Komodo dragon uncovers eye-opening facts and captivating stories about this awe-inspiring reptile. Explore why the Komodo dragon astounds scientists and adventure seekers alike, from its massive size to clever hunting tactics, and discover how it thrives in its mysterious island home.
Komodo Dragon
Komodo dragon holds the title of the world’s largest lizard, growing up to 10 feet long and weighing as much as 330 pounds.
This mighty reptile calls several Indonesian islands home, including Komodo, Flores, Rinca, and Gili Motang.
You’ll spot the Komodo dragon hunting solo or sunning itself in open savannas or dry forests, yet it sometimes gathers with others to share a meal.
Camouflage and patience help the Komodo dragon ambush deer, wild boar, and even water buffalo with lightning speed.
They relie on its long, forked tongue to “taste” scents in the air and track prey from over two miles away.
Its deadly bite delivers a double threat: venom prevents blood clotting, and bacteria help finish the job.
Thanks to a powerful sense of smell, they locate carrion and can eat up to 80% of its body weight in a single feast.
Young Komodo dragons avoid hungry adults by staying in trees, living there until age four for safety
Females can lay as many as 30 eggs, and they sometimes reproduce without a male—a rare trait called parthenogenesis.
Despite their strength, only one in ten hatchlings survives to adulthood, dodging dangers like cannibalistic adults and predators.
Komodo dragon boasts armor-like skin, with bony plates (osteoderms) acting as natural chain mail.
Claws and muscular tails help adults dig deep burrows for shelter and use their tail for fighting or balance.
Scientists found Komodo dragon fossils in Australia, suggesting ancient roots stretching back millions of years.
These lizards can briefly sprint up to 12 miles per hour and swim between islands with ease.
Due to limited range and threats like habitat loss and hunting, Komodo dragon is classified as endangered and protected by law.
