Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis)

Varanus

IUCN STATUS

Least Concern

Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) — Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, Padar

CONSERVATION STATUS

Least Concern

CLASS

Reptilia

GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE

Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, Padar

DIET

Carnivorous

HABITAT

Dry savannas, forests

🔬 Classification

PHYLUM

Chordata

CLASS

Reptilia

ORDER

Squamata

FAMILY

Varanidae

GENUS

Varanus

📋 Description

SIZE

Males 2.5-3 m, 70-90 kg; females 1.8-2.2 m, 40-60 kg

COLORATION

Grey-brown; tough, scaly skin

ADAPTATIONS

Venomous bite; strong limbs

🌿 Ecology

HABITAT

Dry savannas, forests

DIET

Carnivorous

GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, Padar

REPRODUCTION

20-40 eggs; incubation 7-8 months

DIET DETAILS

Deer, pigs, carrion

⚠️ Threats & Conservation

PRIMARY THREATS

Poaching, tourism disturbance

💡 Interesting Facts

1

Ancient Predators: The largest lizards, Komodo dragons use venom to weaken prey, with a bite delivering toxins that cause shock in minutes. Their serrated teeth and powerful jaws, evolved over millions of years, make them apex predators on Indonesia's islands.

2

Island Endemics: Found only on five Indonesian islands, they've thrived in isolation, with fossils showing ancestors from 4 million years ago. Their ability to eat up to 80% of their body weight in one meal allows survival in sparse habitats like Komodo National Park.