Student Article
Komodo Dragons: Nature’s Giant Venomous Predators
Endemic (adjective): Native to a specific place.
Parthenogenesis (noun): Reproduction without fertilization.
The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), endemic to Indonesia's Komodo National Park and neighboring islands, is the largest extant lizard species.
How big can they get?
A Komodo dragon can measure up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length and weigh approximately 150 pounds (70 kilograms).
Are they dangerous?
Equipped with 60 serrated teeth and a robust tail, Komodo dragons possess venom glands in their lower jaws, as discovered by Dr. Bryan Fry. Their venom contains toxins that inhibit blood clotting and lower blood pressure, leading to rapid blood loss and shock in prey. This mechanism compensates for their relatively weak bite force compared with other large predators.
What do they eat?
These carnivores consume a diverse range of prey, from small reptiles and birds to large mammals like deer and water buffalo.
Do they eat each other?
Intra-species cannibalism is observed, with adults preying on juveniles, prompting the latter to seek refuge in trees.
How do they reproduce?
Komodo dragons exhibit both sexual reproduction and parthenogenesis. In the absence of males, females can lay viable eggs that develop into male offspring, a phenomenon significant for isolated populations.
Are they in danger?
The IUCN reclassified the Komodo dragon as Endangered in 2021, citing threats from climate change-induced sea-level rise and habitat encroachment due to human activities. Projections indicate a potential 30% habitat reduction within 45 years, with the wild adult population estimated at around 1,400 individuals.
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Endemic (adjective): Native to a specific place.
Parthenogenesis (noun): Reproduction without fertilization.