Komodo Dragon Facts

• Komodo dragons are a type of reptile. They are a type of lizard.


• Although they are not the largest reptile to walk the earth, Komodo dragons are one of the largest reptiles living today. They can grow to an average size of 3 meters (10 feet) and a weight of 80 kilograms (175 pounds).


• At this size, Komodo dragons are the largest known type of lizard found in the world today.


• Komodo dragon's have the smallest range of any large carnivore. Their natural habitat is in Indonesia. Indonesia is a series of Islands located off the southern tip of Asia between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Komodo Dragons are actually only found on 5 Indonesian islands including Gili Montang, Gili Dasami, Flores, Rinca and their largest habitat, the island of Komodo.


• These islands have beaches, low-lying grasslands, forests and higher elevations. Komodo dragons can be found in the lower areas of the islands, including on the beaches.


• Like other reptiles, the Komodo dragon hatches from an egg. Mother dragons lay 15-25 eggs at a time. The eggs take 8-9 months to hatch. Tiny baby Komodo dragons flee to trees as soon as they are born to avoid being eaten and to find food.


• Baby Komodo dragons eat insects, small birds, lizards and mammals.


• Adult Komodo dragons mainly feed on deer. They also will eat other reptiles, birds, mammals and other Komodo dragons.


• The Komodo dragon has very poor eyesight.


• What they lack in eyesight is made up with an excellent sense of smell. The Komodo dragon can detect prey, especially when there is fresh blood from over 2 kilometers away.


• Komodo dragons are known for their terrible breath. They have 4 or more types of toxic bacteria in their mouth. When their bite does not kill their prey immediately, Komodo dragons track their prey until they die from infection.


• Komodo dragons are highly territorial. Full grown adult males live in an area that they protect.


• Komodo dragons have a large tail. Their tail is as long as their body.


• Komodo dragons have powerful front claws and back legs. They can use their claws to hold down their prey and fight off rival dragons. Their back legs are strong enough to be able to support their body weight if they need to push off to climb.



Komodo Dragons have a large forked tongue that helps with their excellent sense of smell