KOMODO DRAGON

Komodo dragons are the largest living lizards, found only on a few Indonesian islands like Komodo, Rinca, and Flores. These giant reptiles can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 150 pounds. They are skilled predators, using sharp teeth, strong jaws, and venom to hunt prey such as deer, pigs, and water buffalo. Komodo dragons can also eat carrion and detect rotting meat from miles away using their forked tongues. Young dragons live in trees to avoid being eaten by adults. Females lay 15–30 eggs, which hatch after about eight months. Hatchlings are vulnerable and must hide to survive. Komodo dragons live in dry habitats like savannas and forests. They are endangered due to habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. Conservation programs like Komodo National Park help protect them. As top predators, they play a key role in their ecosystem and continue to fascinate scientists and wildlife lovers around the world.