23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Thermoregulation

As cold-blooded animals, Komodo dragons rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. To avoid overheating especially during the scorching midday heat, they can be seen lying in shallow water or mud to lower their body temperature. They are also good swimmers, though always while keeping their head above the water. This helps them expand their territorial search for food or mates.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Indonesia
Copyright: © Suliman Alatiqi