Komodo Dragon
Varanus komodoensis
EndangeredFast Facts
About
The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard, a formidable monitor confined to a handful of Indonesian islands. Powerfully built with a muscular tail, sharp serrated teeth and loose, scaly skin, it dominates its island ecosystems as the apex predator.
It uses a long, forked tongue to sample the air, detecting carrion from several kilometres away via a sensory organ in the roof of its mouth.
Behaviour
Komodo dragons are ambush hunters, lying in wait before launching a sudden attack on passing prey. Their bite delivers venom that lowers blood pressure and prevents clotting, helping to bring down large animals.
Though generally solitary, they gather at carcasses in a strict hierarchy determined by size, with the largest individuals feeding first.
Did you know?
- The Komodo dragon can detect carrion up to 9 kilometres away using its tongue
- Scientists confirmed that it possesses true venom glands, not merely toxic bacteria
- Females can occasionally reproduce without a mate through parthenogenesis
- Young dragons live in trees to avoid being eaten by adults
Distribution
A few Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca and Flores
