{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "komodo-dragon",
  "name": "Komodo Dragon",
  "scientificName": "Varanus komodoensis",
  "category": "Reptile",
  "summary": "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.",
  "conservationStatus": "Endangered",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Reptilia",
    "order": "Squamata",
    "family": "Varanidae",
    "genus": "Varanus"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 90,
    "lengthM": 3,
    "topSpeedKmh": 20,
    "lifespanYears": 30
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Varanus komodoensis"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Tropical savanna and forest on Indonesian islands"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "~30 years"
    },
    {
      "label": "Length",
      "value": "Up to 3 m (10 ft)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "20 km/h (12 mph) in short bursts"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Endangered (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "A handful of Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca, and Flores.",
    "continents": [
      "Asia"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "citation": "Jessop, T. et al. (2021). Varanus komodoensis. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.",
      "url": null
    },
    {
      "citation": "Fry, B. G. et al. (2009). A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis. PNAS.",
      "url": null
    },
    {
      "citation": "The Reptile Database (reptile-database.org).",
      "url": null
    }
  ],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/komodo-dragon/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/komodo-dragon/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}