Search results
Learn about the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard and an endangered species native to Indonesia. Find out its taxonomy, evolution, behavior, ecology, and conservation status.
- What Is The Komodo Dragon?
- Habitat
- Reproduction
- Diet
- Feeding
- Threats to Survival
- Conservation
Reaching up to 10 feet in length and more than 300 pounds, Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizardson Earth. They have long, flat heads with rounded snouts, scaly skin, bowed legs, and huge, muscular tails.
Komodo dragons have thrived in the harsh climate of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years. They prefer the islands’ tropical forests but can be found across the islands. Though these athletic reptiles can walk up to seven miles per day, they prefer to stay close to home—rarely venturing far from the valleys in which they hatched.
Once a year, when they’re ready to mate, female Komodo dragons give off a scentin their feces for males to follow. When a male dragon locates a female, he scratches her back and llicks her body. If she licks him back, they mate. Males also sometimes wrestle one another to earn mating rights. Pregnant females then lay about 30 eggs, which they bury ...
As the dominant predators on the handful of islands they inhabit, Komodo dragons will eat almost anything, including carrion, deer, pigs, smaller dragons, and even large water buffalo. When hunting, Komodo dragons rely on camouflageand patience, lying in wait for passing prey. When a victim ambles by, the dragon springs, using its sharp claws, and ...
The Komodo dragon has venom glandsloaded with toxins that lower blood pressure, cause massive bleeding, prevent clotting, and induce shock. Dragons bite down with serrated teeth and pull back with powerful neck muscles, resulting in huge gaping wounds. The venom then quickens the loss of blood and sends the prey into shock. Animals that escape the ...
While asexual reproduction does allow female Komodo dragons to replenish their population—an evolutionary advantage—it has a significant drawback: This reproduction process only results in sons. The dearth of other females within a population has led to evidence of inbreeding. The reptile’s reluctance to stray far from home exacerbates the issue as...
In 1980, Indonesia established Komodo National Parkto protect the Komodo dragon and its habitat. This 700-square-mile refuge is also home to species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and Timor deer, as well as a rich marine environment supporting whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, corals, sponges, manta rays, and more than a thousand species...
Sep 13, 2024 · Komodo dragon, (Varanus komodoensis), largest extant lizard species. The dragon is a monitor lizard of the family Varanidae. It occurs on Komodo Island and a few neighbouring islands of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard in the world. These wild dragons typically weigh about 154 pounds (70 kilograms), but the largest verified specimen reached a length of 10.3 feet (3.13 meters) and weighed 366 pounds (166 kilograms). Males tend to grow larger and bulkier than females.
Learn about the biggest and heaviest lizards on Earth, their diet, behavior, and life cycle. Find out how Komodo dragons use their poisonous saliva, camouflage, and claws to hunt and defend themselves.
Jul 7, 2020 · Learn about the world's largest lizards, their habitat, behavior, and conservation status. Find out where to visit them in Indonesia or in North American zoos, and what precautions to take.
Sep 16, 2021 · Learn about the world's largest living lizard, its features, diet and history. Find out why Komodo dragons are endangered and what is being done to protect them.
