The Komodo dragon, ( Varanus komodoensis ), the largest extant species of lizard on the planet, is a lizard in the Varanidae family. Also called the Komodo monster and Komodo monitor, it can be found on the island of Komodo and some neighboring islands of the Sunda islands of central Indonesia. Popular interest in the large size and predatory habits of this particular lizard have allowed this endangered species to become an ecotourism attraction, which has fortunately encouraged its protection. Of course, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN (body dedicated to the conservation of natural resources), the Komodo dragon is currently in a “vulnerable” conservation status.
The characteristics of the Komodo dragon are quite striking.
This lizard grows up to 3 meters in total length and can reach a maximum weight of approximately 135 kg (the average is 2 meters long and 70 kg in weight). It digs a burrow of up to 30 feet and lays eggs that hatch in April or May. The newborn hatchlings, about 18 inches long, live in trees for several months.
As a curiosity, adult Komodo dragons eat the smallest members of their own species and sometimes even other adults. They can run quickly and occasionally attack and kill humans. They often wait along the trails to ambush passing pigs, deer, and cattle. They rarely need to capture live prey directly, as their poisonous sting releases toxins that inhibit blood clotting. Some herpetologists point out that the physical trauma of the bite and the introduction of bacteria from the Komodo dragon’s mouth to the wound also play a role in the decreased vitality and death of prey. Since they are in no hurry once the toxin is inoculated, Komodo dragons often encounter their prey in the process of dying or shortly after death.
It is a very charismatic animal . Do you want to know more curiosities about Komodo dragons? Here is a sample.
