Student Article
Komodo Dragons: Nature’s Giant Venomous Predators
Venom (noun): A poison made by animals like snakes and spiders.
Prey (noun): An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.
Reproduce (verb): To make more of the same kind of living thing.
The Komodo dragon is the biggest lizard on Earth! It lives on a few islands in Indonesia.
How big can they get?
Komodo dragons can grow up to 10 feet (about 3 meters) long and weigh around 150 pounds (70 kilograms). They have sharp teeth and a long, strong tail.
Are they dangerous?
Yes, they have venom in their mouths that helps them catch prey. This venom makes animals bleed a lot and feel weak.
What do they eat?
These dragons eat meat. Young ones eat insects and small animals. Adults can eat big animals like deer and water buffalo.
Do they eat each other?
Sometimes big Komodo dragons eat smaller ones; that's why young dragons hide in trees.
How do they reproduce?
Female dragons can lay eggs with or without a male. But babies from eggs without a dad are all boys.
Are they in danger?
Yes, there are only about 1,400 adult Komodo dragons left. Their homes are getting smaller because of rising sea levels and human activities.
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Venom (noun): A poison made by animals like snakes and spiders.
Prey (noun): An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.
Reproduce (verb): To make more of the same kind of living thing.