Komodo Dragon
Varanus komodoensis
Quick answer
The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard, growing up to 3 m (10 ft) long and 90 kg (200 lb). Found only on a handful of Indonesian islands, it is a powerful ambush predator with serrated teeth and venom that lowers a victim's blood pressure. It can take prey as large as deer and water buffalo. Komodo dragons can live around 30 years.
Komodo Dragon facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Varanus komodoensis |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Tropical savanna and forest on Indonesian islands |
| Lifespan | ~30 years |
| Length | Up to 3 m (10 ft) |
| Top speed | 20 km/h (12 mph) in short bursts |
| Conservation status | Endangered (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Varanidae |
| Genus | Varanus |
Behavior and hunting
Komodo dragons are ambush hunters that lie in wait and rush prey with a sudden burst of speed. They use serrated teeth to deliver deep wounds, and venom glands that release toxins which prevent clotting and lower blood pressure, weakening prey that escapes the initial attack. They have an excellent sense of smell, using their forked tongue to detect carrion from kilometers away.
Diet
Komodo dragons eat almost any meat, from carrion and birds to deer, pigs, and even water buffalo. They can consume a large portion of their body weight in a single meal and may go weeks between large kills.
Habitat and range
The species is found only on a few Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and a couple of smaller ones, in tropical savanna and dry forest. This tiny range makes the entire species vulnerable to local threats.
Conservation
Komodo dragons are listed as Endangered. Their limited island range, small total population, habitat loss, and the effects of climate change and rising seas all threaten their future. Most live within Komodo National Park, a World Heritage Site.
Frequently asked questions about the Komodo Dragon
How big do Komodo dragons get?
Komodo dragons are the largest lizards on Earth, reaching up to 3 m (10 ft) in length and around 90 kg (200 lb) in weight.
Are Komodo dragons venomous?
Yes. Komodo dragons have venom glands that release toxins which prevent blood clotting and lower blood pressure, helping to weaken prey after a bite.
What do Komodo dragons eat?
They are carnivores that eat carrion, birds, deer, pigs, and even water buffalo. A Komodo dragon can eat a huge amount in one meal and then go weeks without eating.
Where do Komodo dragons live?
Komodo dragons live only on a few Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca, and Flores, in tropical savanna and dry forest.
How fast can a Komodo dragon run?
Komodo dragons can sprint up to about 20 km/h (12 mph) in short bursts, relying on ambush rather than long chases.
Are Komodo dragons endangered?
Yes. Komodo dragons are listed as Endangered, threatened by their tiny range, habitat loss, and climate change. Most are protected within Komodo National Park.
