Komodo Dragon

The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard in the world. It belongs to the monitor lizard family and is found only on a few Indonesian islands, including Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. An adult can usually grow to around 2.5 to 3 meters long and weigh between 70 and 90 kilograms, although some individuals can be larger.

Its powerful body, strong legs, sharp claws, and long tail make it a highly effective predator. It also has a keen sense of smell, using its forked tongue to detect scents from great distances. Despite its size, it can move quickly over short distances.

Komodo dragons are carnivores that hunt and also feed on animals they find, including deer, wild pigs, and smaller reptiles. Their jaws, teeth, and strong muscles allow them to tear apart large pieces of meat. They produce venom that helps weaken prey, although older explanations about harmful bacteria in their bite were not accurate.

Females lay eggs in nests and can sometimes guard them for several months. Today, Komodo dragons are considered a vulnerable species because their populations are limited and affected by habitat changes, human activities, and reductions in available prey.