If its prey does not die from the attack, they have an even stronger weapon — their lethal venom. Their saliva contains 50 different strains of toxic bacteria — causing an instant and deadly infection in its prey. Komodo dragons can swallow huge portions of meat swiftly. Once they have killed their prey or found a dead or decaying body, several dragons converge to share the meal together. The largest male dragon gets to eat first, followed by smaller males and females, with the juveniles eating the remains last.
The Komodo dragon can only be found on several Indonesian islands, having lived in this same habitat for millions of years. Preferring the tropical forests, dragons can also be seen on land or near water, clocking up kilometres daily in search for food.
Komodo dragons are carnivores, and they eat any kind of meat but mostly feed on carrion. They feed on small lizards, snakes and birds.
If they live to be older than four years, they hunt for deers, their most-loved food, and other larger prey such as goats, rodents and monkeys. When adult Komodos are very hungry, their prey can also be smaller Komodo dragons.
Komodo dragons were discovered by western scientists in the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, they have been an object of observation and have gradually become a popular tourist attraction. In , Indonesia established the Komodo National Park to preserve and protect the endemic Komodo dragon and other endemic species of the rich marine environment, including the orange-footed scrub fowl and the timor deer.
This is due in part to ranchers who poison carrion to kill these predators. Their limited range also puts them at great risk of going extinct. The Komodo National Park has been established to protect this species. It is estimated that there are only 6, Komodo Dragons in the wild.
This rare and unique species deserves protection and respect. Efforts to protect these animals continue in Indonesia and in the zoos that keep these lizards in captivity. Young Komodo Dragons With massive adults come impressively large babies. The Shape of a Dragon Komodo dragons are not only large but also muscular. This contributes to their massive weight.
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About Us. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Site Map. Take action. Males also sometimes wrestle one another to earn mating rights. Pregnant females then lay about 30 eggs, which they bury in the earth until they hatch eight months later. As the dominant predators on the handful of islands they inhabit, Komodo dragons will eat almost anything , including carrion, deer, pigs, smaller dragons, and even large water buffalo. 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 sharp claws, and serrated, shark-like teeth to eviscerate its prey. The Komodo dragon has venom glands loaded with toxins that lower blood pressure, cause massive bleeding, prevent clotting, and induce shock. Dragons bite down with serrated teeth and pull back with powerful neck muscles, resulting in huge gaping wounds.
The venom then quickens the loss of blood and sends the prey into shock. Animals that escape the jaws of a Komodo will only feel lucky briefly. Dragons can calmly follow an escapee for miles as the venom takes effect, using their keen sense of smell to home in on the corpse. A dragon can eat a whopping 80 percent of its body weight in a single feeding.
While asexual reproduction does allow female Komodo dragons to replenish their population—an evolutionary advantage—it has a significant drawback: This reproduction process only results in sons. The dearth of other females within a population has led to evidence of inbreeding. But tourists are also important to conservation efforts, as the economic boost they provide incentives to locals to help protect the Komodo dragon.
This square-mile refuge is also home to species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and Timor deer, as well as a rich marine environment supporting whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, corals, sponges, manta rays, and more than a thousand species of fish.
It also works with local communities to build awareness of the species and the importance of protecting it. All rights reserved.
Animals Photo Ark. Komodo dragon. A Komodo dragon photographed at Houston Zoo in Texas. Common Name: Komodo dragons.
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