Abstract
Background:
Accurate assessment of the relationship between an animal’s physiology and its surrounding environment is essential for understanding ecological adaptability, particularly with respect to body temperature regulation. The large body size and aggressive nature of Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) pose challenges to direct physiological monitoring, highlighting the importance of non-invasive techniques. In this study, infrared thermography (IRT) was employed as a non-invasive tool to estimate surface body temperature, serving as a proxy for internal temperature
regulation.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate variations in the surface body temperature of Komodo dragons in response to environmental temperature dynamics on Komodo Island, within Komodo National Park, using IRT.

Methods:
Fieldwork was conducted in June 2024 at the Loh Liang tourist site, Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The surface body temperatures of nine adult Komodo dragons were recorded alongside ambient temperature measurements using a FLIR ONE IRT camera (compatible with iOS and Android) at a distance of approximately 2 m. Temperature data were collected from the thoracic (costal and pectoral) and dorsal regions at 15 to 30-minute intervals between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily. The environmental and body temperature data were analyzed using multiple
linear regression models.

Results:
The ambient temperature ranged from 19.80°C to 56.50°C, reflecting the high variability associated with solar exposure and shade. In contrast, the surface body temperatures of the Komodo dragon remained relatively stable, ranging from 27.40°C to 35.40°C. Statistical analysis indicated that the minimum ambient temperature had a significant effect on the surface body temperature, whereas the maximum temperature had a minimal influence. These findings indicate that Komodo dragons primarily rely on behavioral and physiological thermoregulatory mechanisms to maintain thermal homeostasis under fluctuating environmental conditions.

Conclusion:
Komodo dragons maintain thermal stability through adaptive behaviors, such as basking, shade-seeking, retreating to sheltered areas, and adjusting activity levels. These thermoregulatory strategies are essential for survival in dynamic thermal environments. Further research integrating additional environmental and physiological parameters is recommended to enhance ecological understanding and inform conservation strategies.

Key words: Varanus komodoensis; Temperature; Infrared thermography; Thermoregulation.