They are also crafty - they lie in wait for a long time and pounce when unsuspecting animals walk by. Bacteria in their mouths infects the blood to bring down prey.

Komodo dragons are also endangered. The species is native to Komodo, an island in Indonesia, where it is estimated there are only around 6000 dragons living in the wild.

Numbers are in decline because of human encroachment, poaching, natural disasters and a shortage of egg-laying females of the species.

"They're absolutely incredible creatures, but they are really struggling in the wild." Daniel Rumsey of the Australian Reptile Park said.

The Central Coast sanctuary has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the Komodo Survival Program, an Indonesian-based non-profit launched in 2007. The project, which raises funds and awareness for the monitors, offers artwork, prints and species encounters for various donation amounts.

"The Australian Reptile Park decided to highlight the work that the Komodo Survival Program is doing and encouraging the public to support this incredible charity," Mr Rumsey said.

The reptile park's resident Komodo dragons, Kraken and Daenerys, are working as ambassadors for the species, the park said. It will match dollar-for-dollar up to $5000 as part of the crowdfunding campaign.

To view and support the crowdfunding campaign, visit the Cash for Komodo Dragons project via Pozible online.