The Komodo Dragon

By Kanistras  Konstandinos & Mitsikas Panagiotis

The Komodo dragon is the largest existing lizard species. The dragon is a monitor lizardof the family Varanidae. It occurs on Komodo Island and a few neighbouring islands of the LesserSunda Islands of Indonesia. The popular interest in the lizard’s large size and predatory habits has allowed this endangered species to become an ecotourist attraction, which has encouraged its protection. Another common name for it is The Komodo Monitor.

The lizard grows to 3 metres ( about10 feet) in total length and attains a weight of about 135 kg (about 300 pounds). It digs a burrow as deep as 9 metres (29.5 feet) and lays eggs that hatch in April or May. The newly hatched young, about 45 cm (18 inches) long, live in trees for several months. AdultKomodo dragons eat smaller members of their own species and sometimes even other adults. They can run swiftly and occasionally attack and kill human beings. Carrion, however, is their main diet item, although they commonly wait along game trails to ambush pigs, deer and cattle.

They rarely need to capture live prey directly, since their venomous bite delivers toxins that inhibit blood clotting. It is thought that their victims go into shock from rapid blood loss. Some herpetologists note that the physical trauma of the bite and the introduction of bacteria from the Komodo dragon’s mouth to the wound also play roles in slowing and killing prey. Komodo dragons often find their prey in the process of dying or shortly after death.

 

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/animal/Komodo-dragon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komodo_dragon

 

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