Komodo Dragon

Overview

The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard species in the world, found only on a handful of Indonesian islands including Komodo, Rinca, and Flores. A powerful apex predator, it can take down prey as large as water buffalo using a combination of a powerful bite, sharp serrated teeth, and a toxic bite that impairs its victim.

Appearance

It has a long, muscular body covered in tough, armored scales, powerful clawed limbs, and a long, forked yellow tongue used to detect scent particles in the air, much like a snake. Its bite is lined with curved, serrated teeth designed for tearing flesh, and its saliva contains venom that affects blood clotting and blood pressure in prey.

Habitat & Distribution

The komodo dragon is found in grassland, forest habitats.

Diet & Behavior

Diet: Carnivore — Meat-eating animals that hunt, scavenge, or fish for prey, ranging from big cats to snakes and birds of prey.

Komodo dragons are patient ambush predators, capable of remaining motionless for long periods before launching a powerful, fast strike at passing prey. After delivering a bite, a dragon may follow a wounded animal for hours or even days, using its acute sense of smell to track the effects of its venom and bacteria-laden saliva until the prey succumbs.

Interesting Facts

• 1

  The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard species on Earth, reaching up to 3 meters in length.

• 2

  Its bite delivers venom that affects blood clotting and blood pressure, weakening prey even after the initial attack.

• 3

  Young Komodo dragons spend much of their early life in trees to avoid being eaten by adults of their own species.

• 4

  It can detect carrion from several kilometers away using its long, forked tongue to sense scent particles in the air.

• 5

  Komodo dragons are found naturally on only a handful of Indonesian islands and nowhere else in the wild.

Gallery

Komodo Dragon FAQs