Komodo Dragons

Komodo Dragons : The last dinosaurs

Komodo dragons are monitors lizards and largest living lizards in the world, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 meters – 10 feet. The largest specimen found in the wild was 3,13 meters (10 feet 3 inches) long and weighed 166 kg (365 pounds) but the average weigh for an adults is around 70kg (154 pounds). They are approximately 2,500 living on 5 islands: Komodo Island (1,000), Rinca Island (1,300),  Flores, Gili Motang (100) and Padar Island (few specimen). They are very old and exist for millions of years. They are discovered only 100 years ago. Komodo dragons are carnivores. They feed on wild pigs, goats, deer, and water buffaloes. According to the National Geographic, they can eat 80% of their body weight in only one feeding. Komodo dragons fight with other dragons. They can bite each other during the fight, but they are immune to bacteria from their saliva. A female Komodo dragon can produce eggs, even without partners. We call this type of reproduction, the asexual reproduction. A female can lay up to 15-30 eggs, hide them in the hole in the ground. They will live on the trees from the moment they are born until they are 4 years old to escape other Komodo dragons that may try to eat them. It’s definitely a must see while in Komodo Natinal Park.