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Komodo is the largest lizard species in the world.
Did you know that Komodo dragons only exist in Indonesia? Komodo is a rare animal and must be protected.
Komodo dragons or called Varanus Komodoensis are found on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province.
Characteristics of Komodo dragons
Komodo is a member of the monitor lizard Varanidea and the klad Toxicofera. Komodo dragons grow to a length to 3 meters (10 feet). It can weigh up to 135 kilograms.
This is why the Komodo dragon is called the largest lizard in the world. Komodo has a tail that is the same length as its body.
There are approximately 60 sharp teeth with a length of about 2.4 centimeters and their saliva contains millions of harmful bacteria that can infect their prey.
Komodo dragon's saliva is also often mixed with a little blood because all of its teeth are covered with gingival tissue. This tissue is torn apart when the Komodo dragon eats.
Komodo has a long tongue, yellow and forked.
The male Komodo dragon is larger than the female. With skin color from dark gray to red, the female Komodo dragon sometimes has a greener color
Komodo only exists in East Nusa Tenggara.
In a study conducted, if the Komodo dragon is not unable to colonize other areas or rule the world. But they don't want to do it.
It was observed on the four islands for a decade that the Komodo dragons never left their homeland in their entire life.
Researchers refer to them as the homebody group or real home children.
In fact, if the Komodo dragons want to cover tens of miles and pass through rough terrain, they can reach other areas.
During the study the researchers moved seven adult Komodo dragons to another area 13.7 miles away but still on the same island.
Then transferred to another island separated by water and only 1 mile away.
As a result, the Komodo dragons that were moved to the island experienced a few problems. He cannot mate with any of the residents in his new home and has difficulty finding prey.
This indicates that there are signs of inbreeding in the Komodo dragon population.
Komodo dragons can survive in locations that have sufficient water availability, safe shelter, lots of lush trees, and plentiful food.
Meat Predator
Komodo will dig a hole as deep as nine meters to store eggs. The Komodo dragon's eggs will hatch in April or May and the young dragons will live in trees for several months to avoid predators or older dragons.
Komodo includes carnivores or meat eaters, such as pigs, buffalo, deer, or horses. Even sometimes become cannibals. Komodo dragons eat their own species or fellow Komodo dragons, which are usually younger
To find prey, Komodo dragons will sneak up and attack their victims suddenly. If the prey is already within reach, it will immediately attack and immediately bite on the underside of the body or throat.
Komodo dragon bites are very poisonous and can inhibit blood. Usually the victim will feel weak from losing a lot of blood also
Often dragons will find their prey when dying or not long after death.
Komodo dragons will find their prey by using a tongue that can sense the smell of prey, dead animals or at a distance of up to 9.5 meters.