The Komodo Dragon

The Komodo Dragon or Komodo Monitor is a species of monitor lizard that exclusively inhabits the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang, Gili Dasami, and Flores in Central Indonesia.

The Komodo Dragon is known as the largest living species of lizard, with a length of up to 3 meters and an average weight of 70 kg. The Komodo Dragon is the largest predator in its natural habitat, but although it feeds on mammals, birds, and invertebrates, its diet mainly consists of carrion. To hunt, this giant monitor lizard stealthily approaches its prey and then bites it in the abdomen or throat. Its bite, although much less powerful than that of other large reptiles, is nevertheless devastating. Its mouth is infected with bacteria and also has a venom gland located under the jaw.

The Komodo Dragon is classified as ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN and is currently protected by Indonesian law.