The Komodo Dragon (Varanus
komodoensis) is the largest lizard in the world, growing to a
length of 3 metres and weighing between 80 and 140 kg (175 to
310 lb). It is a member of the monitor lizard family, Varanidae.
Dragons have keen senses and are considered among the most intelligent
living reptiles. They are carnivores and hunt live prey, with
a stealthy approach followed by a sudden short charge (they can
run briefly at speeds up to 20 km/h). They have a strong bite
augmented by severe infection of wounds, caused by the some 50
different strains of bacteria in their saliva. After they bite,
they release their prey to allow it to die before devouring it;
this allows them to avoid injury. Dragons will fight over kills,
however unlike any other known animal, they are themselves immune
to bacterial infection from dragon bites.
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Dragons eat any
animals they can catch, up to the size of wild pigs, goats, deer,
and water buffaloes and occasionally including human beings. Over
a dozen human deaths have been attributed to dragon bites in the
last century, though there are reports of survivors of the resulting
septicemia. Mating occurs between May and August, with the eggs
laid in September. The eggs are protected, but the hatchlings
(100 g and 40 cm in length) are not and most are eaten. Komodo
Dragons take around five years to grow to 2 metres in length and
can live for up to 30 years. There are around 6,000 living Komodo
Dragons, restricted to the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia,
including the islands of Komodo (1,700), Rinca (1,300), Gili Motang
(100) and Flores (maybe 2,000). The Komodo monitor was first reported
by a European in 1910.
Above Images
Are Courtesy of Funloversnow.com
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