Walter Auffenberg (February 6, 1928 – January 17, 2004) was an American biologist who spent almost 40 years in field research, studying reptile and amphibian paleontology and the systematics and biology of numerous reptile species, including alligators and Komodo dragons.
After graduating high school, he relocated to DeLand, Florida, to work on two small citrus groves owned by his parents.
Upon his discharge he returned to Florida and attended Stetson University in DeLand, receiving his Bachelor of Science in zoology in 1951.
During their stay, Auffenberg, his family and his assistant Putra Sastrawan captured and tagged more than 50 Komodo dragons.
[5] The research from the Auffenberg expedition would prove to be influential in the future propagation of Komodo dragons in captivity.