but have been known to attack humans. | They live on a diet of mainly large mammals, smaller reptiles and birds, but have been known to attack humans. |
The animals are endangered in the wild and protected by international law - fewer than 4,000 are believed to be alive. | The animals are endangered in the wild and protected by international law - fewer than 4,000 are believed to be alive. |