JAKARTA: A tourist from Singapore was attacked by a Komodo dragon in southern Indonesia, according to local media reports.
The tourist was identified as Mr Lon Lee Alle, 50, and he was reportedly bitten on the leg by the reptile in West Manggarai on Wednesday morning, after ignoring warnings from locals that he should not venture too close.
According to the head of the nearby Komodo National Park, known by the single name Sudiyono, Mr Alle had been watching several Komodos eating pigs and goats belonging to villagers before approaching the dragons to take pictures.
Komodo dragons, the largest living species of lizards, can grow up to a maximum length of 3m and weigh approximately 70kg.
They live on several Indonesian islands, where they hunt and ambush prey including birds and mammals. Attacks on humans are rare.
Mr Alle was rescued by locals and rushed to hospital on a military speed boat to be treated for serious leg injuries.
“This is the first incident of a human being bitten by a Komodo dragon in the past five years,” said Mr Sudiyono.
