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.
Key takeaway
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.
Overview
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.
Biology
Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is classified as Reptile with conservation status Endangered. Typical weight about 90 kg; lifespan around ~30 years.
Ecology
Diet: Carnivore. Habitat: Tropical savanna and forest on Indonesian islands. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.
People and this species
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Further reading
See the full Komodo Dragon profile for FAQs, taxonomy, and related guides on this site.
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.
Research notes
Figures for komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter komodo dragons in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Endangered) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
Komodo Dragon: Key Facts & Natural History?
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.
What is the scientific name of the komodo dragon?
Varanus komodoensis
What do komodo dragons eat?
Carnivore
Where do komodo dragons live?
Tropical savanna and forest on Indonesian islands
Are komodo dragons endangered?
Listed here as Endangered. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.