Review: Monsterquest 11-05-08

This was a rather interesting episode, focusing on Real Dragons, with Aussie Cryptozologist Rex Gilroy, along with Tony Gerard and Gary Opit, an American and Australian reptile expert. They are searching in the Blue Mountains of Oz for Megalania, a giant version of the Monitor Lizard said to measure at least 30 feet long, much bigger than an average Monitor Lizard (this is supposed to have gone extinct 40,000 years ago, but may be still living in the mountains of Oz). Gilroy has apparently cast tracks of what appear to be large reptiles, possible Megalania. He is having one of the tracks analyzed by a paleontologist. Opit theorizes that the Megalania would be an ambush animal, sitting by a trail to await its next meal, which in Oz can be Kangaroos or Wallabies. The legends of dragons are very prevalent, but are only legends, not realistic. Historian Peter Hancock is also profiled to discuss the possible continuing existence of Megalania, according to the Aborigines. The large reptiles are called Goanna (Big Lizard), and the team puts up camera traps in areas where sightings have occurred and also tracks have been found. They do put up bait in front of the camera traps. Tony finds a sign of possible Goanna activity-a termite mound, which are said to be used as nests for the Goanna. A process called Parthenogenesis, which means producing offspring without a mate, is discussed (female Komodo Dragons are able to reproduce without a mate). The area in Australia where this all takes place is the Wollemi National Forest. There are other possible areas in Indonesia where these large creatures can survive and thrive. Five of those islands are known to have Komodo Dragon populations. Trooper Walsh, a retired Wildlife Biologist at the Smithsonian National Zoo, is interviewed about his impressions of the Komodo, and discusses the possible ancestry between Megalania and the average Komodo. Komodos will basically attack anything, even themselves, and human beings. In 2007 in Komodo Village, a young boy is attacked by a Komodo, and the boy's uncle rushes to his aid. He threw rocks at the reptile, which chased it off. The boy, unfortunately, died before he got proper medical attention. A Swiss diver is killed by a Komodo Dragon earlier this year. This occurred on the island of Rinca. Two researchers go to the island to explore for a giant Komodo. Next week is the Season Finale, Sasquatch Attack II, 9:00 EST/8:00 Central on History. Check Local listings for time and channel.