The Komodo Dragon

The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard in the world. It can grow longer than a grown human - 6 to 10 feet! Males can weigh up to 200 pounds and females weigh about half as much. Komodo dragons are a type of monitor lizard, and are the top predators on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Padar and western Flores. They are apex predators, which means they have no natural enemies, although young Komodos can be eaten by snakes, birds of prey, and even other dragons. Komodo dragons can live up to 30 years. 

Komodo dragons feed mostly on carrion, or animals that are already dead, but will also attack live prey like wild pigs, water buffalos, snakes and lizards. Like a snake, the Komodo dragon smells with its forked tongue. The forked shape helps it smell in both directions. The Komodo dragon has saliva that can produce a deadly venom that can kill its prey. Komodo dragons can eat 80 percent of their body weight in one feeding, and sometimes swallow smaller animals whole. Like owls, they regurgitate the horns, hooves and hair later as pellets. For being so large, they can run pretty fast, up to 12 miles per hour. 

Komodo dragons are solitary animals, which means they live alone. While grown Komodos live on the ground in tropical forests, young Komodos are more agile and mostly live in trees to stay safe. They do not like to share! They will fight other Komodos for food using their powerful tails like a whip. Their strong claws help them push each other. Their sharp, powerful teeth also help them fight. Their scientific name is Varanus komodoensis. Komodo dragons are an endangered species due to hunting and habitat loss. 

Cool Fact: Komodo dragons can smell food up to three miles away!