There is nothing cuddly about the 5,000 or so Komodo dragons that still roam the wild. They are aggressive, venomous predators that can reach 10 feet (3 meters) long and weigh more than 150 pounds (70 kg). They have been known to occasionally attack humans, sometimes fatally.

Nonetheless, growing numbers of tourists are flocking to Komodo Island to see them. And starting next year, they will have to pay up to $1,000 for the privilege.

This new "membership fee," announced Monday, is intended to reduce overtourism, and perhaps save Komodo's signature species in the process.