With its sheer strength and deadly, bacteria-ridden saliva, the Komodo dragon is the top predator in its range.
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.
Fast Facts
- Type:
- Reptile
- Diet:
- Carnivore
- Average life span in the wild:
- 30 years+
- Size:
- 10 ft (3 m)
- Weight:
- 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Protection status:
- Endangered
- Did you know?
- Komodo dragons can run up to 11 mph (18 kph) in short bursts.
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