The Komodo Dragon, Varanus komodoensis, is a wonder of the natural world. The largest surviving lizard, a miracle of evolution and a living mythology, this site has been dedicated to the Komodo Dragon and this Data Sheet provides detailed information on all aspects of the Komodo Dragon from metrics to environment and from conservation to evolution.
Names
Most of the western world knows this large monitor lizard as the Komodo Dragon, or Komodo. To the scientific world it is Varanus komodoensis, the largest of the fifty or so Varanids, or Monitor Lizards. In the Indonesia archipelago, or more specifically around the island of Komodo where the lizard calls home, it goes by the simple name Ora, or occasionally buaja durat (land crocodile) or biawak raksasa (giant monitor), which is perhaps the most appropriate name.
Physical dimensions
The Komodo Dragon may not be the longest lizard in the world, that honour probably goes to the Papua Monitor, Varanus salvadorii, which is much thinner than the Komodo Dragon but regularly longer. No one however would dispute that the Komodo Dragon is the largest surviving lizard. Adult males often exceed 2.5 meters (8 feet) in length and weigh around 90 kilograms (200 pounds). The largest verified specimen was 3.13 meters and 166 kilograms. The problem with weight is that the Komodo Dragon is an impressive diner and can eat pretty much its own weight in food. This begs the question, where does the Komodo end and dinner begin. Without a full stomach the mature adult male is more likely to weigh in the 60 to 90 kilogram range.
Evolution
The evolution of the Komodo Dragon makes for interesting reading. As with all modern reptiles, with the exception of turtles, the Komodo Dragon is a distant descendant of the subclass Diapsida that emerged some 300 million years ago. Around 250 million years ago, Diapsids divided into Archosaurs, the descendents of the Dinosaurs, and Lepidosaurs, the precursors to snakes and lizards. In somewhat of a simplification, Dinosaurs stood more upright and Archosaurs retained a sprawled posture. Snakes and Lizards are not the descendents of Dinosaurs, as many people assume, that path led in the long sweep of history to modern day birds that would emerge only some 60 million years ago. The Archosaurs evolved in to the Order Squamata which split into Snakes and Lizards. Modern Day Lizards include five main groups, Monitors, Dragons, Geckos, Legless Lizards, and Skinks. The Komodo Dragon is the king of the Monitors, not the Dragons as the name would suggest. For much more detailed evolutionary history, click here >>
Senses
Based on observation and biological examination, Komodo Dragons have been determined to have relatively poor eyesight and hearing. The retina of a Komodo Dragon has only cones, not rods, and as a result although seeing colour, their sight is limited in dim light and in picking up peripheral movement. As with other Varanids, they have a single ear bone for transferring sound and are likely restricted to sounds in the 400 to 2,000 hertz range, compared to humans who hear between 20 and 20,000 hertz. This means they are unlikely to hear very deep or high pitched sounds. There range of sight and hearing may also be somewhat limited, observation has suggested their effective range of sight is limited to some 300 metres. When it comes to smell however the Komodo, like many reptiles is extremely gifted. In the right conditions, the Komodo Dragon may be able to smell prey such as carrion up to four kilometres away. This impressive sense comes not from the Komodo Dragon’s nose but from his tongue and Jacobson’s organs. After the Komodo Dragon flicks his tongue, it retreats into the roof of the mouth where it is analysed by these sensitive organs. Basically chemical analysers, the Jacobson organs can sense minute concentrations of airborne particles. Not only is the sense extremely attuned, it is also directional, helping lead the Komodo Dragon to prey.
Environment
The Komodo Dragon is only found within the Komodo Island National Park, a group of small islands in the Indonesian archipelago and on the larger island of Flores which falls just outside of the park. Both fossil evidence and the rate of habitat destruction indicate that the Komodo Dragon once had a broader range, possibly as far as Timor in the East.
The Komodo Dragon is the number one predator in its island domain. On an island, with reduced resources, reptiles have an advantage over other predators that comes from their cold-blooded biology. Reptiles have much lower total energy requirements than mammals and other predator groups, this allows them a relatively larger size on lower dietary requirements. In this Island environment, Komodo Dragons were able to flourish and grow to their incredible size.
The Komodo Islands are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions and have very low rainfall, only some 600 to 800mm annually, making the islands dry and hilly, with tall savannah grass a prime example of the Komodo's habitat. The Komodo Dragon lives efficiently, preying on Sunda deer (Cervus timorensis), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and a wide range of other fauna from turtle eggs through to their own young.
Discovery
The Western World was unaware of the Komodo Dragon before 1912. In 1910, after hearing about "land crocodiles", Lieutenant van Steyn van Hensbroek, of the Dutch colonial administration in Indonesia, went in search of the Komodo Dragon and would send the skin of a 2.1 meter specimen, along with photographs to the Zoological Museum and Botanical Gardens at Bogor (Java, Indonesia).
The Director of the Bogor Zoological Museum, Peter Ouwens, recruited a collector to obtain further specimens. Ouwens described the Komodo scientifically and classified it as a member of the Varanidae (Monitor Lizard) family, naming it Varanus komodoensis in his scientific paper of 1912 which announced the Komodo Dragon to the world's scientific community.
Interest in the Komodo Dragon grew quickly. One particular expedition by W. Douglas Burden from the American Museum of Natural History in 1926 captured 27 Komodo Dragons and examined as many as 70 others.
Ecological and Conservation Status
Officially classified as VULNERABLE by The World Conservation Union (IUCN), most Komodo Dragons remain within the Komodo National Park which is both a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve. Despite this protection, the future survival of the Komodo Dragon remains threatened.
Today as few as 3,000 lizards may exist with only around 600 being females of breeding age. Although many Komodo Dragons have been born in captivity in recent years and many Zoos are involved in breeding and research projects, both the range and numbers of Komodo Dragons continues to decline.
The Komodo Dragon is at the top of a complex food chain and even with international protection and attention, offshore reefs are still damaged by dynamite blasting and cyanide fishing. More critically, is the general encroachment of humans and poaching of the Sunda deer (Cervus timorensis) which is one of the Komodo Dragons main sources of food. In fact it is the poaching of deer that is blamed for the disappearance of Komodo Dragons from the island of Padar (within the national park) in the late 1970s.
Flores, a large island just outside the Komodo National Park, is rugged and the Komodo Dragon numbers have not been effectively surveyed. What is true however is that the range and numbers found in areas around human habitation have been falling significantly in recent decades.
Within the Komodo National Park, numbers are reasonably well monitored (Komodo Island, 1,700 | Rinca, 1,300 | Gila Motang, 100 | Padar, 0 ), on Flores there may be as many as 2,000 Komodo Dragons remaining, however this number is unclear. The Komodo Dragon is certainly vulnerable, and in an area that is also geologically unstable, a volcanic or seismic event, although unlikely in the short-term could end the reign of the Komodo Dragon as the largest surviving lizard.
Hunting Methods and Diet
The Komodo Dragon is powerful and agile, and yet surprise is still the method of choice for capturing larger prey. The Komodo Dragon will eat almost anything from its own eggs and those of turtles, to pretty much any animal within its domain, including deer, buffalo, boar, snakes, lizards (including young Komodo Dragons), frogs, and even wild horse and the macaque monkey. Despite this broad dietary variety, human attacks are rare and usually due to 'getting in the way' rather than the Dragon's attempt to feed. The Komodo Dragon can be classified as a man-eater, and such a designation plays to our dramatic fancies, however locals move around the Komodo Dragons with the care and respect that such a powerful wild animal deserves, but certainly without the fear that prey would exhibit.
The tall savannah grass on the islands provides good cover for the Komodo Dragon, and most direct attacks on prey occur when they pass within strike range. A small adult Komodo, weighing around 40 kilograms can kill the much larger Sunda deer at around 90 kilograms. By striking quickly and knocking the deer off its feet, the Komodo Dragon begins tearing it to pieces using its powerful claws and large, serrated teeth. Animals that survive this initial attack are likely to die from infection from the bite, as the Komodo's saliva is particularly infectious, with as many as 50 strains of bacteria. On an island, and with the predators amazing sense of smell, carrion is just as good as live prey. For smaller prey, the Komodo Dragon may just strike straight for the neck and kill its target instantly.
Saliva, Bacteria and Immunity
There are only two lizards considered venomous, the Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridurn), and the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum). Although not strictly venomous, the bite of a Komodo Dragon is not just dangerous for the physical damage the Komodo is capable of causing, it is also heavily dosed with dangerous bacteria.
Within the Komodo's saliva reside more than fifty strains of bacteria, some seven of which are highly septic and four of which have no known specific antidote. Addressed early, attacks on humans have not proven fatal when treated with broad based and powerful antibiotics. However for animals in the wild, the bite usually proves fatal as a result of infection, even if the wound itself is insufficient.
Despite the toxicity of a Komodo Dragon's bite, Komodo Dragons bitten by their own species seem unaffected by the bacteria. As a result, the Komodo makes an interesting study in terms of both the toxicity of its saliva and the impregnable nature of its immune system. Some of the zoological studies of the Komodo Dragon are focussed on this particular aspect of the Komodo Dragons make-up.
Genetic Diversity
In any small surviving group, genetic diversity becomes problematic. Most Komodo Dragons born in captivity are related back to a small handful of lizards originally from Indonesia. Within the Indonesian archipelago, there are only 600 or so females of breeding age and the breadth of genetic diversity is falling, this is compounded by the falling number of geographic locations in which different colonies remain.
A large number of Komodo Dragons have been genetically sampled and micro-chipped and studies into the genetic range and maintenance of the genetic pool are part of the ongoing study of this species.
Breeding and Captivity
In 1992, Kraken was born at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., in the United States. Kraken was the first Komodo Dragon hatched in captivity outside of Indonesia. More than 50 other Komodo Dragons were hatched at the Zoo and found their way to other zoos around the world. Since 1992, other Komodo Dragons have been born in captivity in numerous locations around the world, mostly other zoos.
In the wild, mating occurs between May and August and the female lays her eggs in September. The female occasionally lays on the eggs and protects them during incubation, however once the hatchlings emerge, they are on their own, without parental care. In fact they flee to the trees to avoid become prey to a number of potential predators including their parents.
Studies and Experts
There are numbers of people working directly on Komodo Dragon related projects or on other projects benefiting conservation of this species, including the care of the Komodo National Park.
Much of today's knowledge however is built on the work of Walter Auffenberg, particularly his comprehensive field study of the 1970s which looked at everything from behaviour and diet through to distribution and environment. Papers and research are still being released by scientists and researchers that worked with Auffenberg later in his life.
King of the lizards
There are over 3,000 lizard species, but the Komodo dragon wins the prize for being the biggest living lizard in the world! It is a type of monitor lizard, an ancient species of reptile with ancestors that date back more than 100 million years. These large lizards have stubby, bowed legs, clay-colored, scaly skin for great camouflage, and a huge, muscular tail. The yellow color of the Komodo’s long, forked tongue reminds people of mythical dragons that spit fire!
Meat seekers
Most lizards are omnivores, but not Komodo dragons. Meat is what they seek. Dragons use their long tongues to pick up smells in the air, even if they’re a mile (1.6 kilometers) away! They aren’t too picky about their food, and will eat wild pigs, deer, wild buffalo, snakes, and fish that wash up on the shore. An adult dragon will hide along a trail and wait for an unsuspecting creature to walk by. Then, with long claws and short, sharp teeth, the dragon attacks. If the prey escapes, the dragon will simply follow it at a leisurely pace. That’s because the dragon’s bite contains deadly bacteria that will eventually kill its intended meal. Soon other dragons will join in on the feast, fighting over the best pieces. The dragons at the San Diego Zoo are fed a mixed diet of mice, rats, and ground turkey mixed with vitamins and calcium.
A day in the life
An adult dragon leads a life of leisure. It will emerge from its burrow in the ground to look for a sunny spot to warm up. Then it’s off to find breakfast, followed by a nice long nap in the shade during the hottest part of the day. After a late afternoon meal, the dragon is ready for bed, sleeping soundly in its burrow until a new day begins. It is a solitary creature that lives and hunts alone.
I can’t wait to grow up!
Life for a young dragon is not so easy. As soon as the baby hatches, it scrambles out of the nest dug by its mother and scurries up the nearest tree so it won’t be eaten by the adults. That’s right—adult dragons think of the hatchlings as easy meals! Fortunately for the babies, the adults are too heavy to climb trees. Youngsters live in the trees eating eggs, grasshoppers, beetles, and geckos. When they are about 4 years old and 4 feet long (1.2 meters) they are ready to try life on the ground.
Status in the wild
The magnificent Komodo dragon is endangered. Humans disturb more and more of its natural habitat and hunt the same food dragons need to survive. Yet dragons play an important role on the islands. Because they eat dead animals, they help to keep the islands free of rotting carcasses. People need to learn more about these huge lizards and take steps to help preserve their small habitat.
Newly discovered "mini-dragons"
In November 2002, a research team visited a small island in Indonesia and found the Komodo dragons there to be much smaller and lighter. In fact, the largest dragon on the island measured 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) long and weighed only 47 pounds (21 kilograms)! Perhaps the small body size allows these dragons to survive on smaller prey, including insects, lizards, birds, and rats, without having to rely on larger species that are rare on such a small island. Further research is currently underway.
There are over 3,000 lizard species, but the Komodo dragon wins the prize for being the biggest living lizard in the world! It is a type of monitor lizard, an ancient species of reptile with ancestors that date back more than 100 million years. These large lizards have stubby, bowed legs, clay-colored, scaly skin for great camouflage, and a huge, muscular tail. The yellow color of the Komodo’s long, forked tongue reminds people of mythical dragons that spit fire!
Meat seekers
Most lizards are omnivores, but not Komodo dragons. Meat is what they seek. Dragons use their long tongues to pick up smells in the air, even if they’re a mile (1.6 kilometers) away! They aren’t too picky about their food, and will eat wild pigs, deer, wild buffalo, snakes, and fish that wash up on the shore. An adult dragon will hide along a trail and wait for an unsuspecting creature to walk by. Then, with long claws and short, sharp teeth, the dragon attacks. If the prey escapes, the dragon will simply follow it at a leisurely pace. That’s because the dragon’s bite contains deadly bacteria that will eventually kill its intended meal. Soon other dragons will join in on the feast, fighting over the best pieces. The dragons at the San Diego Zoo are fed a mixed diet of mice, rats, and ground turkey mixed with vitamins and calcium.
A day in the life
An adult dragon leads a life of leisure. It will emerge from its burrow in the ground to look for a sunny spot to warm up. Then it’s off to find breakfast, followed by a nice long nap in the shade during the hottest part of the day. After a late afternoon meal, the dragon is ready for bed, sleeping soundly in its burrow until a new day begins. It is a solitary creature that lives and hunts alone.
I can’t wait to grow up!
Life for a young dragon is not so easy. As soon as the baby hatches, it scrambles out of the nest dug by its mother and scurries up the nearest tree so it won’t be eaten by the adults. That’s right—adult dragons think of the hatchlings as easy meals! Fortunately for the babies, the adults are too heavy to climb trees. Youngsters live in the trees eating eggs, grasshoppers, beetles, and geckos. When they are about 4 years old and 4 feet long (1.2 meters) they are ready to try life on the ground.
Status in the wild
The magnificent Komodo dragon is endangered. Humans disturb more and more of its natural habitat and hunt the same food dragons need to survive. Yet dragons play an important role on the islands. Because they eat dead animals, they help to keep the islands free of rotting carcasses. People need to learn more about these huge lizards and take steps to help preserve their small habitat.
Newly discovered "mini-dragons"
In November 2002, a research team visited a small island in Indonesia and found the Komodo dragons there to be much smaller and lighter. In fact, the largest dragon on the island measured 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) long and weighed only 47 pounds (21 kilograms)! Perhaps the small body size allows these dragons to survive on smaller prey, including insects, lizards, birds, and rats, without having to rely on larger species that are rare on such a small island. Further research is currently underway.
The Komodo Islands
Komodo island is 130 square miles in size and about 250 miles east of Bali in the Indonesian archipelago. It is surrounded by some of the warmest and clearest waters in the region.
Nearby islands include Rinca and Padar and the larger islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Flores has been in the news during 2004 after traces of hobbit-sized early humans were discovered on the island (Wheeler, 2004).
The islands of Komodo, Padar, Rinca and surrounding waters form the Komodo National Park which was declared a World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1991 (Singleton and Sulaiman, 2002). The park is the home of the Komodo Dragon as well as other rare species of flora and fauna. The islands are very popular diving sites with extensive marine biodiversity, including more than 1,000 species of fish.
Komodo island is 130 square miles in size and about 250 miles east of Bali in the Indonesian archipelago. It is surrounded by some of the warmest and clearest waters in the region.
Nearby islands include Rinca and Padar and the larger islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Flores has been in the news during 2004 after traces of hobbit-sized early humans were discovered on the island (Wheeler, 2004).
The islands of Komodo, Padar, Rinca and surrounding waters form the Komodo National Park which was declared a World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1991 (Singleton and Sulaiman, 2002). The park is the home of the Komodo Dragon as well as other rare species of flora and fauna. The islands are very popular diving sites with extensive marine biodiversity, including more than 1,000 species of fish.
The Komodo dragon, also called Komodo monitor, is the world's largest lizard species. It is an ancient species: the earliest known fossils of the genus Varanus appeared about 40 million years ago.
This lizard can reach lengths of up to 3 m (10 ft.) or more, and can weigh up to 126 kg (277 lb.). The males are bigger than the females, which rarely exceed 2.5 m (8.2 ft.). The Komodo can live more than 50 years in the wild.
Komodo dragons are found mainly on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rintja, Padar and Flores.
An adult Komodo can consume up to 80% of its body weight in one meal. It has two highly developed sensory organs that allow the dragon to detect rotting carcasses from distances as great as 10 km (6.2 mi.). It is primarily a scavenger, but it will also stalk animals ranging in size from small rodents to large water buffalo. It lies motionless and camouflaged alongside game trails for the unwary, which tend to be the very young, the old and the sick. In an attack, it lunges at its victim with blinding speed and clasps it with the serrated teeth of the jaw. A kill is usually shared by many Komodo dragons and very little is wasted.
Mating occurs at or around the feeding sites. In September, a clutch of 15 to 30 eggs is buried in a nest dug by the powerful claws of the female dragon. The hatchlings emerge from the nest 8 or 9 months later and immediately scramble up the nearest tree to avoid being eaten by the adults. They will only descend to the forest floor roughly a year later.
This lizard can reach lengths of up to 3 m (10 ft.) or more, and can weigh up to 126 kg (277 lb.). The males are bigger than the females, which rarely exceed 2.5 m (8.2 ft.). The Komodo can live more than 50 years in the wild.
Komodo dragons are found mainly on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rintja, Padar and Flores.
An adult Komodo can consume up to 80% of its body weight in one meal. It has two highly developed sensory organs that allow the dragon to detect rotting carcasses from distances as great as 10 km (6.2 mi.). It is primarily a scavenger, but it will also stalk animals ranging in size from small rodents to large water buffalo. It lies motionless and camouflaged alongside game trails for the unwary, which tend to be the very young, the old and the sick. In an attack, it lunges at its victim with blinding speed and clasps it with the serrated teeth of the jaw. A kill is usually shared by many Komodo dragons and very little is wasted.
Mating occurs at or around the feeding sites. In September, a clutch of 15 to 30 eggs is buried in a nest dug by the powerful claws of the female dragon. The hatchlings emerge from the nest 8 or 9 months later and immediately scramble up the nearest tree to avoid being eaten by the adults. They will only descend to the forest floor roughly a year later.
KOMODO DRAGON AN ENDANGERED SPECIES
Imagine being shipwrecked on a remote island and finding yourself face-to-face with the world's largest living lizard -- a meat-eating monster up to 12 feet (3.6 m) long, weighing 300 pounds (136 kg)! The first visitors to Komodo Island probably were terrified by these prehistoric-looking beasts.
The Komodo dragon, or komodo monitor lizard, is thought to be the source of Chinese legends of great scaly man-eating monsters, the dragons that are still featured prominently in Chinese folklore and religion.
Species Description and Range
The Komodo dragon occurs only on Komodo and its few smaller outlying islands north of Australia (see Spotlight on Island Biogeography). It probably never was more widely distributed, although maps of ancient mariners had notations of "here be dragons" dotted throughout the islands of what is now Malaysia and Indonesia. It was not until the early 1900s that scientists confirmed the existence of these incredible giant lizards.
Natural History of Komodo dragons
Komodo dragons are carnivores (meat eaters) and will devour any animal they are capable of dismembering and gulping down. Although they are for the most part scavengers, they do capture live prey, including deer, pigs, birds, even young dragons.
The young can escape by climbing trees, because the much-heavier adults cannot climb. Komodo dragons are good swimmers and have been reported hunting in the surf for fish and birds.
Komodo dragons are formidable predators, since even one bite can be lethal. The bacteria that live in the dragon's saliva are so virulent that wounds often will not heal. Even if the victim gets away, it usually dies from infection in a few days. The dragon's reputation as a human eater is well deserved; it does not seem to fear humans and many attacks and deaths have been reported.
Causes of Endangerment of the Komodo dragonn
Hunting and Habitat Loss
The current population of Komodo dragons seems relatively stable at about 5,000 animals, yet scientists are concerned that only 350 of them are breeding females. This may be a normal sex ratio; little is known about the species. The dragon's limited distribution makes them highly susceptible to natural or human-caused events, such as storms, fire, or disease.
The primary threats to the dragon's survival include illegal hunting and loss of habitat to human settlement. As was the case with most large, spectacular animals the world over, Komodo dragons were sought as trophies by big-game hunters. They also are killed for skins and feet to make novelties. Early in this century, many Komodo dragons were trapped for sale to zoos and private collectors.
Conservation Actions to protect the Komodo dragon
Regulation of Trade and Habitat Protection
Trade in Komodo dragons is prohibited under CITES. Protection from poaching is made easier by the dragon's limited distribution; there is little human habitation on the islands where it occurs, and Komodo Island, the dragon's stronghold, has been made a national park.
Tourism
Komodo dragons now are the center of a burgeoning tourist industry and the local people increasingly are recognizing the advantage of living near this potentially dangerous animal. Because of Komodo Island's remoteness, visitors to the island must stay in local hotels and hire local guides.
In some areas, the komodo dragons are so well fed that they simply lie around waiting for the next group of tourists to bring the next meal of goat or sheep.
Question for Thought
Do you think the rise in ecotourism is good or bad for the survival of the Komodo dragon? What negative impacts might island tourists have on the Komodo dragon and its habitat?
Imagine being shipwrecked on a remote island and finding yourself face-to-face with the world's largest living lizard -- a meat-eating monster up to 12 feet (3.6 m) long, weighing 300 pounds (136 kg)! The first visitors to Komodo Island probably were terrified by these prehistoric-looking beasts.
The Komodo dragon, or komodo monitor lizard, is thought to be the source of Chinese legends of great scaly man-eating monsters, the dragons that are still featured prominently in Chinese folklore and religion.
Species Description and Range
The Komodo dragon occurs only on Komodo and its few smaller outlying islands north of Australia (see Spotlight on Island Biogeography). It probably never was more widely distributed, although maps of ancient mariners had notations of "here be dragons" dotted throughout the islands of what is now Malaysia and Indonesia. It was not until the early 1900s that scientists confirmed the existence of these incredible giant lizards.
Natural History of Komodo dragons
Komodo dragons are carnivores (meat eaters) and will devour any animal they are capable of dismembering and gulping down. Although they are for the most part scavengers, they do capture live prey, including deer, pigs, birds, even young dragons.
The young can escape by climbing trees, because the much-heavier adults cannot climb. Komodo dragons are good swimmers and have been reported hunting in the surf for fish and birds.
Komodo dragons are formidable predators, since even one bite can be lethal. The bacteria that live in the dragon's saliva are so virulent that wounds often will not heal. Even if the victim gets away, it usually dies from infection in a few days. The dragon's reputation as a human eater is well deserved; it does not seem to fear humans and many attacks and deaths have been reported.
Causes of Endangerment of the Komodo dragonn
Hunting and Habitat Loss
The current population of Komodo dragons seems relatively stable at about 5,000 animals, yet scientists are concerned that only 350 of them are breeding females. This may be a normal sex ratio; little is known about the species. The dragon's limited distribution makes them highly susceptible to natural or human-caused events, such as storms, fire, or disease.
The primary threats to the dragon's survival include illegal hunting and loss of habitat to human settlement. As was the case with most large, spectacular animals the world over, Komodo dragons were sought as trophies by big-game hunters. They also are killed for skins and feet to make novelties. Early in this century, many Komodo dragons were trapped for sale to zoos and private collectors.
Conservation Actions to protect the Komodo dragon
Regulation of Trade and Habitat Protection
Trade in Komodo dragons is prohibited under CITES. Protection from poaching is made easier by the dragon's limited distribution; there is little human habitation on the islands where it occurs, and Komodo Island, the dragon's stronghold, has been made a national park.
Tourism
Komodo dragons now are the center of a burgeoning tourist industry and the local people increasingly are recognizing the advantage of living near this potentially dangerous animal. Because of Komodo Island's remoteness, visitors to the island must stay in local hotels and hire local guides.
In some areas, the komodo dragons are so well fed that they simply lie around waiting for the next group of tourists to bring the next meal of goat or sheep.
Question for Thought
Do you think the rise in ecotourism is good or bad for the survival of the Komodo dragon? What negative impacts might island tourists have on the Komodo dragon and its habitat?
Komodo dragons have thrived in the harsh climate of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands for millions of years, although amazingly, their existence was unknown to humans until about 100 years ago.
Reaching 10 feet (3 meters) in length and more than 300 pounds (136 kilograms), Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth. They have long, flat heads with rounded snouts, scaly skin, bowed legs, and huge, muscular tails.
As the dominant predators on the handful of islands they inhabit, they will eat almost anything, including carrion, deer, pigs, smaller dragons, and even large water buffalo and humans. When hunting, Komodo dragons rely on camouflage and patience, lying in wait for passing prey. When a victim ambles by, the dragon springs, using its powerful legs, sharp claws and serrated, shark-like teeth to eviscerate its prey.
Animals that escape the jaws of a Komodo will only feel lucky briefly. Dragon saliva teems with over 50 strains of bacteria, and within 24 hours, the stricken creature usually dies of blood poisoning. Dragons calmly follow an escapee for miles as the bacteria takes effect, using their keen sense of smell to hone in on the corpse. A dragon can eat a whopping 80 percent of its body weight in a single feeding.
There is a stable population of about 3,000 to 5,000 Komodo dragons on the islands of Komodo, Gila Motang, Rinca, and Flores. However, a dearth of egg-laying females, poaching, human encroachment, and natural disasters has driven the species to endangered status.
Reaching 10 feet (3 meters) in length and more than 300 pounds (136 kilograms), Komodo dragons are the heaviest lizards on Earth. They have long, flat heads with rounded snouts, scaly skin, bowed legs, and huge, muscular tails.
As the dominant predators on the handful of islands they inhabit, they will eat almost anything, including carrion, deer, pigs, smaller dragons, and even large water buffalo and humans. When hunting, Komodo dragons rely on camouflage and patience, lying in wait for passing prey. When a victim ambles by, the dragon springs, using its powerful legs, sharp claws and serrated, shark-like teeth to eviscerate its prey.
Animals that escape the jaws of a Komodo will only feel lucky briefly. Dragon saliva teems with over 50 strains of bacteria, and within 24 hours, the stricken creature usually dies of blood poisoning. Dragons calmly follow an escapee for miles as the bacteria takes effect, using their keen sense of smell to hone in on the corpse. A dragon can eat a whopping 80 percent of its body weight in a single feeding.
There is a stable population of about 3,000 to 5,000 Komodo dragons on the islands of Komodo, Gila Motang, Rinca, and Flores. However, a dearth of egg-laying females, poaching, human encroachment, and natural disasters has driven the species to endangered status.
Komodo Dragon
The Beast Within, the tale of the Komodo Dragon.
During the medieval period, there existed among other things, a group of men who displayed a quality in them like no other. They were chivalrous and gentle, humble and kind, they were courteous, and of course they excelled most in defending the weak, assisting the poor, and above all loyally in serving their king. Yes, these men were what we would call noble knights, they rode their trusty steed this way and that, and became well acclaimed with the people they met on their journey.
Among other things they dealt with thieves, they fought in battles, and they defeated countess of men whom well deserved the title of ‘Blackguard”. Of course, there are those countless tales of these nights warding off dragons and other beasts. These tales tell of men who courageously venture off in search of the beast, and manage to come out alive and relatively unscathed. They of course also manage to conquer the beast, sometimes bringing back that priceless dragon’s head to hang up in pride.
Of course, as reality dwells on us we realize that such things did not and will not ever occur. We realize however, that the closest thing to a dragon lived millions of years ago, in the prehistoric age. This may be somewhat true, although there is a creature that exists in today’s modern world. One who certainly does not tower in height, but one who is powerful and mighty enough to be given the title of “Dragon”.
Said creature is known as the Komodo dragon, and you will soon find out just how incredible this modern dragon really is. Of course, he is no Falkor (the Neverending Story), but he does have his own unique characteristics. One of which being the fact that this “dragon” is the largest and heaviest lizard in the world, of course he is also the most powerful. It would be wise to stick around and find out as much as you can about this mighty creature
The Beast Within, the tale of the Komodo Dragon.
During the medieval period, there existed among other things, a group of men who displayed a quality in them like no other. They were chivalrous and gentle, humble and kind, they were courteous, and of course they excelled most in defending the weak, assisting the poor, and above all loyally in serving their king. Yes, these men were what we would call noble knights, they rode their trusty steed this way and that, and became well acclaimed with the people they met on their journey.
Among other things they dealt with thieves, they fought in battles, and they defeated countess of men whom well deserved the title of ‘Blackguard”. Of course, there are those countless tales of these nights warding off dragons and other beasts. These tales tell of men who courageously venture off in search of the beast, and manage to come out alive and relatively unscathed. They of course also manage to conquer the beast, sometimes bringing back that priceless dragon’s head to hang up in pride.
Of course, as reality dwells on us we realize that such things did not and will not ever occur. We realize however, that the closest thing to a dragon lived millions of years ago, in the prehistoric age. This may be somewhat true, although there is a creature that exists in today’s modern world. One who certainly does not tower in height, but one who is powerful and mighty enough to be given the title of “Dragon”.
Said creature is known as the Komodo dragon, and you will soon find out just how incredible this modern dragon really is. Of course, he is no Falkor (the Neverending Story), but he does have his own unique characteristics. One of which being the fact that this “dragon” is the largest and heaviest lizard in the world, of course he is also the most powerful. It would be wise to stick around and find out as much as you can about this mighty creature
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Komodo dragons are the world's heaviest living lizards. They can grow to a length of 10 feet (over 3 meters), with an average length of 8 feet (2.5 meters) and weight of 200 lbs (91 kg.). Females are usually under 8 feet and weigh about 150 lbs. (68 kg.).
The Komodo dragon's keen sense of smell, if aided by favorable wind, enables it to seek out carrion. up to 5 miles (8.5 kilometers) away. Despite its size, the Komodo is fast moving and agile. They can climb trees and like all monitor lizards they are good swimmers.
resembling those of flesh-eating sharks. They have about 60 teeth that they replace frequently and are positioned to cut out chunks of its prey. The highly flexible skull allows it to swallow large pieces of its food. The Komodos mouth is full of virulent bacteria and even if its prey survives the original attack, it will die of infection later.
Young dragons up to 29 inches (.75 meters) live in trees and eat insects, birds, eggs, small mammals and other reptiles. They will descend from the tree for carrion.
DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:
The distribution of Komodo dragons is restricted to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Rinca, Komodo, Flores and the smaller islands of Gili, Montang and Padar. Padar does not have a permanent population. The total range is less than 1,000 sq. km. Komodo National Park makes up all islands except Flores.
The natural habitat of Komodo dragons is extremely harsh by human standards. These arid volcanic islands have steep slopes and little available water most of the year. A short monsoon season often produces local flooding. The average annual temperature at sea level on Komodo island is 80F. degrees. Dragons are most abundant in the lower arid forest and savanna.
Outsiders found out about the Komodo dragons after WW1 when a report came from a downed aircraft and the surviving pilot swam to Komodo Island.
BEHAVIOR:
In the wild, Komodo dragons are generally solitary animals, except during the breeding season. Males maintain and defend a territory and patrol up to 1.2 miles (2 km.) per day. Territories are dependent on the size of the dragon. Feeding ranges extend further and may be shared with other males. A dragon will allow other dragons to cross its territory when they are on a food run.
Dragons maintain burrows within their core ranges and occasionally males will swim from island to island over long distances. They regulate their body temperature (thermoregulation) Various physiological responses to controlling body temperature. Examples: ectothermic, endorthermic and heterothermic. by using a burrow.
The Komodo is carnivorous and cannibalistic and it has a prodigious appetite. They regularly kill prey as large as pigs and small deer, and have been known to bring down an adult water buffalo. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat anything they can overpower including small dragons and small or injured humans (dragons make up to 10% of their diet).
An eyewitness account revealed that a 101 lb (46 kg.) dragon ate a 90 lb. (41 kg.) pig in 20 minutes. As a comparison, a 100 lb. person would have to eat 320 quarter pound hamburgers in less than 20 minutes to keep up with the dragon.
In the zoo, the Komodo dragons are fed previously frozen rats.
REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:
The life expectancy of a Komodo is between 20 to 40 years. As noted above, Komodo dragons are generally solitary animals, except during the breeding season.
The male Komodo dragon presses his snout to the female's body, and flicks her with his long, forked tongue to obtain chemical information about her receptivity. He then scratches her back with his long claws, making a ratchet-like noise. If unreceptive, she raises and inflates her neck and hisses loudly.
The female wild dragons will utilize the nest mound of a brush turkey in which she will lay a clutch of up to 30 eggs. Hatchlings are about 15 inches (40 centimeters) and weigh 3.5 ounces (100 g.).
Juveniles are multi-hued, (yellow, green, brown and gray); with a speckled and banded skin. Adult colors vary from earthen red to slate gray and black.
STATUS:
Endangered: The largest threat is volcanic activity, fire and subsequent loss of its prey base. Currently habitat alteration , poaching of prey species and tourism may have the most pronounced effect. Commercial trade in specimens or skins is illegal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Wild Population: 3,000 to 5,000.
Honolulu Zoo: Doc (M) and T.W. (F), arrived at the Honolulu Zoo in 1993. Our dragons were from the first group hatched by the breeding program at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
Komodo dragons are the world's heaviest living lizards. They can grow to a length of 10 feet (over 3 meters), with an average length of 8 feet (2.5 meters) and weight of 200 lbs (91 kg.). Females are usually under 8 feet and weigh about 150 lbs. (68 kg.).
The Komodo dragon's keen sense of smell, if aided by favorable wind, enables it to seek out carrion. up to 5 miles (8.5 kilometers) away. Despite its size, the Komodo is fast moving and agile. They can climb trees and like all monitor lizards they are good swimmers.
resembling those of flesh-eating sharks. They have about 60 teeth that they replace frequently and are positioned to cut out chunks of its prey. The highly flexible skull allows it to swallow large pieces of its food. The Komodos mouth is full of virulent bacteria and even if its prey survives the original attack, it will die of infection later.
Young dragons up to 29 inches (.75 meters) live in trees and eat insects, birds, eggs, small mammals and other reptiles. They will descend from the tree for carrion.
DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:
The distribution of Komodo dragons is restricted to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Rinca, Komodo, Flores and the smaller islands of Gili, Montang and Padar. Padar does not have a permanent population. The total range is less than 1,000 sq. km. Komodo National Park makes up all islands except Flores.
The natural habitat of Komodo dragons is extremely harsh by human standards. These arid volcanic islands have steep slopes and little available water most of the year. A short monsoon season often produces local flooding. The average annual temperature at sea level on Komodo island is 80F. degrees. Dragons are most abundant in the lower arid forest and savanna.
Outsiders found out about the Komodo dragons after WW1 when a report came from a downed aircraft and the surviving pilot swam to Komodo Island.
BEHAVIOR:
In the wild, Komodo dragons are generally solitary animals, except during the breeding season. Males maintain and defend a territory and patrol up to 1.2 miles (2 km.) per day. Territories are dependent on the size of the dragon. Feeding ranges extend further and may be shared with other males. A dragon will allow other dragons to cross its territory when they are on a food run.
Dragons maintain burrows within their core ranges and occasionally males will swim from island to island over long distances. They regulate their body temperature (thermoregulation) Various physiological responses to controlling body temperature. Examples: ectothermic, endorthermic and heterothermic. by using a burrow.
The Komodo is carnivorous and cannibalistic and it has a prodigious appetite. They regularly kill prey as large as pigs and small deer, and have been known to bring down an adult water buffalo. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat anything they can overpower including small dragons and small or injured humans (dragons make up to 10% of their diet).
An eyewitness account revealed that a 101 lb (46 kg.) dragon ate a 90 lb. (41 kg.) pig in 20 minutes. As a comparison, a 100 lb. person would have to eat 320 quarter pound hamburgers in less than 20 minutes to keep up with the dragon.
In the zoo, the Komodo dragons are fed previously frozen rats.
REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:
The life expectancy of a Komodo is between 20 to 40 years. As noted above, Komodo dragons are generally solitary animals, except during the breeding season.
The male Komodo dragon presses his snout to the female's body, and flicks her with his long, forked tongue to obtain chemical information about her receptivity. He then scratches her back with his long claws, making a ratchet-like noise. If unreceptive, she raises and inflates her neck and hisses loudly.
The female wild dragons will utilize the nest mound of a brush turkey in which she will lay a clutch of up to 30 eggs. Hatchlings are about 15 inches (40 centimeters) and weigh 3.5 ounces (100 g.).
Juveniles are multi-hued, (yellow, green, brown and gray); with a speckled and banded skin. Adult colors vary from earthen red to slate gray and black.
STATUS:
Endangered: The largest threat is volcanic activity, fire and subsequent loss of its prey base. Currently habitat alteration , poaching of prey species and tourism may have the most pronounced effect. Commercial trade in specimens or skins is illegal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Wild Population: 3,000 to 5,000.
Honolulu Zoo: Doc (M) and T.W. (F), arrived at the Honolulu Zoo in 1993. Our dragons were from the first group hatched by the breeding program at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Scleroglossa
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Species: V. komodoensis
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Scleroglossa
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Species: V. komodoensis
komodo dragon
komodo dragon live in Komodo Island, Flores Island, Rinca Island, Motang Gili, and Gili Dasami. komodo dragon is a
komodo dragon live in Komodo Island, Flores Island, Rinca Island, Motang Gili, and Gili Dasami. komodo dragon is a
