Zoo in bid to secure future of giant lizard dragons facing extinction

Monday 12 July 2004 00:00 BST

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With razor-like teeth and saliva toxic enough to kill a human, the Komodo dragon should hold its own in the survival stakes. But this giant lizard from Indonesia faces extinction as there are only 500 females left in the world.

The Zoological Society of London is launching an international conservation programme today to save the Komodo dragon. The zoo has taken charge of dragon called 'Raja', who weighs 50 kg and can push a whole goat into his mouth. He will be joined by a female companion in the hope that they will breed.

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Zoo in bid to secure future of giant lizard dragons facing extinction

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