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Komodo Dragon

Scientific Name: Varanus Komodoensis
Type: Reptile
Diet: Carnivore
Average lifespan in the wild: 30 years+
Size: 10 ft (3 m)
Weight: 330 lbs (150 kg)
Top Speed: 18km/h (11mph)
Did you know? Komodo dragons can run up to 11 miles an hour (18 kph) in short bursts.
Protection status: Endangered

What does a Komodo dragon look like?
The Komodo dragon is the world's heaviest lizard, weighing 150 pounds or more. They have long, flat heads with rounded snouts, scaly skin, bowed legs, and huge, muscular tails. Komodo dragons live in the scrub and woodland of a few Indonesian islands. They use their keen sense of smell to locate decaying animal remains from several miles away. They also hunt other lizards as well as large mammals and are sometimes cannibalistic.

Komodo Dragon video.

Where do Komodo dragons live?
Komodo dragons have thrived in the harsh climate of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years, although amazingly, their existence was unknown to humans until about 100 years ago.

What does a Komodo dragon eat?
As the dominant predators on the handful of islands they inhabit, they will eat almost anything, including carrion, deer, pigs, smaller dragons, and even large water buffalo and humans. When hunting, Komodo dragons rely on camouflage and patience, lying in wait for passing prey. When a victim ambles by, the dragon springs, using its powerful legs, sharp claws and serrated, shark-like teeth to eviscerate its prey.

Did you know this about Komodo dragons?

The Komodo dragon is the planet's largest lizard, reaching lengths over 10 feet and weighing over 300 pounds.
The Komodo dragon's teeth are almost completely covered by its gums. When it feeds, the gums bleed, creating an ideal culture for virulent bacteria.
The bacteria that live in the Komodo dragon's saliva causes septicemia, or blood poisoning, in its victims. A dragon will bite its prey, then follow it until the animal is too weak to carry on.